“My Body, Fuck Your Choice.” Portrait of Lisa - Photo by Ricky Davis, TRD Photography

"My Body, Fuck Your Choice." Photo Series

Ricky Davis November 11, 2024

“My Body, Fuck Your Choice.” The Photo Series

On the evening of Tuesday, Nov 5th as the election results started coming in more and more, and it started looking more like another four years of Trump, I started to see posts that were very disturbing and alarming. More of my friends that I work with in the photography world were posting DM’s that they were receiving from men. Some said things like “your body, my choice.” Others clearly weren’t as clever as that. But all were meant in a threatening and chauvinistic way.

One of the biggest problems when we elect those to power, or have people put in the limelight that encourage hateful and sexist rhetoric, is it makes those that look up to them to engage in likeminded attitudes. It makes it ok in their minds.

For years as a photographer that works with models, and does boudoir as well as other work for magazines I have had to deal with sexist and lewd comments on my work and pages. I have always banned such rhetoric because I view the people I work with as friends, colleagues, and clients. I care about these people as people. I look at them as friends. Viewing women as pieces of meat, or as there for your viewing pleasure makes me sick. A lot of people don’t understand that a lot of these women do these shoots for themselves, to see themselves in a different way. They do these shoots because they put work in and are proud of that work.

When these comments started coming across the screen on election night, and in the days after, I wanted to do something. So I decided to start work on a new series entitled “My Body, Fuck Your Choice.” I strongly believe in women’s rights over their own bodies. No one should feel like a piece of property. I chose to start work on this series, and this is the first photo in this new series.

Harley Quinn Cosplay by Ashley Rogers of Magic Lamp Entertainment - Photo - TRD Photography

5 Questions with Harley Quinn at the Carnival

Ricky Davis June 5, 2023

5 Questions with Harley Quinn at the Carnival

I met Ashley and her husband, TJ, last year at Chattanooga Comic Con. They were rocking a killer Black Cat and Logan cosplay and I got the opportunity to take a few shots of them outside the convention hall. Since, we’ve gotten together on several amazing shoots and projects ranging from Captain Jack Sparrow, a Kids Convention, and Harley Quinn goes to the Carnival. Ashley and TJ run an amazing company called Magic Lamp Entertainment locally that has an array of super talented actors/actresses and cosplayers that do a wide array of childrens parties and local charities as well. Recently Ashley and I had the privilege of going to the Thrillville Carnival and doing a Harley Quinn shoot. Here’s a few questions with Ashley about cosplay, how she got into it, and what’s next.

TRD - Who is your favorite character to cosplay and why?

Ashley - I love to cosplay Harley Quinn because everything about her character is so much fun! The makeup, clothes, and of course her personality, are so eccentric.

TRD - What drew you into the world of cosplay in the first place?

Ashley - I did my first cosplay in 2015 as Elsa from Frozen because I wanted to visit the kids at T.C Thompson Children's Hospital as a princess, and Frozen was super popular at the time. I really didn't know anything about cosplay - I was just volunteering with the hospital and thought it would be a fun and unique way for me to be involved. I have always loved dressing up in costumes, and I have a background in theatre and acting, so I fell in love with cosplay and my only regret is not starting earlier!

TRD - That’s an awesome way of getting into it! You still do a lot of work with kids as well. Even at the Harley shoot at the carnival, kids were coming up to you non-stop and it’s easy to see you have a heart for kids. What other areas are you doing merging the world of cosplay and working with children?

Ashley - I absolutely adore children! Being able to bring characters to life for them through cosplaying has been such a fun experience. I love seeing them get so excited to meet one of their favorite characters. I started my company, Magic Lamp Entertainment, in 2018 doing professional character acting (which is essentially next level cosplaying). My team has done over 700 bookings all over East Tennessee, into North Georgia and Alabama, all within the last 5 years.

TRD - That’s freaking incredible man! What is the most popular character that people request?

Ashley - Spider-Man and Elsa - FOR SURE!

TRD - Where can people find your socials to follow you guys and see what’s going on?

Ashley - Instagram and Facebook - @magiclampentertainment My Instagram: @ashnadia

Tattoo Model - ScarahXO Photo - TRD Photography

5 Questions (and Photos) with Bartender SCARAHXO!!!

Ricky Davis May 31, 2023

5 Questions (and Photos) with Bartender SCARAHXO…

Sarah aka SCARAHXO on IG, is a bartender and tattoo model in Nashville, TN. I’ve been wanting to work with her for awhile since we first talked when she still lived in Florida. We finally got connected and got to shoot early this month. I also love getting to chat with people I work with, so here’s a mini interview with Sarah.

TRD - What was it about tattoos that drew you to getting tattooed and being part of this culture?

SCARAHXO - I was just instantly drawn to it. I’d see someone with tattoos as a kid and couldn’t wait to get one, as I got into teen years I would see beautiful heavily tattooed women and I just thought it made them look even more beautiful. I love the expression and individuality it allows you to share.

TRD - I totally get that. For me it was seeing tattooed people when I was in elementary school, and my best friend and I would draw on each other in the corner of the classroom. Ha! You're originally from Florida right? Is the tattoo scene different there than it is in Nashville? I've found that in different places the crowd kinda shifts in types of people in the crowd.

SCARAHXO - That’s a interesting question to think about… mostly because Florida is it’s own place. People are a little wild.. especially where I’m from in Florida. I was a lot younger when I lived there but from what I remember is people wouldn’t do as much research and would care more about how much a tattoo would be rather than quality.

TRD - I get that. Florida kind of ends up being a mix of so many different types of people from all over the country to. So it's kind of a melting pot. I've spent some time out in the Pacific Northwest, and it was interesting because back then the tattoo scene was a lot different than it is here. What is your favorite band to listen to, to relax?

SCARAHXO - You’re so right! Its hard to judge because I lived there 12 years ago My favorite band right now is Brand of Sacrifice. Relaxing music for me Type O Negative and In Flames. If I’m on a plane or my anxiety is really high I just put those two on and it really grounds me then I get sleepy (thankfully)

TRD - That's awesome! One of my best friends is a huge Type O fan. Are there any movies coming out this summer you're looking forward to?

SCARAHXO - I’m honestly so picky when it comes to movies. Maybe I don’t have the patience anymore to sit and watch something unless I know it’s going to be good or something I’m really going to be interested in. I honestly am excited for the new The Little Mermaid. That’s the innocent inner child in me I suppose. Guardians of the Galaxy, Barbie because who doesn’t love Margot Robbie

TRD - Dude I feel you! I honestly watch so few movies anymore. Most of the time it's because I'm doing research for some of the toy/cosplay photos that I do. But I do think the new Little Mermaid could be good! The Barbie movie looks hilarious. So last question, what got you into the world of modeling and photoshoots?

SCARAHXO - My mom actually encouraged me. I was taking “selfies” with the crappy old digital camera and she was like “woah you need to model” I was only 12-13 at the time and we had no idea how to get into the industry. My mom was relentless so she somehow found a photographer who worked for sports illustrated and he took me under his wing and taught me so much. The industry was so different and toxic back then too! It was hard but thankfully the industry has grown with me and I feel like I can be myself and not an image that someone else wants and I’m very thankful for that.

TRD - That's so awesome! I know on the photographer end of things, that's pretty awesome that you had a supportive mother! I know I really enjoyed working with you and look forward to doing it again! Where can people view your work?

SCARAHXO - You’re so amazing and I loved working with you. I can’t wait for what’s next to come with you and I! Instagram is where I post my work until someone makes a better platform (scarahxo)

Tattoo Artist - Kellie Hall - Photo by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography

Tattoos and Small Town Life with Kellie Hall

Ricky Davis September 20, 2022

Tattoos & Small Town Life with Kellie Hall

Ricky - So I'm talking with Kellie. I've known Kellie for awhile now, I can't even remember how long. We first got to know each other from attending tattoo conventions didn't we?

Kellie - Yes! I can’t remember if it was the Nashville Tattoo & Horror convention back in 2015 or the Chattanooga Convention the same year

Ricky - I think it probably was Nashville or it may have even been one of the first Chattanooga ones. I think we had met before the 2015 Nashville one though. One of those years I got to come to your old shop and see Winchester for the first time though. I really fell in love with the area. What was it like growing up in a small Tennessee town that's a little off the beaten path?

Kellie - I think you’re right! I believe Carol Ann introduced us! I love being from a small country town! Growing up on a farm in Cowan to now owning a business in Decherd. It’s the close knit community that amazes me. Our county is growing by leaps and bounds yet you still know at least 10 people every time you’re in Walmart, from seeing people who knew my parents ,to staying in touch with my kindergarten teacher. We don’t have much “to do” here but it’s home

Ricky - That close knit feeling is one of the things I've always enjoyed up there. When I would do the Winchester Wriggle, it always amazed me how many people would come out to support art in a small town that from the outside you wouldn't think would be that supportive. Especially, some of my photos can be a little out there, but I don't think I ever even had anyone rude at all. It was awesome! What's one of your favorite memories from growing up, up there?

Kellie - Yes! Our community is amazing when it comes to supporting small businesses!!! I’d have to say it would be being on the farm w my grandparents. They taught me so many life lessons out there. I learned how to drive in my papas old ford, learned how to drive a tractor, pull calves, fish, hunt, clean the game I harvested, learned how to garden & can. It was paradise to me.

Ricky - That's really cool. A lot of that stuff just doesn't happen much anymore. So I got to know you through tattooing, and us doing some photoshoots back in the day. What has it been like being in a small community and being a female tattoo artist there?

Kellie - Interesting to say the least lol… Tattoos are still what viewed as “trashy” buy the older folks. But after 8 years of being in the industry, people are much more accepting thank goodness! I still get some “dirty” looks on occasion Most people know me personally or know me as “that tattoo girl” haha!

Ricky - Ha! That Tattoo girl. That's hilarious. What got you interested in the tattoo scene in the beginning?

Kellie - I’ve always loved the art and started getting tattooed as soon as I turned 18. Then I met a tattoo artist that later became my husband, now ex husband lol… he taught me to pierce then later on began apprenticing me to tattoo. I’ve always had the ability to draw so it almost came as second nature to me.

Ricky - That's really cool. What is your favorite style to tattoo?

Kellie - Linework & flowers

Ricky - Very cool! So what made you decide to get in front of the camera?

Kellie - Not really sure other than to advertise for the shop and boost my own self image

Ricky - Those are two really great reasons to do it man. So now with life starting to return to normal again, where goals do you have for yourself in the next five years?

Kellie - I plan to continue the road I’m on. Continue building my business back. Eventually I’d like to get certified for permanent makeup as well

Ricky - That's awesome man! Well I want to wish you all the best on your future endeavors. Keep on doing your thing dude! Thanks so much for taking some time to answer some questions.

Kellie - Thanks man!!! I appreciate you including me!

A Conversation with Joshua Ricker

Ricky Davis January 11, 2021

A Conversation with Joshua Ricker

Sometime during the quarantine of 2020, I sat down with Joshua and we chatted via FB about life, art, and the quarantine times. We had connected up in Knoxville and did some film shooting before the virus hit so hard, and then things went crazy before we were able to actually do our chat for this piece.

Ricky - Hey Joshua, what have you been up to with all of the quarantine and stuff happening lately?

Joshua - Well, working like crazy! I’m a five year plus Walmart associate so I’ve been working through all of this as an essential worker. It’s been really different and kind of scary at times but I’m glad I’m able to provide the community with necessary essentials. When I’m not busy working at Walmart, I focus a lot of my time on doing new makeup looks, playing video games, and just staying healthy. I’ve been working on a lot of videography lately with some local queer entertainers in the area. Since the social distancing/stay home has taken affect, I haven’t been able to do as many artsy things as I would like to. So mainly, working and trying to stay healthy!

Ricky - That is really cool man! It's definitely been a unique time in society, especially being an "essential worker" and having to be out working in all this chaos. That's awesome you've taken the time to work on upping your skills with videography. What got you interested in doing videos?

Joshua - I really enjoy creepy and dark things. So, I started this video series called “Kweenz of Filth.” It’s a dark video series I’m doing with local Drag Queens in the area. I video them lip syncing to a song of their choice that ties in with an inner darkness they carry, i.e. anxiety, depression, toxic words, etc. They use the song and video as a way to tell their story with a dark side. I just felt like I wasn’t telling full stories with images so that’s when I started working with videos so I could develop full stories. I’ve done recent work introducing a Queen into the scene for their specific brand by video and helped a few entertainers with videos for online contests and online shows during the Quarantine. I find videos exciting and its always something new and different every time.

Ricky - That's such a great way to get further into telling stories man. It's cool to see people have a vision of what they want to accomplish and then figure out ways to work on making it happen. I think it's especially brilliant to have the song tie in to a personal darkness that they are dealing with. Great storytelling man. Do you have some sort of inner darkness that you carry with you?

Joshua - I think an inner darkness for me would be an eating disorder; it’s something I’ve struggled with my whole life. When I was younger I was overweight and it took me years to get to where I was pleased with my body and how I looked. I still struggle with my body weight and I’m always fighting to remain happy with how I look but throughout the years I’ve developed a confidence with myself but it’s a never ending battle. It’s a distress I carry with me in my everyday life and sometimes it really puts me in a dark place. I believe though, with art and creating stories we can bring these darknesses out into the light.

Ricky - Wow man, I never would have guessed. That's one of the really cool things about art and creating things, in it's own way it helps us work through things in ourselves while trying to help others. What actually got you into modeling to begin with and how has your style transformed since the beginning?

Joshua - I got my start doing Knoxville Fashion Week in 2014. From there it sort of just opened all these doors for me. I started working with a lot of local photographers in the area, got published in a few magazines, started doing fashion shows, etc. I've always been very different in my style as I'm inspired by fashion icons like David Bowie and Prince. My style now has just got more weird and avant-garde; inspired by artists like Perfume Genius, lots of Drag, and a lot of different makeup artists. I do lots of crazy makeup looks and lots of gender bending with my style now. I love to push boundaries and mix styles that wouldn't normally go together and simply just call it "Art."

Ricky - I think that's brilliant that you've run with it and made it your own man. With your unique style, how has the reception been in such a conservative environment and culture like we have here in the area?

Joshua - It’s been hard to find people to work with because my style/aesthetic isn’t “normal” per say but I’ve received a lot of good from it all too. What I mean is, I have a lot of random fans tell me how I’m such an inspiration because I don’t stick to the norm and I break boundaries; it’s those moments that keep pushing me to be different and to just do what makes me happy. I’ve had a photographer tell me that they lost clients because they worked with someone like me. I was heartbroken at the time but I didn’t let it hold me back. And honestly, it made me want to say “fuck it,” and go even more against the grain. When people are trying to push you down, push back and push forward, gain strength from all the negative.

Ricky - That is a great mindset to have dude! I love that it made you want to be even more you, and push boundaries farther. What’s the best life advice you’ve ever been given and what piece of advice would you give to the people that are reading this?

Joshua - The best advice I’ve ever been is given is the best advice I think everyone has been given in their life, just no one really thinks about it ... “Stop caring what others think about you.” When it comes to people judging you or thinking your craft isn’t good enough, who cares what they think! If you are happy doing what you do then just do it! Be passionate about it and don’t look back. My advice to someone reading this ... you are your own worst enemy; you determine your achievements and set the goals. No one can diminish you but yourself so it’s up to YOU to be the person you want to be and how far you want to go, you make it all happen. And guess what!? You will make it happen! Find your path and go all in. Never stop learning and always have room for growth.

I hope that you enjoyed reading our conversation. It is always a pleasure to work with this guy. Go check out his work on IG @joshuaricker_ and give him a follow. If you’d like to follow me on IG - @trdshootsfilm

Cosplay Model - Lena Leather - Photo - TRD Photography

Talking Cosplay with Lena Leather

Ricky Davis May 15, 2019

Talking Cosplay with Lena Leather

I first talked to Lena back in like 2012 or so. Lena was part of an alternative model group that I knew some of the members. As I observed, I saw Lena tend to always gravitate more towards the cosplay field and I’ve seen her do some really cool costumes and take part in quite a few comic cons and such. I thought chatting about cosplay would be fun so we got to connect recently for this tattoo community project.

Ricky - So today, we're talking with Lena Leather. I've sort of known Lena since like 2012 I think it was. Lena was an alternative model based out of Knoxville, but she has always had more of hand in cosplay. She's really put out some killer work and her daughter even does some insane cos-play stuff. How did you get focused on cosplay?

Lena - Well I’ve been attending conventions since I was about 15/16 starting with the big one San Diego Comic Con. However cosplay wasn’t nearly as big back then so I was able to watch it grow and see the art into and well one day I bought my first costume. The costume felt like it was almost made for me and I just knew it was something that I needed in my life.

Ricky - Wow, that's pretty freaking cool. Starting off convention life with SDCC? What's your favorite memory from it? What was your first costume?

Lena - Honestly it was all work back then. My dad had about three different booths I would work one and have to run back and forth from the others when supplies ran out. If I’m being honest it’s one of my least favorite conventions. They really lost the meaning of the whole Comic convention it’s like the Walmart of cons, over crowded and everyone is rude. I found my first costume at Mega Con in Florida. It was the Arkham City Harley Quinn. It was on display for a costumer but surprisingly in my exact measurements so it felt like fate.

Ricky - I can definitely see what you're saying. I've mainly been to tattoo conventions, but in the past year or so I've paid more attention to the big comic cons because of doing toy photography too, and SDCC has so many exclusives that come out. The hype in the collectibles community and even in mainstream media with shows like Big Bang Theory. I could see where that type of atmosphere could blossom. That is killer that the Harley was in your perfect measurements and everything. I've seen some debates in cosplay, between making your own costume and buying it. Do you do both?

Lena - I do both but I lean more into buy pieces and customizing what I can. I like to put my own spin on things and my sewing skills are lacking. So some stuff I make, some stuff I buy. I don't want cosplay to be a job, I want it fun so if I can find the right pieces to portray the character, be comfortable, and have fun then I 100% will do that every time.

Ricky - I think that's the best way. It's nice to be able to have things that we do for just the sake of having fun. How do you pick characters?

Lena - I always go with what I love. Occasional I will do a costume that a friend suggests but I normally just base it on what characters I love and have a connection with.

Ricky - What are some characters that you gravitate towards? What would be your ultimate character you want to do in the future?

Lena - I gravitate towards the stuff I loved as a child. A lot of older disney characters call to me. I think if I could do any character however it would be a tie between a Baseball Furies from The Warriors, or maybe humanized Bianca from The Rescuers.

RIcky - Dude that would be sick. I could def see you nailing a Bianca. So finally a question about tattoos. You and I were talking when we were shooting and you talked about not having as many tattoos as some of the other alt models back in the day. You still have several. With your tattoos, and then your piercings, how does being alt fit into the cosplay scene? Do you worry with trying to cover up your ink and remove piercings for certain characters?

Lena - In the beginning when I first ventured into it for a lot of the DC stuff I did it was fine. I didn't worry till I put on my Tinkerbell and thought wow I'm going get crap for this. Eventually I just said who cares and I realized the only bad comments I ever get are the occasional rogue d-bag on the internet. Children love my Disney costumes and they don't notice the tattoos, they just see Tinkerbell and it made me stress less.

Ricky - It's pretty freaking cool how kids see things man. It would be so nice to be able to have grown ups with kids eyes and their acceptance. Speaking of kids, you've got a little cosplayer on your hands don't you?

Lena - Yea she took a turn with it I never expect and couldn't be prouder. I started picking her outfits at first with Deadpool and Hit Girl. Those ended up bigger than expected. Then she started picking princesses and Star Wars characters. Then the fateful day she watched the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre and it all went to Horror from there.

Ricky - Ahahaha. Well geez Ma, she can have a lot more fun with horror. You were telling me about her Leatherface dance at our shoot. What's the next thing you guys are gonna be doing cos-play wise?

Lena - Well I have a guest spot at Marble City in Knoxville coming up then Ill attend Heroes Con in Charlotte, NC. I think I'm going with Catwoman for at least one and if I'm lucky Mad Madame Mim. Maybe bring back Roxanne since its one of my personal favorites.

Emberlin however is going to be Ash from the Evil Dead. Hopefully I can talk her into her Carrie also.

Ricky - That's so cool. What's it like getting to connect with your kiddo with doing cosplay?

Lena - Its amazing. You get people who come up to you and say "wow I love your costume" then you see their view pan down and it automatically goes to "OH MY GOODNESS I LOVE YOUR COSTUME THAT IS SO AMAZING" and of course she eats it up. It helps keep her social and fearless which I never was as a child.

Ricky - That's awesome! How are times different when you were a kid to how it is for her? What do you think has made the difference?

Lena - I feel like there is more accessibility to just about anything. You have more role models for all sorts of people and it helps find someone you identify with. The fandom communities have grown which is also helpful so you can meet people and interact with those who share interests.

Ricky - I think so too. It seems that with social media, there's literally communities for people that are into so many different things. Plus it's like comics and fandom type things have grown to be so much more mainstream than when we were kids. What's a lesson that you've learned that you'd like to pass on to her?

Lena - Don’t be a gatekeeper. You can like things differently than other people or know more or less than others. It doesn’t make you or them any less of a fan. It’s about having fun and if it’s not fun then what’s the point.

Ricky - Hell yeah! Words of wisdom dude! One last question - what's your best memory from a con and what's your most embarrassing memory?

Lena - I think actually seeing Emberlin go up and take part in the costume contest with her Leatherface is probably one of my favorite memories. She looked proud and and had fun everyone was a winner and they all received a prize. I also met my boyfriend at a convention after party not a memory from the show itself but still a good memory. Not a lot of embarrassing memories but there was a few shows I’ve been too where people I had with me noticed some people hiding behind poles and pillars to take inappropriate photos my backside while in the Black Canary costume. I understand some of my costumes are provocative but that still isn’t cool considering how many others they were probably doing it to and who knows how old the victims could have been.

I also just want to point out while there are creeps out there I’ve met some of the coolest creators and artists out there and am proud to be able to call them friends.

Ricky - Oh damn! That's pretty messed up man! That brings up a good point. What's the proper etiquette for people to come up to snag a photo. Let's face it, at a con you've got people wanting pics. Whether they are fans of your character, or dudes that want a pic with a provocative looking Black Canary...how should they approach and act getting a pic?

Lena - I think the biggest thing is just to be cool about it. If you want a photo just say “Hey I love your costume can I get a pic?” Simple as that when it’s busy you have people just gesture with their camera which is fine too. Just be polite, ask if you mind the arm around you and never bring it lower than the waist. If we’re dressed up we know there will be people wanting pictures just make sure you know your boundaries and if you feel like someone crossed it don’t brush it off. Let security know or if you think it was a misunderstanding tell them “hey man back off not cool”

Not everyone is a predator but not everyone is going to respect you and your boundaries.

Ricky - Very smart and well said dude. It's what should be common sense but sadly a lot of people don't respect those boundaries. Where can people follow you on social media?

Lena - Facebook page is Lena Leather you can also find me on the GeekxGirls page. I also enjoy Instagram for more everyday and cosplay life on @lena_leather

Ricky - You rock dude! Thanks so much for talking to us about cosplay and life.

Lena in everyday wear… Photo - TRD Photography - Kodak Tri X film

I really hope you enjoyed this interview with Lena talking a little bit about life and a lot about cosplay. As always, this project I’m trying to come at it from a documentary type style, sharing as many stories and personalities from the tattoo community as I can. Not all viewpoints are my own. If you enjoyed this, let us know, and share away. I’ve been overwhelmed from the feedback so far on these stories and I can’t wait to bring you some more.

Ricky

Tattoo Artist - Kenneth Chope - TRD Photography

A Tattooing Dad - Interview with Kenneth Chope

Ricky Davis May 8, 2019

A Tattooing Dad- Interview with Kenneth Chope

Ricky - Hey Kenneth, I really enjoyed meeting you and getting to talk to you abit at our shoot. Give us a little introduction to our readers and tell them a little bit about who you are in a few sentences.

Kenneth - My name is Kenneth Chope. I’m 38 and i reside in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I currently work as a tattooist at White Wizard and have been doing it 3 years. I’m a full time artist as well as a full time father. My love of comic books is what made me go after becoming an artist and also the reason i got into the tattoo chair.

Ricky - Hell yeah man! I didn't realize comics was one of the things that inspired you. Are you a DC or Marvel man?

Kenneth - Honestly a DC fan. The heroes seem more normal and less powers. But I lived vicariously through them as a kid and found my place as a young artist trying to recreate them on paper and failed time after time miserably. My favorite comic book character today is Tattoo. a marvel character who can make their tattoos come to life and such.

Ricky - That's awesome! I'm more a DC dude myself. I don't think I've heard of Tattoo. Reminds me of a dude that showed up on Arrow at one time that he could use his tattoos as weapons to assassinate people. Are you stoked to see Endgame?

Kenneth - I am. I’m ready for it as we all been waiting what feels like an eternity for its release. I’m just hoping for a fight between Thanos and Hulk. Although, I have been thinking Hulk is actually Loki or another character that may have assumed Hulk’s form. But then again I tend to go down the rabbit hole thinking of plots and where the franchise will go in the future.

Ricky - That sounds alot like my oldest daughter reading up on all the theories about what's happening and why Hulk wouldn't come out in Infinity War. You mentioned fatherhood. How many kids do you have? Are they into comics as well?

Kenneth - I only have one child currently and she’s just starting her comic book collection and she collects walking dead comics. My daughter is my life though and as a single dad I try my best to teach her about everything I can. We both share quite a passion for the arts and she’s just starting her first attempts at trying to draw her own comic book artwork.

Ricky - That is awesome that you guys are able to connect with art and comics. We talked a little bit about it at the shop, but being a single dad and a tattoo artist, how has that been?

Kenneth - Well both of them separately would be great but its a struggle to juggle them both. I love what i do but i work a lot of nights so we tend to see each other every moment I get. My daughter., Acia tends to come to the shop and spend the evenings with me. She will draw while i lay down some lines. These days its much easier but I didn’t have her full time while i was going through my apprenticeship. This last year I got full custody and have been making an effort to teach her in my downtime how to do different styles of art. She says she wants to learn to tattoo in the future and honestly I would love her to learn and be able to do so but as a career I would like her to find something more stable. It’s not that we don’t make a decent living but its hard work. Every hour we work we have three hours of drawing time that week. Every artist is different but I hardly am seen without my iPad drawing or sketching away trying to come up with my next piece to show off. The artist market is competitive and there are quite a few tattooists but people forget that we all have our own styles. The hardest part though of the job is the other artists, we all have to get along but yet were all so different. In many studios artists can build each other up and help each other but some studios they just break each other down and try to scare each other off. But its like any job these days where the competition will try to take down those they feel are a threat. Honestly i try my best to stay out of it all but the shop gossip happens everywhere.

Ricky - I can totally get that. With our kids we want them to achieve great things and let's face it, sometimes people look at some careers and see the glamour and not the hard work and bullshit that goes on behind the scenes at times. We talked a little about art and the competition. It would be a lot more pleasant if we could help change the mentality that we all compete. Art is subjective to the viewer. If we could all push each other to be the best we can be, they'll be a market of people that like what we can offer. How has tattooing changed your life?

Kenneth - Interesting question!!! I used to wake up and put on a shirt and a tie and go to work 12 hours a day as a restaurant manager trying to make ends meet. Now iIm 7 to 8 hours a day or more in the shop and able to just be myself. Sure we still have to censor ourselves and remember we run a business but now my suit is my skin and i’m out here bearing it all to see and putting my skills on the line to see if i can make it in the competitive art field. I love waking every day and creating. At first it was hard but these days it gets easier and easier and i’m developing my style. Looking back i was too afraid to be myself and open up in the restaurant world trying to be a corporate puppet. But now it doesn’t matter. I just kinda do as I please with respect to others and create what I want. Though there are still stigmas when I draw dark art. People are starting to break down the stereotypes that went with tattoos we all saw when we were children.

Ricky - It's such a feeling getting to create and be yourself. What are some of the stereotypes you've encountered with being a single dad that's a tattooer? What about some of the ones based off the kind of art you create?

Kenneth - People think of us as unemployed and feeding off the government while its honestly the opposite. We work hard and enjoy the art. I have had someone ask my daughter who I was and why she was hanging out with a delinquent. We get stares when we are out in public. But i also get praise these days from a lot of mothers telling me its really cool i raise my child to be without bias or stereotypes. I want her to have an open mind and not fight her teachings from when she grew up.

As for my artwork i love to draw the dark side quite a bit and would love to send you a few reference pictures but because i drew a ram skull or rams head. I’m automatically considered satanic when its just another image. Honestly i think people put to much stock in images and beliefs but that’s my opinion. As an artist i’m just trying to move forward and draw a bit of everything.

Ricky - That's really cool man! I think it's important to raise our kids to be open minded and to really evaluate and think things through to know what they believe. These days so many believe what they are told and those telling it take advantage of that. Where would you like to see our society be in the next five years?

Kenneth - I would like to see society accept the people they see around them. Stop holding beliefs before people and to start recognizing the fact we can all learn from each other. Its time we as people help each other out weather it be an ear to listen a shoulder to cry on or even just a simple hello. People need to stop being afraid of others so much and start getting to know each other. I’m part of a beard group called The Bearded Villains and our local chapter the Smokey Mountain Bearded Villains and our goal is to break down the stereotypes of bearded and or tattooed men and to show what kind of great things we can do through charity and brotherhood. Its really a great group of guys but because how we choose to look others judge us and treat us differently. So the founder Von Knox set out to do just that and break the stereotype.

I would like to see equality for all though and to see a barrier against negativity. Maybe see this country united instead of divided.

Ricky - I think that is really cool man! That is definitely a noble goal! I want to thank you for taking the time to sit down and talk with us. Where can people find you online to check out your work?

Kenneth - Thank you so much for your time as well. It was honestly great meeting you and i cant wait to watch this grow and become something amazing for you. I have watched your work for years and I support other artists in their endeavor.

My work can be found on instagram or facebook @tattoosbythecaptain or tattoos by the captain at white wizard. You can always call me as well or come by the shop my number is listed on the sites.

Thank you again and man your work is truly badass, Keep up the work and i hope to see it evolve into an amazing project. See ya along the way!!

I sincerely hope that you enjoyed this interview and story. This project is especially dear to me as I love sharing people’s stories. My goal with this project is for it to be more documentary in nature. So as a disclaimer, the words and ideas that some of the people I interview may not always reflect my views and takes on things. I feel we can learn a lot from people if we open our minds to different views and takes. I hope that will come across in these stories and profiles.

With interviewing various tattoo artists, as this project is documentary in nature, I have many friends in the tattooing field but in picking out an artist, do your homework. Check out the shops, check out the portfolios, and find an artist that is right for you. Thanks for reading guys!

Tattooed Mom - Rachel Sossamon - Photo by TRD Photography

Tattoos and Motherhood with Rachel - TRD Photography

Ricky Davis May 1, 2019

Tattoos and Motherhood

This is the inaugural blog post in my new series of doing profiles and interviews with different people in the tattoo community. Recently I had the privilege of sitting down and photographing Rachel and her little one, Willow. We got to talk to Rachel about the journey she and her husband had to start their family, as well as kind of being a tattooed mom means to her. I hope you’ll take the time to read our interview and if you enjoy it, share it. I will be releasing a new interview weekly, so keep an eye out. Without further ramblings, here’s Rachel’s story.

Ricky - Hi Rachel, I really enjoyed meeting you and your little one for our session. Can you give our readers a little bit of background on yourself in a few sentences?

Rachel - Sure! Currently I’m a stay at home mom, which is literally the greatest job in the world! I’ve previously worked at a tattoo shop in south GA where I did body piercings for a few years. I’ve had the chance to model some, mainly because of my art work. And before that I worked at a couple of Harley-Davidson shops.

Ricky - That's awesome! You also mentioned that you've moved around a bit? What originally interested you in tattoo culture?

Rachel - I have! My husband and I are originally from NC. His work is what brought us to GA. Later his company moved us from south GA all the way to north GA and we’ve been settled here now for a few years. As long as I can remember I’ve always been really interested in tattoos. It probably started with my dad. He was a Navy man and when he was stationed away he got this butterfly tattoo on his arm. I vividly remember him flexing his arm and making his butterfly move and I thought that was the coolest thing. Needless to say, I could not wait till my 18th Birthday when I got my first tattoo. From there on it was a game changer. I knew I wanted and had to have more.

Rachel & Willow - Photo - TRD Photography

Ricky - That's really cool. It's awesome to have a memory like that, that has stuck with you of your dad. So in South Georgia you were working at a tattoo shop and then in North Georgia, you've now become a mom. How has it been transitioning from being a shop girl and piercer to being a stay at home mom?

Rachel - It’s been a huge transition from working with the public to family life! A little bit of back history, my husband and I struggled with infertility for almost 10 years. We saw doctors and specialist. I did every kind of test and took all the drugs trying to get pregnant. We did 3 rounds of IUI and suffered a miscarriage. Moving to north GA allowed me the time to actually focus on trying to start a family. Thankfully out of the blue and all on our own we conceived our daughter and she was born June of 2017. It’s like two different worlds now. I miss piercing. I miss all the different kinds of people you meet and I miss that family feeling working in a shop but nothing compares to being a mom. Maybe one day I’ll get back into it again when she’s a little older.

Ricky - Wow! That is amazing! I had no idea. I'm sure that reading that can give some hope to people out there trying. Sometimes things just have to happen in the right time. What are some ways that motherhood has changed you?

Rachel - Motherhood has changed my whole outlook on life. Like it’s no longer about myself but about this tiny little human that I took part in creating and carried for 9 months. Its made me more grateful for the little things. Its taught me to slow down and appreciate what’s in front of me. It’s made me more hyper aware of what’s going on around me because I want to protect her as much as possible. It’s such a huge responsibility to be given this precious gift to love, nurture and raise. Motherhood has literally been a blessing and a lesson but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ricky - I love this! I'll tell you it was a blessing for me at our session seeing you and your daughters bond. Doing what I do, I've seen some parents that just haven't had that connection with their little ones. Do you think that your struggle with conceiving and starting a little later than a lot of people has given you a different perspective on being a mom?

Rachel - Oh absolutely. I struggled with depression not being able to conceive. We had “unexplained infertility” so not knowing what the cause was and not being able to fix it was really hard. Watching your friends and family members have babies was tough. Don’t get me wrong, I was extremely happy for them but it broke my heart that it wasn’t happening for us. I was at a point where it was really affecting my marriage and I had to take back control. I sought out help. Best thing I could have done. I had to have the mindset that it just wasn’t gonna happen for us and that I needed to be ok with that. We bought a house and adopted a third dog and everything was good. 2 years after giving up and moving on with our life we got pregnant. It was definitely a huge surprise. We were finally given what we had wanted for so long. No way did I want to be 35 and pregnant but that’s how it ended up and I’m absolutely ok with that. I definitely try not to take things for granted because I know she’ll only be little for so long. I’m literally soaking it all in. Like how lucky am I to finally have her? She’s my whole world and I’m so blessed! All of the struggles definitely give you a different mindset. Becoming a mom later in life definitely makes me more focused, in the moment and appreciate what I have.

Ricky - That is so amazing man. I definitely could see it in you guys interactions. On the web sometimes you see things circulating about tattooed parents, and here in the South especially, you can get some stares with being tattooed. How has your experiences been as a tattooed mother?

Rachel - So far so good. My daughters first year being earth side we didn’t really go out much. But this past year we been adventuring out more and to be honest I haven’t really been paying attention to other people because I’m so focused on my daughter. Occasionally I’m surprised by someone coming up to me to say that they admire my art work or to tell me they hope to have that many tattoos one day. I love those moments because they’re unexpected. Hopefully my daughter won’t have to experience anyone being negative towards her mother because of my tattoos. If that happens I’ll use it as a learning experience. That we should be excepting of people no matter what they look like. Very much like that quote about not judging a book by its cover.

Ricky - I love that take on it! Teach our children if negative experiences happen rather than getting upset if they do. I want to thank you so much for being a part of this project and letting me meet and take some photos of you and your little one. Any last words for other folks out there that may be struggling with starting a family?

Rachel - Sure... more or less I want them to know they’re not alone. So many of us women (men to) go through this and suffer in silence. It’s ok to talk about it and share your experience. I don’t want to be yet another person who tells them it will happen when you stop trying because those words are said way to often and really don’t make anyone feel better. I’d rather say I understand and support you. Just breathe and take it one day at a time. Try not to let it consume you and always lead with a positive outlook. But most of all, you did nothing wrong and it isn’t your fault.

And thank you Ricky! Willow and I enjoyed our time with you! Hopefully we’ll get together again in the future

The TRD Show - Episode 1 - Interview with Lauren Dunham

Ricky Davis April 5, 2018

The TRD Show - Episode 1 - Interview with Lauren Dunham

Several years ago while I was working on Ink Revolution, I had the thought that I'd like to do a web based show that would be an extension of the magazine. Something where you'd just sit down and talk to various models, tattoo artists, and musicians. I never got around to it, but with moving back to my old studio recently, I decided that I wanted to sit down and do something based off that idea.

Enter The TRD Show - this show isn't based solely around tattoos, or even just photography, although there will certainly be some shows based around those things. The main focus is I want to show kinda behind the scenes of friendships that develop beyond shoots and share peoples stories. Each person out there has a unique story to themselves, and I'm constantly amazed by the people I get to work with. So I hope a little bit of that comes out in the show and hopefully you'll find it interesting as well. My goal is to keep these shows between 10-15 minutes or so, so I hope you dont get too bored with it. Would love to hear some feedback and keep watching back at Thursdays at 7pm.

Draco's Wish for Killing Dumbledore.....Pop Toy photography by TRD Photography

It was a "Poppin" Weekend at Literary Ink

Ricky Davis March 11, 2018

It was a 'Poppin' Weekend at Literary Ink

Hey guys, this weekend I was stoked to get to attend and have a booth down at Literary Ink here in Chattanooga, TN. It was a Harry Potter themed tattoo convention put on by the awesome folks at Main Line Ink and headed up by Jennifer Edge.

One of the things I was super stoked was to debut a few prints from some of the Pop Vinyl photography that I've been experimenting with lately. I was super nervous about how folks would like these, but it was pretty interesting. Usually at all the conventions I attend, people talk to me about photography, or where I took this photo , and stuff like that. Just about all the conversations I had this weekend were about characters and people digging the Pop photos which was really pretty cool!

I also got a lot of requests for characters I haven't gotten to shoot yet, as well as requests for prints that I had already sold out of. A lot of people asked for the Draco & Voldermort photo I did above but I'd already sold out. I wanted to let you know, if you're interested in any of my toy photography as prints I do offer signed 8x10's and 11x14's. Just go to the contact info and email me about it and I'll get you hooked up. I'm in the process of getting a spot here on my website to make it easier, but I just haven't had the time to do that yet. Also, I've got a lot of new stuff coming soon, and the next convention that I'll be at is Tattanooga here in Chattanooga in April. So stay tuned. And without further ado, I'd like to share a few more of my Pop photos in case you haven't seen them. These have been such a fun, creative outlet to shoot. I hope you dig them.

Ricky

It's an Upside Down Kinda Life..... Pop Toy Photo by TRD Photography

Behind the Scenes of a Strange Photoshoot.... Pop Toy Photo by TRD Photography

Just Handing Around.... Pop Toy Photo - TRD Photography

We all Float Down Here.... Pop Toy Photo - TRD Photography

The Dementor - Pop Toy Photo - TRD Photography

Sweet Dreams dollface.... Pop Toy Photo - TRD Photography

Wanna Play House.... Pop Toy Photo - TRD Photography

Native American Portraits - The Series - Amanda Starr

Ricky Davis January 2, 2018

Native American Portraits - The Series - Amanda Starr

This past year I got to go to Mt. Juliet Pow Wow and do some photographs with some of the dancers for this Native American Portrait Series. I'm still working on connecting with everyone that I photographed that day for their interviews, but recently I got to chat with Amanda a little bit about her story. I hope that you enjoy it.

Ricky - What is your nation?

Amanda - My mother's family is Eastern band Cherokee and my father's is Western band Cherokee.

Ricky - That's really cool! What is the the dynamic between the Eastern & Western bands? I've heard various stories. Is there still tension somewhat or not so much?

Amanda - You mean like the difference between them?

Ricky - Like the inter-band relationship. I've heard some people tell me that some of the Western band has been somewhat upset at Eastern band because of the removal and the Eastern band stayed. I've only heard a few people say that and I was curious.

Amanda - I honestly don't really know. I have heard that in the past the 2 bands did not get along for various reasons.

True be told I'm only in the last few years been able to start really learning about the Cherokee culture. It's been hard because a lot of people look at me and question if I have the right to be there.

My parents weren't raised native so I have had to fight really hard to learn what I know and earn my place in Native society.

Ricky - I can understand that. I've heard that story a lot from Native people who have been kind of lost out in society and are being called back and trying to learn. The important thing is you're out there trying to learn and do it respectfully. When did you become interested in your heritage?

Amanda - I was a little kid about 10 I think and there was a powwow going on in my town so my parents decided to go check it out and I feel in love and wanted to learn how to dance too. So my dad started talking to some of the people that were apart of the powwow and the rest is history.

Ricky - That is awesome! So you started dancing soon after? At that point, your parents weren't really part of the community in your town? What changed after that Pow Wow?

Amanda - Yeah the following year I started dancing. Unfortunately there's not really a native community were I lived just a few people here and there. We became good friends with a couple of people that were close by and by the time I was about 13 I was traveling around to powwows with them. My parents really couldn't afford to travel so going with friends was the only way i could go to powwows with the exceptions of the few that were close by.

Native American Portraits - The Series - Amanda Starr

Ricky - That's awesome that it meant that much to you at that age to become so heavily involved. When did you start learning more about your culture beyond the dancing and trying to become more a part of the Native Community?

Amanda - Once I staring getting to know people I started asking questions trying to learn as much as possible but I was an adult before I started getting really involved in the community and more traditional aspects of the culture.

Ricky - That's cool. What inspired you to go deeper in learning?

Amanda - Because it's a part of who I am and I truly believe you have to know where you came from to get to where you're going.

Ricky - I agree! How is it being a parent and bringing your son up knowing being involved in the culture?

Amanda - It's great! I also have a daughter that is almost 20 years old. It's amazing to be able to watch them learning and grow with knowledge of their culture more so than I got to. For my son who has high functioning Autism, real ADHD, and sensory deficit so I think being involved in powwows helped him tremendously with his social skills and to over come some barriers that he otherwise would not have been able to do.

Ricky - That is really cool! And dang dude, I would not have guessed you have a 20 yr old daughter. I know your son dances, does your daughter?

Amanda - She did up until 2 years ago when she started working her job really wouldn't let her have weekends off to powwow, but she has decided she wants to come back and dance again. So I'm going to be making her a couple of new dresses and new beadwork for her to come back in. So maybe sometime next year.

Ricky - That's so cool that you guys dance as a family. What does dancing mean to you?

Amanda - It means the world to me, it's a part of who I am. It makes me feel good to dance because I'm carrying on a tradition and helping to insure that it stays alive.

Ricky - What is it like being Native and living in our society these days?

Amanda - It can be hard because the people I'm around on a daily basses aren't Native and have no idea about it. So I have to listen to ridiculous questions and comments. I sometimes even feel out of place. On the flip side I've been able to teach people what it really means to be Native. The truth of what our ancestors went through and our people still go through. It has it's good days and bad one.

Ricky - That's awesome that you've been able to really help bridge the gap a little bit and help teach. What is some thing you wish more people knew about being Native in this day and age?

Amanda - That we're real people and we're still fighting some of the same battles that we've been fighting since Europeans arrived and it's time to stop.

Ricky - Amen! Very well said! So much of what's happening today is still being so quiet and not talked about. I want to thank you for taking the time to do this. One last question. What can people do to learn more and see what is going on today and help First Nations people in their fight?

Amanda - Take the time to ask questions and actually listen to the answers. Pass the information along to others don't just pretend it's not happening. Stop cultural appropriation.

You very welcome I enjoyed doing it.

Seven x1 - A Seven Deadly Sins Project - Model Lauren Dunham - TRD Photography

Seven X1..... Seven Deadly Sins Project

Ricky Davis November 22, 2017

Seven x1 - A Seven Deadly Sins Project

Ever since I began photography back in 2009, I've been enamored to do a Seven Deadly Sins project. I started to do it a few times, but never really went for it. I am super stoked to share this first part of a Seven Deadly Sins project that I'm currently working on. This is the first part of what will be an ongoing series exploring a variety of the sins in a variety of ways. I'm honored to have gotten to work with model Lauren Dunham on this first part of the series, as well as we have multiple concepts for more that will be coming as well. I hope you enjoy and will keep track as the series progresses....

Native American Portrait Series - Aspen Yahola - TRD Photography

Ricky Davis October 16, 2017

Native American Portrait Series - Aspen Yahola

I met this amazing young lady at the Mt. Juliet Pow Wow this year. It's so inspiring when you see the younger generation taking pride in the heritage and culture.

Ricky - What nation do you belong to?

Aspen - Mvskoke (Muscogee) Creek Nation

Ricky - Growing up in this society, have you had any challenges because of your culture?

Aspen - Yes, especially at school.

Ricky - How long have you been dancing? What style of dance do you do?

Aspen - I have been dancing since I was 4 years old. The style of dance I do is the jingle dress dance.

Ricky - What's does dancing mean to you personally?

Aspen - Dancing is my happy place. I love to go out to Powwows and dance also because I can share my culture.

Ricky - What is it like growing up and trying to stay true to your culture and fit into your surroundings?

Aspen - Growing up hasn’t been the best for me especially in the society we live in today. I get picked on and made fun of daily and get bullied all the time. Yet, I make sure it doesn’t get to me because I want to stay true and stay with my culture and my family proud. I also want to be part of the generation that stands out and brings people together and let everyone know that us Native Americans are still here.

Ricky - How important is connecting to your culture to you?

Aspen - Very important. I want to show that I am who I am and be proud of it!

Ricky - What needs to happen in our country for better relations between First Nations people, and mainstream America?

Aspen - What needs to happen is for people not to be racist and for people to be nice to each other.

Ricky - What would you like to see in 10 years that has happened to better those relations?

Aspen - In 10 years I want to see the world a better place and for us as Native Americans to be safe again and not have people invade our reservations and for us all to have fun and for people not to bully and make fun of Natives as little kids and I want everyone to be the true them!

I want to give a special thank you to Cindy Yahola, Aspen's mom, for allowing her to be part of this series. I sent Aspen's questions to her through Cindy and she answered them. Cindy is the organizer for the Mt. Juliet Pow Wow which allowed me to come up and setup a spot to do the Native American Portrait Series this year. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity!

Native American Portrait Series - Teah Plumlee - TRD Photography

Ricky Davis October 10, 2017

Native American Portrait Series - Teah Plumlee

I was really stoked to finally get to meet Teah and get to work with her. I met her family earlier this year at the Murfreesboro Pow Wow, and Teah is actually one of the first dancers that I ever photographed last year at Red Clay while she was dancing, I just didn't know anyone at that time. She dances Women's Fancy Shawl.

Ricky - What Nation are you?

Teah - I'm actually a descendant of 4 nations through both of my parents but I have been raised according to the culture of my mom's people who are originally from the Old Cheraw District, Black Creek in the Carolina's. I am Lumbee, Choctaw, Mvskoke and Cherokee. It's a little confusing. I'm kind of a nation amalgamation but I'm enrolled Cherokee.

Ricky - Wow! That is really cool man! Being part of all four nations I bet could be overwhelming at times. Have you ever thought about this history of the different tribes and just be wow? I came from all of them?

Teah - It's actually pretty fascinating. I try and learn as much as I can about each but I've always been taught that you are who you've been raised to be regardless of who you are ethnically. For example, it's only recently that I learned about my Choctaw blood. I think it's interesting but I wasn't raised in that culture so I respect it and will try and learn but I don't call myself Choctaw. I simply say that Choctaw is a part of my ethnicity the same as with my German blood. I think it's pretty cool to feel connected to so many people.

Ricky - That is such a great point! Our heritage is a part of us, but especially when you have so many different ethnicities it would be impossible to represent each culture. How do you feel about the current treatment of Indigenous people in mainstream America today?

Teah - Yes it would. I've had the honor of being chosen as a representative of one of the former Native organizations in this area. While a part of my responsibility was to educate, I could only educate to the extent of the culture I know. As to the current treatment of Indigenous people, I would like to say that I think that things have changed dramatically over the years but I'm afraid that's not really the case. It wasn't until 1910 that my mom's grandmother was actually listed as Indian on any federal census. Until that time, due to politics and bigotry, the entire family were counted as mullato. Those who owned land were heavily taxed and many lost everything they had due to the greed of others. When I see what's happening with many of our people today, those who are still being pushed around and even physically harmed simply for trying to protect what is rightfully theirs and all for the sake of money and power, it hurts me to think that we're still where we are in the eyes of so many others. I feel that until we can come together as a people no matter our backgrounds or tribal affiliations and stop fighting amongst ourselves we won't be making many steps forward. There's such a long way to go, and God never intended for his creation to be so divided.

Ricky - I completely agree! That's interesting to me that you bring up mullato because I've actually been trying to research my ancestry and back when I was actively doing it, I traced back to where my great great great grandmother listed herself as mullato and there was no more info on her. The history of the 5 civilized tribes is so sickening and I've talked to several people here today that still get bigoted remarks thrown at them on a regular basis. We've not come near as far as we would like to pretend. Today being Columbus Day, what are your views on changing it to Indigenous peoples day, and how would that change make you feel?

Teah - We refer to that as paper genocide. When you study the historical damage done to our people at the hands of such men as Walter Plecker, it's easy to understand how so many of our people have no genealogical paper trail at all. Many of the indigenous people of Virginia are still suffering the affects of this. I think that any opportunity to better educate others with true and accurate history is always a step in the right direction. Columbus was a murderer, rapist and slave trader who Americans celebrate because of the lies they've been taught to believe. The man deserves no respect or honor and the myth of his so-called discovery should have been corrected years ago. People are under the impression that this is a relatively new movement when in all actuality, attempts to make these changes date back to the early 70's and possibly prior to that. I understand that people can be very defensive about what they believe to be the original history of this country because it's all they've ever known but as time goes on, true facts and evidences can come to light and we have an obligation to right those wrongs. I would feel proud to know that there was a day dedicated to the first people of this land. We've made so many contributions that people aren't aware of. I mean most people never consider that when they pop a piece of gum in their mouth or pop a bag of popcorn, they have Native people to thank for that. Many don't realize that our entire system of government is based on the example of the Iroquois. These are contributions that should be recognized.

Ricky - Absolutely! I've discovered that basically most history we learn in school is crap. The "victors" wrote the accepted history and we are taught that this is the way it was. When in truth, much like the paper genocide that's made a lot of our records disappear, the true history starts to disappear. The movement against Columbus has been going on for a long time, I remember it from the 80's when I was a kid. But now with social media many are seeing it for the first time. We are being shown truths that many aren't comfortable with because it goes against what we were taught. What do you think the best way to show people these truths are?

Teah - I think that we need to take advantage of every opportunity we get to educate others who aren't aware of the truth, and do it in a peaceable way. As a Christian I've faced opposition many times when trying to show what I believe to be the truth to others, and i've found that most just don't want to hear it because they've become comfortable and satisfied with what they've been taught and are content to believe it rather it's wrong or not. That's also why it's so important that we make sure to have our facts straight as well. With so many lies out there it makes it hard to know what's truth and what isn't. People need to understand that just because we may view things differently or our culture isn't the same as theirs we are still people and we deserve the same respect that everyone else does.

Ricky - I completely agree. I've found that when you come at people in a hostile way, any chance that you have to help educate them or discuss things reasonably, goes flying out the window. You bring up another interesting question. I've known that you are Christian, and your family have been amazing ambassadors of your faith, not in just talking about it, but you can see that you guys are different than a lot of Christians. I know that as Cherokee, we adopted Christianity early on into our introduction to it. How does your Christian faith mix with Native culture? For you, how does it work with ceremony and Christianity?

Teah - Despite how some may feel, I believe following Christ and imbracing your culture meshes together perfectly. God made each of us individuals and, to quote one of my favorite movies, "He loves wondrous variety". No matter what your beliefs when it comes to culture and religion, it all goes back to your point of view. For me, I feel that we should try to give glory to God in everything we do. So when I dance, for example, I do it for Him, as well as for those who can't. I've heard some try to claim that Christianity is a European religion that was forced upon us by white settlers and missionaries, but that simply isn't the case. Yes, what the settlers called "Christianity" was forced upon indigenous peoples with violence and abuse, but what they were teaching was not God's teachings. They were dogmatic views full of hatred and bigotry, not the teachings of love and compassion that our Creator actually gave to us and every nation long ago. God's command is love, everything else is trivial and honestly doesn't matter in the long run. That's what my family and I try to teach whenever we can. God made each us different with different backgrounds and different stories, and as long as we do what we do with love in our hearts, there shouldn't be any conflict.

Ricky - Very well said. Many years ago, I was reading a book of quotes that were documented during meetings with Native Americans. A missionary had been speaking and an elder stood after some time and said "we believe this Jesus must have been Indian, for these teachings are things we've always done." I'll have to go find the full quote. Many of the beliefs that I've learned, I too can see how they mesh as well, but I also respect those that really have a hard time with Christianity because I totally get where they are coming from as well. I really respect how you guys walk your faith. You brought up dancing, how long have you been dancing?

Teah - I do too. Sadly, the spirit of those hate-filled men and women who tried to impose their lies on others with brutality still lives on in many people's hearts today. I feel sad for those who are victims of their victims, but I feel even worse for the ones who teach them. I cannot fathom what would drive and twist someone to become so evil. I've been dancing for as long as I can remember. My mom says, "Since I've been able to walk" but as far as exact dates i'm really not sure. I was brought into the circle before I could walk and my family held a giveaway. When i could I was taught first to dance traditional cloth. When I was about 6, I asked to dance fancy shawl. I was not allowed to dance fancy until I first learned from an established dancer who agreed to teach me and bring me in and then only after I had learned the history of the dance.

Ricky - That is awesome how you were brought into dancing, and dancing fancy shawl. What does dancing mean to you personally? I know you mentioned earlier that you dance for Him and for those who can't dance. What does dancing mean to you, and what goes into dancing that people don't see at the Pow Wow?

Teah - Dancing means so many things to me. In a way it's like an escape. Sometimes it feels like you're in an entirely different world, but one you've known for your entire life. It's hard to describe what it feels like because you're in such a state of focus but you're also letting yourself go at the same time. Dancing, especially in Fancy Shawl, is such a wonderful outlet for expressing yourself. It just gives you a wonderful feeling. Fancy Shawl in particular was originally created as a way for women to be able to express themselves and dance with more freedom. Up until that point only men could dance in such a way, in fact women were not even permitted to dance in the circle with the men for a very long time; They had to dance outside. The women who broke away from these traditions, deciding to throw their shawls over their shoulders and dance in a way similar to the male Fancy Dancers, and eventually make the move to dance in the circle alongside the men, they took some very bold risks, much like the women during the Women's Rights Movement. When I dance, I want to honor what they did.

The main thing with dancing is to remember why you dance and not to let yourself get wrapped up in the competition, which many tend to do. It's so much more than winning money or showing off.

As far as what goes into dancing behind the scenes, there's an awful lot of sewing and practice. This dance is extremely athletic and takes a lot of work. It's very important to keep fit and healthy, so often before a pow wow i spend a lot of time running and lifting weights and eating a little more protein. The regalia is no easy task either. There's been a rise in dancers doing what is referred to as old style fancy, which is much more simple style of regalia and closer to how the original fancy shawl dancers dressed, but because I dance contemporary style, it requires a lot more sewing and other work because it needs to look flashy and stand out. There's a lot of intricate applique, and the dresses are usually sewn differently, often with a flounce which takes a lot of skill to sew correctly. Usually my own regalia is a team effort between myself, my mom, and my grandmother. I come from a long line of wonderful seamstresses and quiltmakers so each of us have some experience with sewing. Each of us have our own strengths and weaknesses as well, so where one of us lacks skill, the other typically picks it up (my grandmother usually helps with the flounce and sleeves; she's amazing when it comes to intricate needlework and eyeing things) Because we all work on it together, I feel that whenever I dance, I'm carrying them all with me.

Ricky - That is so amazing! Myself, I never knew so much went into dancing behind the scenes until I went to the the Murfreesboro Pow Wow early this year with Holly & Jeff and she was telling me some about it, but then I heard her talking to so many of the mom's who were helping sew for their kids. That part of it I had just never thought of. That's awesome that you put so much work and effort into your dancing. I want to thank you so much for your time! What is one thing that you wish people knew about what it means to be Native today?

Teah - I guess what I would want people to know is that even though we're all different, we're also very much alike. We all came from one place, and no matter how we look or speak or believe, we're all the same deep down. We have feelings, we have dreams, we want to love and be loved just like everyone else does. It's hard to be a Native American in today's society because there are still so many stereotypes and myths that surrounds us. If I could tell the whole world one thing, being a Native American woman, it would be to ask that, instead of profiling us by what you've heard taught or read in books or have seen in movies, look at us for who we are; we're people. Living, thinking, spiritual human beings, and we just want peace for the world like everyone else.

Ricky - One more question I wanted to ask and you just reminded me with your answer. In regards to Native American women. In our country, and in Canada, there is an epidemic of murdered and missing Native American women. It doesn't get any attention mainstream media wise that I've ever seen. What is happening and what can we do to help spread the word to get this to stop?

Teah - I couldn't say for sure what is or why it's happening. There's such a long history of crimes against Native women, and children too, and many of those stories get "lost in the shuffle" too. I think it all goes back to that stereotype of Native peoples being worth less than others, that we're uneducated and primal in our decisions and culture, so many people don't see these atrocities as needing to be publicized because, in a sense, we're just not worth the time; we don't matter as much other people do. With women especially, it takes a lot more to prove ourselves as individuals. We're often so maligned by the media, made out to be some sort of object for men to gain or a weakling that needs to be rescued or protected. The images created by the media have taken such a toll on women as well as Native people in general that we're not viewed in the same way as others.

Thanks to social media outlets we now have so many ways to spread the word about these horrible crimes, but we have to take advantage of them. It's up to us to make sure people are made aware that these things are happening and that they need to stop. One of my mom's favorite quotes is, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." (I'm not positive about who said it originally, but it's usually attributed to Edmund Burke). If we remain silent when we know that there's evil being done, then we're really no better than the one's who do the act themselves. It's so terrible and it needs to be stopped. No one deserves to be treated this way.

Model - Candice Mariee - Photo - TRD Photography

Imitation vs Inspiration - Part 3 of Wanna Be a Photographer

Ricky Davis August 11, 2017

Imitation vs Inspiration

For anyone in the creative field, discussing imitation and inspiration can be a bombshell subject. I've heard so many photographers, models, tattoo artists, etc talk about their work being copied. I'm gonna share my two cents and a couple stories. What I have to say is simply my opinion, take of it what you will.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with studying work that you admire and being inspired to go about creating your own style. If you're amazing at what you do, and create a unique style, then chances are other people are going to be inspired by that and play around with that style as well, while still NOT copying your shots. Example, look up Robert Alvarado. That man's style is amazing! He teaches workshops so people can learn his techniques. There are also other photographers in the alternative scene that shoot his style (therefore creating an Alvarado look) without copying his actual work.

One important thing to remember, there is absolutely nothing new under the sun. Any idea that you have to photograph, google it and there's probably someone that has attempted something to do with it.

Inspiration should come from multiple sources. In regards to the example I gave about Alvarado, many of the people that have done work in his style, have added their own spin to it. They don't simply go in and try to copy his actual photographs. I personally have found so many different people inspiring at different stages of what I do. The work that speaks to you helps to shape your own voice. Being inspired shouldn't be just from different photographers, but let music, art, and life itself inspire you.

Sometimes people don't look at it like this. Sometimes doing something similar will piss people off. In 2012 I did a photoshoot with a snake and a tattoo model. We did mainly really edgy shots but took a glam looking shot on a black background as well. Shortly after we both got an email accusing us of copying a photograph that neither of us had actually ever seen. It was on a white background and we were told by the model how upset the photographer was that we copied his shot. The two shots' only similarities were that they involved a snake and the models had the sides of their heads shaved. It really bummed me out because the photographer was one of my heroes. That just happened to be an alternate cover that I hadn't seen on the magazine that came out in my area. We explained to the model and she understood. I planned to write him but a model friend I had in LA gave me some advice that has stuck with me. " The only time someone gets pissed that your work is similar, is if they view you as competition."

It can be a very slippery slope. At photoshoots, 90% come in with photos that they want. Which these are photos that either other people photographed, or when it's yours, it's of a model that you photographed. A lot of models have the same wardrobe because they saw this outfit and it's so cute! Others don't have a variety of wardrobe and so they wear it at multiple shoots with various photographers, and then people want to say you copied their work because she's wearing the same thing.

Sometimes mistakes happen. There have been a couple times I really liked an idea, and I worked to change aspects of it up because I liked the lighting, but I wanted to add different things. It looked so close to the original that I scrapped it because I didn't feel comfortable putting something that close to an original out there. Once I made the mistake of agreeing to a duo shoot where we photographed a model at the same time, and because both our work was b&w (I used b&w film) I was accused of copying his work. Lesson learned. Never photograph the same person at the same time someone else is shooting them as well.

There are so many amazing artists out there to be inspired by. Drink it in but be mindful. If you become someone who just imitates rather than developing your own style, people will never say "look at this, it's amazing!" They'll simply say "Oh, this reminds me of....."

So you want to be a photographer - Part 2 - The Basics

Ricky Davis August 2, 2017

So you want to be a Photography...Part 2 - The Basics

Over the years I've had numerous people ask me about photography, and there are a lot of misconceptions floating around, or just weird ideas about it that I kinda want to tackle first. And just like I mentioned in my last post, these are my opinions. Not everyone has the same journey and there's not one right way to do this.

Get Rich Quick....

If you're looking to get into photography to get rich, or because you think it's easy money....don't. It's not. Let's face it, you've looked at our rates and you're like "damn! I could do that." So you run out and buy a camera, and decide you're a photographer....These days everyone out there that has a camera is trying to make that easy money. You buy a camera, get Lightroom, and buy a bunch of presets. And then comes actually getting people to book you and pay you for a session. That's a lot harder when there's tons of people out there with the same idea. Even photographers that have years of experience struggle at times. For a lot of us, photography is a secondary gig. It's not a field that many people ever get to the point of where they are "rich" off their photography alone. There are months you can be swamped in work, and months it's hard to even get a booking. You'll get inquiries about your rates, and people will be rude about what you charge, and you'll get hounded to shoot for free. It takes years of work and marketing, and cultivating relationships. If you're starting out and you want to really do photography, do it because you have a passion for it and see where it goes from there.

Do it for the Chicks....

I can't tell you how many dudes have messaged me over the years saying "you're so lucky to get to shoot hot chicks for money" or "can I come hang out at one of your shoots?" I don't even respond. If you're wanting to get into this to see hot girls....just do everyone a favor and don't. If that's your sole motivation, you're not going to get far. You'll just be one of those creepy dudes and sooner or later, it will become evident and people won't want to work with you. Plus you may ruin someone's life and what they are able to do later in life or you may even ruin your life. You put the wrong images out on the internet, and you or they regret it later, there's no taking them down.... So again, you pursue photography because you have a passion for it, and you have something to say...

Put Yourself in their Place...

One thing that I still see a lot of is photos getting released, that can be really embarrassing for the subject. I've done it. Sometimes I still accidentally do it. No one out there is completely 100% comfortable with their body. When you start photography, it takes practice to improve, especially if you don't have graphic design experience. Sometimes that photo that you think is super cool, sometimes is just not flattering for your subject. My personal policy, if someone asks, I'll take it down (and sometimes I really don't want to because some people are just way too hard on themselves) but for me, the most important thing is the person. There's no photo worth making someone feel really crappy about themselves.

Don't Give Up...

When you start off, chances are, you're going to suck. I sucked. I sucked really bad. I looked at photographs from locals and I thought to myself, "well, I'm at least that good." But there were dudes that I saw and I honestly thought to myself, I'd never ever be able to be on that type of level, so why try. When you begin, and you suck, you keep pushing, you keep learning, and you'll continue to grow. In my experience, growing came with practice. I went through stages where airbrushing made people look like plastic, but I didn't stop there. People may say some horrible things to you about your work. If it's your passion, don't listen and keep pushing.

Don't Listen to Haters or Buttkissers...

When I started, I got comments and feedback that was incredible. It made me feel like I was awesome! It made me feel like why work so hard when people already loved my work...Then someone I knew started shooting and their work was pretty rough. They got comments like "beautiful" and "I love this!" and the same people that commented, texted me saying "OMG, did you see how awful that is? They want to shoot me, how can I get out of it?" That opened my eyes. The people that blow smoke up your butt, you let it go. On the flip side, you'll have people say horrible things about your work AND about you. This is an industry that can eat you alive. You have to be your own worst critic.

Get a Camera....

If you legitimately want to be a photographer, get a camera. I've had several people approach me about apprenticeships and wanting me to look over the shoots they've done of people on their iPhone's. Our phone cameras are awesome, and incredibly helpful, but if you want to legitimately take up photography, by all means, get a camera. If you can't afford one yet, save up for it and in the meantime study photographs. Study the lighting in the images. Try to figure out what they did to achieve the styles you like.

That's it for now.... I hope that maybe some of it was helpful to you. It's some things that I wish I had known more about starting out. I hope that it helps you as well.

So you want to be a photographer....Part 1.

Ricky Davis July 27, 2017

So you want to be a photographer...Part 1.

Over the years, and more so recently, I've gotten asked a good bit in different ways about "how do I become a photographer?" Nowadays the word "photographer" carries with it a different definition based on who you are, and your view of what a photographer is. For some, owning a camera and taking pics, means "I'm a photographer." Others wouldn't dare classify themselves a photographer until they feel they are "worthy" of the title. This isn't a post to blast anyone or the definition. After all, we all start somewhere and frankly I seriously SUCKED when I started.

I debated a good bit on how to discuss this subject. I decided to break it into several parts and I'll start by talking about how I got started and a little of my background. One thing I want to stress is there are many amazing photographers out there. If you asked each about how to be a photographer or their background, you'd get a ton of different answers. There's not one right way to go about becoming a photographer or on how to be a great photographer. It's your journey...This just happens to be about my journey so far.

I never really picked up a camera until I was 19. I started dating my wife, and she was taking photos of flowers for one of her classes and it was pretty fun. Around 2006 or so, we got our first digital slr. I knew nothing besides shooting in automatic. I shot random crap with it everywhere. Animals, flowers, etc. Around that time period I got injured at work and had to spend some time at home recuperating. I didn't have much to do but sit around and I stumbled across a website for collecting autographs through the mail. I met Niki Ghazian, a model from LA, on Myspace and she liked some of my pics and encouraged me to shoot models. I thought it was crazy and that there wasn't any type of models in our area. After a few years I ran into some old friends who were modeling in the area.

One of the things that I personally think helped me in photography was doing the autograph collecting. Not that actual act of collecting autographs, but when I would look for photos online to get signed, the ones that attracted me to them weren't the basic headshots or just typical photos. I really liked the creative stuff, the ones that stuck out to me as unique. I really feel that's one of the things that helped to shape my eye and the way I try to approach my own work.

In June of 2009 I began shooting here in Chattanooga. That's where I started to feel like I was a photographer. It opened up a world to me that I honestly didn't really know existed. I started off working with models because I was trying to put together photos for a book of poetry that I had written. I honestly didn't think anything would ever become of photography. In starting off, I still knew absolutely nothing about my camera.

Starting off, I studied photos all the time. I wanted to see what was out there. I looked at people in my area and would compare my work. Don't do that. Find the people that do the type of work you like and inspire you. Don't worry about what other people in your area are doing. It's not a competition. Everyone sees things differently and if you're inputting the type of work that inspires you, you'll start creating the type of work that you enjoy and it will be your own.

After about a year of shooting or so, I finally started trying to learn my camera and photoshop. I knew absolutely nothing about either other than basic stuff. One of my biggest teachers was Popular Photography magazine articles, and then a greater teacher was Advanced Photographer magazine from the UK. The photography mags from the UK were by far the best out there. Learning to shoot manual using trial and error to figure out what my cameras could do was imperative. You can't really do what you need to do when shooting in auto. You want full control of your gear and you need that knowledge to troubleshoot in difficult environments.

I do want to state that I'm self-taught. Early on I asked a few local photographers some questions and actually got some advice, that if followed, I'd have been out of photography before I really started. So you gotta be careful out there. I learned from magazines, You-Tube tutorials, and a lot of trial and error.

In late 2011, I got some breaks and started working with some amazing tattoo models and some bigger tattoo sites saw our work and started sharing us all over. That's when I got most of my publication credits was in 2011 and 2012. The tattoo scene was bursting and looking for content. In late 2012, Facebook's algorithms started to change and our reach started to diminish pretty drastically.

If you wanna be a photographer nowadays, you gotta stay up on social media. Truthfully, I don't do a good enough job of it. It's easy to get overwhelmed but it's the difference in jobs, and just scraping by.

In Mid-2015, I started to work with film for the first time since I actually learned how to use a camera and it's been amazing. I enjoy doing the colorful, digital work but b&w film is my love. I've always been drawn to gritty b&w photos but with a digital camera I just couldn't really capture the look I liked. B&W film killed it.

Shooting both b&w film and then the other side of my work being colorful, digital has been a seriously tricky road to navigate for me. The style that personally took off for me in digital work has a higher editing style to it and for my film it's more natural. Those are two audiences that don't necessarily always mesh in what they like to see.

Presently I'm still shooting. I still shoot a wide variety of work, models/families/bands/landscapes and I'm trying to do more pet photography. Photography is not a job to get into just for money. Some people see our rates and get the wrong idea that we're rolling in cash. For the most part it's not the case. There are months that it's busy and amazing, and then there are months you might not get a booking. We have overhead of studios, equipment, etc. But I digress, I'll talk more about that in an upcoming part.

I just wanted to share a little bit about my work and how I got started. I tried to keep it shorter (didn't go into stories and such) if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments or message me and I'll try my best to reply.

Ricky

Life Happens in Shades of Gray....

Ricky Davis July 26, 2017

Life Happens in Shades of Gray

The other day I was having a conversation with someone and we were discussing how different backgrounds affect each of us and the perception of the events taking place in our country. The statement was made "I believe in facts." It is true that there are indisputable facts in our world. There are some things that are black and white, that arguing away will not change. However there is so much in life that is gray.

I am a huge fan of b&w photography, as I'm sure you've probably been able to tell over the years. If you take a b&w photograph and strip it to where it is solely black and white, it's pretty ugly. A great b&w photograph is made in the shades of gray that fill in the details between the two spaces.

In life, each of our lives and viewpoints is shaped by our experiences, backgrounds, and the choices that we've made. If you grew up in the South, you've probably grown up with a different view than someone on the West Coast. If you grew up poor, you've had different life experiences than say someone born into wealth. Each of our lives are shades of gray. The only way we can make a true work of art is by realizing we are a piece of a larger puzzle and we're meant to come together into this epic photo.

Rate & Policy Change - Effective for June 1st and Beyond

Ricky Davis May 22, 2017

Rate & Policy Change

I have decided to make a few changes on my rates and policies. The way that I charge for my sessions will be going back to way I used to charge for session. PLEASE be sure to read the entire policy change.

Mini Sessions will be 3 photos for $100 - Regular Sessions are 6 for $100 - Full Sessions are 10 for $100.

I'm excited to have photos included in the packages again rather than them being purchased separately. However, here are where the policy changes come in.

Deposits are going up to $100 to book your session and they are non-refundable. It counts towards the cost of the shoot, but if you no show or cancel the day of, it's gone. You have two reschedules in case of emergencies and I ask for a minimum of 24 hour notice. Shoot must be rescheduled within 30 days of your original shoot date. If I have an emergency and need to reschedule more than twice, I'll give the $100 back or take $100 off your shoot.

Biggest Policy Change

In going back to charging this way I'm also changing the way I offer photos in the packages. Up until a couple of years ago my policy was that I pick out the best photos from the session. In recent years I've allowed people the choice to either pick them or if they want me to pick them out. At the price packages that I'm offering, I'm changing my policy that I pick out the photos. I'm doing this for a couple of different reasons.

It has become a major issue for me that people are taking months to pick out their photos from their sessions. Some people will do a shoot and then debate and debate over what photos they actually want trying to narrow it down. I have numerous shoots from 2016 that have yet to pick out their photos and that leaves me with limited space on my hard drives and on my album directory for them to pick out their photos.
Most people come to me because they like my "style" of work. Some ask me to do everything from planning their outfits, to concept, etc, but then it comes down to picking the photos and they pick shots that are more basic and don't really have my feel to them, and then some are disappointed that they don't have the "TRD" feel. If you enjoy my work, I know my work and style better than anyone. It hurts sometimes to see the best photos get left because people don't have the end vision of the photographs like I do.

With making this change, I realize that some people will still want the freedom to pick out their photos. I'm still going to allow people to pick out their photos if they insist, however I will be charging a $50 fee if you choose to pick out your photos.

If you have any questions about these policies, just let me know. I'm trying to streamline things to make my turnaround time better, and get people the style of work that they enjoy from me to them and keep it affordable.

Ricky

Raw - No Photoshop/No Makeup Shoot - Holly

Ricky Davis May 15, 2017

RAW Shoot with Holly

I first met Holly and her boyfriend Jeff last fall for my Native Portrait Series. They both have become two of my best friends. Recently Holly and I got together to do a raw, no photoshop/no makeup shoot. These are some of my personal favorite shoots to do. To this point most of my raw shoots I've done digitally, or a combo of digital and film. With Holly's I shot both, but these photos are all from the film portion of the shoot AND this is the first RAW set that I've shot outside of the confines of the studio as well. The ultimate goal with these shoots is I want to give people a glimpse from another perspective. So many times we've become caught up in a certain look, or with an ideal of who we are or what we have to look like. There's nothing wrong with makeup, but I think it's important to not allow your identity to become shaped by what products or style that's in at a given moment. Beauty is in who you are.... Below is more photos from the set as well as what Holly had to say about her shoot. Photos are Kodak Tri X 35mm film pushed to 800.

"I had to talk myself into doing a raw photo shoot. The concept is foreign to me, as I rarely leave the house without makeup. On my way to the shoot, my most intrusive thought was about how these pictures were going to be something I would cringe at when it was all said and done and that what little confidence I had would be crushed. Ricky got started and I was telling him all of these fears while he was working. He started laughing and turned the camera around and I felt silly for having doubted his eye for art. I feel more powerful for having done this, as it's another fear confronted and conquered. " Holly

"My Body, Fuck Your Choice." Photo Series

“My Body, Fuck Your Choice.” The Photo Series

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5 Questions with Harley Quinn at the Carnival

5 Questions (and Photos) with Bartender SCARAHXO!!!

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Tattoos and Small Town Life with Kellie Hall

Tattoos & Small Town Life with Kellie Hall

A Conversation with Joshua Ricker

A Conversation with Joshua Ricker

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Talking Cosplay with Lena Leather

A Tattooing Dad - Interview with Kenneth Chope

A Tattooing Dad- Interview with Kenneth Chope

Tattoos and Motherhood with Rachel - TRD Photography

Tattoos and Motherhood

The TRD Show - Episode 1 - Interview with Lauren Dunham

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It was a "Poppin" Weekend at Literary Ink

Native American Portraits - The Series - Amanda Starr

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Seven x1 - A Seven Deadly Sins Project

Native American Portrait Series - Aspen Yahola - TRD Photography

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Imitation vs Inspiration - Part 3 of Wanna Be a Photographer

So you want to be a photographer - Part 2 - The Basics

So you want to be a photographer....Part 1.

Life Happens in Shades of Gray....

Rate & Policy Change - Effective for June 1st and Beyond

Raw - No Photoshop/No Makeup Shoot - Holly

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