Deconstruction
Deconstruction is a personal photography project that’s been quietly crystallising over the past couple of years.
I’m interested in the moments people recognise the different traps that our (patriarchal and capitalist) society have laid for them within their own bodies and minds - and how then begin the complicated and personal work to detangle and disengage.
That could look like:
a fightback against assumed sexual identity and gender expectations;
turning away from careers that equate shareholder wealth generation with success;
a growing understanding of the racial constructs that weaponise difference;
personal expression that clashes with cishet mononormativity;
anything else that seeks to upend the unhealthy and subliminal societal messaging we might have once hoped we’d escaped.
My own Deconstruction has redrawn my gender expression and reclaimed my sexuality from the childhood teachings of Catholicism - and I recognise their connection with many other oppressive facets of British society.
I believe in messy progress and unfinished articles. I believe that all deconstruction work is valid, and I believe that these stories are worth telling in a way that drives connection between the different paths. I believe that folk on the path of Deconstruction are inherently interesting and introspective people who deserve to be celebrated for their work.
(I also believe in explicit safety protocols before photoshoots - see bottom of page for more info!)
And I believe that as we try to build the society we want for our future then we must first find - and unpick - the hidden ‘truths’ that we’ve each internalised.
If the idea of Deconstruction resonates with you and you’d like to collaborate on a photo shoot to explore that process then please complete the form below!
The wellbeing and safety of all photoshoot participants is non-negotiable. The following protocols are therefore in place for all of my studio shoots:
I operate out of the Camera Club studios in Kennington (details here) - there is always a club warden at the front desk during shoots, all entrants to the building are signed in and out, there are private dressing rooms away from the photography area, and toilets/kitchen on-site for participant use.
I welcome chaperones/companions during the shoot, with a comfortable seating area in sight of the photography area and changing areas always available to them.
Examples of my past studio work is here - and if required you can contact models independently for references of their experience with me (Suki, Cyd-Kassandra, Alex).
I always have a video call or physical meeting with participants in advance of booking dates and times. This is so that you can meet me, we can discuss ideas and themes for the shoot, and I’ll talk you through the necessary paperwork (image ownership, model release forms etc) so that we’re all on the same page in advance of committing time to the project.
This meeting is also where we can discuss any questions or concerns you might have, as well as any specific requirements you have to be able to enjoy the photoshoot. That could be related to access, atmosphere, process, or anything else that would help us jointly produce memorable imagery to reflect your true life experience.
If you start feeling uncomfortable or unsure at any point of the process then we can immediately pause, reschedule, or stop entirely. There is no expectation for a finished result, and no pressure will be applied or implied to drive arbitrary completion.