Over the last year, Montana-based photographer Clark Dunbar has been shooting portraits of Native Americans in traditional dress while attending powwows. The evocative portraits give a wonderful glimpse into the pride the participants have for their traditions while also highlighting their unique personalities.

Dunbar embarked on this project, which he calls The PowWow Portrait Series, after looking for a way to diversify and update his portfolio. In doing so, he stumbled upon old notes from college, where he expressed the desire to take these types of portraits. Now the project continues to grow, with Dunbar planning to expand his visits to other areas of the country, as well as exhibit and publish the photographs.

“This has become a passion project to celebrate the culture and personalities of the individuals in their continuance and teaching of the traditions and their heritage,” Dunbar tells My Modern Met. For him, there is great pleasure in meeting people and seeing how the Native American traditions and culture are taught to the youth.

Dunbar hopes that, through his work, people will take the time to learn a bit more about Native American culture. “I hope the viewer sees the individual—the confidence, the pride, the culture—and wants to know more…listen to the stories and learn more about the culture.”

To assist with his work and help fund future exhibitions, Dunbar has set up a crowdfunding campaign. Scroll down to see more of his incredible portraits.

Montana-based photographer Clark Dunbar has spent the last year taking portraits of Native Americans at powwows.

He sets up a tent at the events and invites attendees to sit for a portrait while dressed in regalia.

“This has become a passion project to celebrate the culture and personalities of the individuals in their continuance and teaching of the traditions and their heritage.”

Clark Dunbar: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Clark Dunbar.

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Daytona Beach was full of fun facial hair as contestants arrived for the 2023 Honest Amish National Beard and Moustache Championships. Photographer Elle Jaye was on hand to shoot the official portraits that let us see the incredible beards, mustaches, and goatees that entered this year's competition.

Participants entered a wide variety of categories and classes that allow for everything from neatly groomed facial hair to fantastical, crafted facial hair that uses creative materials to give the illusion of a beard or mustache. But, by far, the freestyle category is where contestants really shine, as they use their natural hair to create incredible shapes. The final results are sculptural and demonstrate just how much you can do with a beard or mustache.

Jaye's portraits capture the pride these contestants have for their facial hair. For many, it's taken years to perfect their look, and the satisfaction of what they've achieved is written all over their carefully groomed faces. Winners were named in an incredible 47 different categories, but it was Jacob Darlington who took home the top prize and earned the Best in Show award. His big win came after he first took the top slot in the Full Beard Garibaldi.

According to the official contest website, a Garibaldi beard is “wide and round at the bottom, and no more than 8 inches in length as measured from the bottom of the lower lip.” A natural appearance is preferred, and “the mustache may not be made distinct from the beard or styled.”

See more of Jaye's portraits of our favorite winners and finalists below and get inspired by their creativity.

Jacob Darlington won Best in Show at the 2023 National Beard and Moustache Championship.

Photographer Elle Jaye captured the official portraits of the finalists and winners.

Contestants competed in 47 different categories that honor creative facial hair.

From fantastical freestyle beards to meticulously groomed mustaches, the contestants showed off their creations.

Elle Jaye: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Elle Jaye.

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A new year means a new calendar. While there are many creative options out there, one of the most iconic is the Australian Firefighters Calendar. Since 1993, it has produced wildly popular photos of handsome men to help raise money for Australian charities. For 2024, it presents six editions for fans to choose from, including several in which the dashing heroes pose alongside adorable animal co-stars.

The calendar features over 25 Australian firefighters from aviation, military, and urban fire services. The Classic calendar is the edition that many are acquainted with, in which each of the men poses shirtless for the camera. In the Hero edition, which is new this year, the firefighters are captured in action—including unrolling hoses, climbing ladders, and even standing in the middle of fire. Of course, some of the most anticipated and lovable editions feature these brave men with cuddly animals, like the Cat edition, Dog edition, Horses edition, and Mixed Animals edition (which includes koalas, meerkats, and more). “From cuddly koalas to playful kittens, these visuals capture the compassion that these firefighters stand for both in and out of uniform,” its official statement explains.

The Australian Firefighters Calendar has helped raise over $3.4 million to charities since its launch 30 years ago. They continue to pledge donations with the sales from this year's calendar. “The calendar’s proud history of supporting animal refuges and Australian Wildlife in the past, will continue into the future. Australia’s Rural Firefighters and children suffering from cancer will also once again benefit from donations,” they add. Among the charities that the calendar assists are The Queensland Koala Society, Kids with Cancer Foundation, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, and Safe Haven Animal Rescue.

You can purchase the Australian Firefighters Calendar 2024 through their online store.

The Australian Firefighters Calendar 2024 is finally available.

There are over 25 Australian firefighters featured who work in aviation, military, and urban fire services.

There are six editions of the 2024 calendar to choose from.

There's the Hero calendar, which shows the firefighters in action.

There's also the Classic, featuring the handsome men in shirtless poses.

Additionally, there are also several animal editions of the 2024 calendar, including one with kittens and cats.

Fans can also pick up a copy of the Dog calendar, in which firefighters cuddle with a variety of lovable pooches.

There's also the Horse calendar, where firefighters pose alongside dashing equine co-stars.

Lastly, there's the Mixed Animal edition, featuring a variety of wild animals like meerkats and llamas.

Watch these behind-the-scenes videos of the firefighters with their animal co-stars:

Australian Firefighters Calendar: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Australian Firefighters Calendar.

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With the end of 2023 quickly approaching, it's nearly time to start thinking about a new calendar. For those who want an entertaining series of 12 photos to get them through the year—complete with cute animals and shirtless men—the 2024 Irish Farmer Calendar has just recently been unveiled. The newest edition of this beloved classic features the “fan favorites” from the calendar's 13-year history in celebration of the project's wide-reaching success.

Opening the calendar reveals a new farmer for each month. Some of these men are captured cuddling rabbits or goats, while others pose seductively amidst a curated agricultural setting. These images include fellas from Cork, Wexford, Dublin, Roscommon, Tipperary, and Kilkenny. “This year the calendar is a special edition of Fan Favorites featuring images from the last 13 years shot in locations over six counties and featuring the work of four talented photographers,” the team says. “So far, this has gone down a treat with fans and we see new orders coming in every day from all over the world. It is great to see the calendar still has universal appeal in its 14th year.”

These playful photos encapsulate some of the most charming aspects of agricultural life. Not only are there plenty of animals, but there are haystacks, beautiful greenery, and rustic houses. “Variety is important, hence why we connected with many different farms over the years,” Ciara Ryan, creator of the Irish Farmer Calendar, explains. “All of the farms we worked with were extremely helpful during our photoshoots, for which we will be forever grateful for making the calendar what it is today. It really is a team effort as a lot of work and planning goes into the calendar behind the scenes.”

The calendar's continued popularity is not only due to its human and animal models but also its whimsical and oftentimes humorous compositions. “Ireland can be viewed by many, and rightly so, as a romantic setting with 40 shades of green, a friendly nation who are known for their ‘céad míle fáilte‘ which is Irish for ‘one hundred thousand welcomes,'” Ryan adds. The final fan-favorite images were chosen based on the reception they received on social media and scrolling through the collection, it is easy to see why they've become so popular.

You can purchase the 2024 Irish Farmer Calendar via their website for €12.99 (or about $13.74).

The 2024 Irish Farmer Calendar is here and it's full of playful photos.

Shirtless men pose with farm animals and classic rural settings.

All of these images are “fan favorites” collected from the calendar's 13-year history.

They were chosen based on their popularity on social media, and it's easy to see why they are so beloved.

The calendar was photographed across six counties in Ireland, creating a glimpse of nostalgic agricultural life.

There are adorable farm animals and rustic houses.

But it’s the playful sense of humor that has charmed people all around the world.

The 2024 Irish Farmer Calendar can be purchased via their website for €12.99 (or about $13.74).

Irish Farmer Calendar: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Irish Farmer Calendar.

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The 14 daguerreotypes of the officers of the Franklin expedition, 1845. (Photo: Sotheby's)

Exploring the unknown can be a risky business. For the 129 members of the Franklin Expedition in 1845, led by Sir John Franklin, adventure turned deadly. All are known or thought to have perished in the icy landscape of the Arctic, leaving behind an enduring mystery as to what exactly happened. Now, a lucky collector will own a piece of that tragic mystery: a set of 14 daguerreotypes taken of senior officers shortly before the voyage by the studio of photographer Richard Beard. Up for auction at Sotheby's after languishing in the Franklin family's hands for over 150 years, the photographs are insight into a 19th-century mystery.

The photographs are one of two sets of the 14 British officers taken by the photographer shortly before the voyage. The other set, which is missing two men, is held by the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI). Scholars wondered where the other set was, and it turned out Franklin's family had passed it down the generations. Now up for auction, the images turn out to be slightly different in outfits and composition. They are excellent quality daguerreotypes, a photographic process which was quite new at the time. When they set out, the explorers even brought a daguerreotype camera with them to document their mission, but sadly it has never been found.

The 129 men set out on the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. They were sailing through the Northwest Passage of the Canadian Arctic; however, they got trapped in thick ice well into their mission. Unable to move for over a year, the crew—minus their leader Franklin and many others who had already perished—abandoned their ship in 1848. The rest of the men perished on land in northern Canada as they likely starved and froze. When the ships vanished, search parties were eventually sent out by the British government. They discovered some remains and a now infamous note placed in a cairn, reporting the abandonment of the ship and death of their leader.

The ships were not found by these 19th-century rescuers, but were eventually discovered in 2014 and 2016 using modern technology. Modern-day scientists have been able to analyze the known remains and shipwrecks to try to piece together the sad final years of these explorers, but much remains speculation.

Now, the rediscovery of the officer daguerreotypes is yet another piece of the puzzle. On display this September in London, the historic portraits are estimated to sell for £150,000 to £200,000 (approximately US$188,522 to US$251,362), those interested in viewing or bidding can visit Sotheby's website for more information.

The 14 officers of the doomed Franklin expedition of 1845 were immortalized in rare daguerreotypes, which as a set have come up for auction at Sotheby's.

A member of the expedition. (Photo: Sotheby's)

The fourteen men, along with the other members of their 129-man and two-ship voyage, perished under myserious circumstances.

A member of the expedition. (Photo: Sotheby's)

A member of the expedition. (Photo: Sotheby's)

A member of the expedition. (Photo: Sotheby's)

Sketches based on the daguerreotypes, which were published in 1851 in “The Illustrated London News.” (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

The Victory Point note found in a cairn. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

An engraving of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror setting off. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

h/t: [BBC]

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READ: Rare Collection of Photos of Doomed Arctic Expedition Explorers Will Be Up for Auction

Based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, photographer Brooke Light is a seasoned product and portrait photographer. And while she works with all types of clients, it's her striking photos of young girls that really stand out. These black and white photographs aren't like many children's portraits you'll see.

Light's images are pared back, with the kids posed in an environment without props and with minimal distractions. And, refreshingly, you won't find any forced smiles plastered on these girls' faces. That's because Light encourages all the kids who participate in her Moody Mini Sessions to just relax and to be themselves without the pressure to smile. The results are beautifully disarming portraits that really cut to the heart of who these children are.

It's a concept that came to Light when she was photographing her niece Ruby. “I realized pretty quickly that because she was wearing what she wanted to and I wasn't making her smile, she was giving me some incredibly powerful looks,” Light tells My Modern Met. “From there, my creative bells were ringing, and I thought there might be something to this.”

The idea took off, with parents thrilled to let their children participate in a photoshoot where they were free to express themselves. Light, who photographs both girls and boys, feels particularly strongly about the choice to let young girls pose without smiling. “For me, it comes back to the performative aspect of smiling in situations that you don't want to. It's a subtle conditioning that says other people would be more comfortable if I was smiling/happy right now, so I'm going to choose their comfort over my own.”

While some might see her work as making a statement against smiling or happiness, that couldn't be further from the truth. “It's an acknowledgment that we, as women, are often expected to make a situation more comfortable/enjoyable for everyone else with our smile,” Light shares. “The earlier we can release young girls from this constant narrative, the better their chances of not constantly doubting their feelings and place in any given situation.”

Check out some of Light's striking portraits and see for yourself how powerful these non-smiling portraits can be.

Photographer Brooke Light encourages her young clients to be themselves and puts no pressure on them to smile.

In doing so, she helps release these young ladies from the pressure to put on a happy face even when they'd prefer not to.

Brooke Light: Website | Instagram | TikTok

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Brooke Light.

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Audrey Billups

Armed with a Hasselblad 500CM camera, fine art photographer David Teran traveled the world to capture the beauty of ballet. Now, he's put the results together in a stunning coffee tablebook titled Hasselblad Ballet. Currently available on Kickstarter, the book features over 250 photographs of over 100 ballerinas from 19 different countries.

Using his background in fine art photography, Teran was also able to capture ballet from a unique perspective. While the techniques of the dance are respected, the quirky photographs aren't solely focused on ballet itself. “This project places photography at the forefront,” Teran tells My Modern Met. “While ballet remains an essential part, it takes a slightly more subtle role, allowing the photograph to shine. Nevertheless, the integrity of ballet's technique is maintained and respected, ensuring a beautiful harmony between the art of dance and the art of photography.”

Teran was attracted to the Hasselblad for its ability to slow him down in an era of digital photography. By limiting himself to just one roll of Ilford HP5 film per photoshoot, he only had 12 frames with each ballerina. This exercise forced him to slow down and really consider each image.

The black and white photos have a whimsical feel that is reminiscent of Rodney Smith‘s work. This makes the book a wonderful purchase for both lovers of fine art photography and lovers of dance. By supporting the project, backers will help bring Teran's vision to life. Among the awards available is an unsigned copy of the book ($85), a digital wallpaper featuring an image from Hasselblad Ballet ($10), as well as a signed limited edition box set ($250) that includes a silver gelatin contact sheet.

The Hasselblad Ballet Kickstarter campaign runs until September 20 and is an all-or-nothing venture, so if you want the make the book happen, don't forget to lend your support.

Hasselblad Ballet is a series of analog photographs of ballet dancers by fine art photographer David Teran.

Brooke Linford

Elle Macy

Teran traveled the world with his Hasselblad 500CM camera for the project.

Ysee Bretigniere

Ysee Bretigniere

The resulting images are a quirky, whimsical marriage of fine art photography and ballet.

Thea Ratledge

Mackenzie Richter

Ysee Bretigniere

Isabella Boylston

Now Teran is crowdfunding a book on Kickstarter with over 250 photographs from the series.

Sellers Farley

Emily Bromberg

Heloise Jeremy

Emma Town

Backers have until September 20 to pledge their support for the project.

Camille Goldsborough

Alexandra Farber

Fiona Lee

Daniela Gomez

Hasselblad Ballet: Website | Kickstarter | Instagram
David Teran: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by David Teran.

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“Salvation” by Forough Yavari. Overall winner, International Portrait Photographer of the Year.

Iranian photographer Forough Yavari was honored as the International Portrait Photographer of the Year for a stunning portfolio of work that shows off skills as a fine art and fashion photographer. Based in Melbourne, her photography draws on her life experiences as a woman, with her work portraying the narratives behind the lives of women around the work.

Yavari topped the list of talented amateur and professional portrait photographers who entered this year's contest. Aside from Yavari, winners were also named in four categories—Character Study, Environmental Portrait, Portrait Story, and Family Sitting. All of the portraits have their own unique stories to tell.

Frederic Aranda won the Character Study category for his candid portrait of actor Ian McKellen in his dressing room. Wearing full padding and bright blue eye shadow, the esteemed actor was preparing to tackle the role of Mother Goose in a pantomime in London.

With his beautiful portrait of Alfred and Paul Beck, Joseph Smith shows the close bond of brothers who ran their family printing business for generations. Smith's photograph won the Portrait Story category and is made all the more poignant by the fact that Alfred recently passed away.

Jo Kearney's explorations of Havana paid off with a win in the Environmental Portrait category. Her image of a woman named Sonia is a wonderful glimpse inside the woman's home. Kearney's photograph clearly demonstrates how showing the environmental context of the sitter can bring greater dimension to the work.

All of the winners shared in the contest's $10,000 prize pool and made it into the annual awards book, which will include the top 101 entries.

Discover the talented winners of the International Portrait Photographer of the Year contest.

“Mother Goose” by Frederic Aranda. 1st Place, Character Study.
“Actor Ian McKellen in his West End dressing room as he prepared to perform the character of Mother Goose, in a Pantomime of the same name. Duke of York's Theatre, London, UK.”

“Beck Brothers” by Joseph Smith. 1st Place, Portrait Story.
“Alfred and Paul Beck took over the family printing business at the ages of 17 and 14, respectively. The brothers stand amongst the machinery that has passed down from generation to generation, reflecting the close bond between the two men. Alfred passed on late last year.”

“Sonia Herstandez at home in Havana” by Jo Kearney. 1st Place, Environmental Portrait.
“I walked past Sonia's home in Havana and she was happy to let me come in and photograph her. I loved the old furniture and decorations.”

“Vogue House” by Frederic Aranda. Character Study, Top 101.
“A family portrait of the House of Gorgeous Gucci, one of the leading “Houses” of the international Ballroom/Voguing scene. A House is a chosen family and members are organised under “Mothers” and “Fathers”, providing each other with support, love and no judgement. Taken in Paris before an annual ball.”

“The Shepherd” by Osama Elolemy. 2nd Place, Portrait Story.
“He is part of a tribe of proud people that believe the Ankole cattle are a gift from their ancestors. They have a sacred duty to protect and care for them. The entire village life revolves around these impressive creatures.”

Aside from the category winners, all of the top 101 photos will be included in the annual awards book.

“Vanity” by Forough Yavari. Overall winner, International Portrait Photographer of the Year.

“The Suri Family” by Donell Gumiran. Family Sitting, Top 101.
“The family values communal living and cooperation. They engage in collective tasks such as house construction, field preparation, and herding. Family members often come together for important events, ceremonies, and festivals, where they share food, music, dance, and stories.”

“Freddy at home in Havana” by Jo Kearney. Environmental Portrait, Top 101.
“Freddy lives in one room in a colonial house overlooking Havana's iconic Malecon. Before the revolution, one family would have lived in the house, but now there are multiple people and families, each occupying single rooms. Most of the building has collapsed, and the front rooms are like a facade.”

“Local” by Katarina Premfors. Character Study, Top 101.
“One of the brothers Al Khoury at his cafe in Abu Dhabi aptly named Local.”

“Calm Amidst Chaos” by Alan Barker. Environmental Portrait, Top 101.
“A significant part of the Hamer Bull Running ritual involves celebration. Hundred of adults dance and laugh while others brew local liquor and boil water for tea. In the middle of this squats a young boy, left to his own devices, unperturbed by the turmoil around him.”

“Brad and Harriet” by Raoul Slater. 1st Place, Family Sitting.
“As a parent, all you want is to be listened to.”

“Susanne” by Suanne Middelberg. Character Study, Top 101.
“Susanne, dancer, actress, photographer”

“Yuki Gomori” by Robin Yong. Environmental Portrait, Top 101.
“Secluded from cold, snowy winter and staying indoors as wild animals hibernate – a Haiku seasonal word.”

“Levitation 7” by Johanna Siegmann. Portrait Story, Top 101.
“From the series ‘Unrealistic Expectations' – where fashion meets Photoshop.”

“Hazardous Sweeping” by Ulla Jensen. Portrait Story, Top 101.
“A Danish chimney sweeper.”

“The Camel Drivers Family” by Peter Hickson. Family Sitting, Top 101.

International Portrait Photographer of the Year: Website | Facebook | Instagram 

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by IPPOTY.

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Photographer Belinda Richards captures the unique personalities of cats and dogs through her soulful—and often funny—pet portrait photography. One of her latest series highlights the inherent humor of animals and her expertise in showcasing their personalities on camera. The collection of images titled Who Cut the Cheese? (it means exactly what you think) features 19 dogs and one “guilty-looking cat.” Each creature has an expression of disgust on its face, whether it’s an upturned nose or squinting eyes to indicate that it smelled something bad.

“This project was inspired by my love for capturing the unique personalities of my canine clients and my desire to bring humor and delight to the viewer,” Richards explains. “I carefully chose each shot to build a narrative and as you view these images, I hope you will experience a sense of amusement and delight as each dog's look of disgust is revealed, culminating in the cat's guilty expression when we find out who really did cut the cheese.”

Pet parents know that their furry friend has a personality all its own, and Who Cut the Cheese? proves that. The variety of expressions is striking, as is Richards’ curation. She’s managed to showcase something new with each photo. From breed to breed, no two dogs are alike, and the kitty is in a league all its own.

Want to learn how to shoot incredible pet portraits like Richards? Enroll in her online class Introduction to Pet Photography: Capture the Spirit of Your Furry Friend exclusively on My Modern Met Academy. Over the course of nearly two and a half hours, she’ll show you how to take soulful portraits of your pup in a studio setting.

Photographer Belinda Richards captures the unique personalities of animals through her soulful—and often funny—pet portrait photography.

One of her latest series highlights the inherent humor of animals and her expertise in showcasing their personalities on camera.

The collection of images titled Who Cut the Cheese? (it means exactly what you think) features 19 dogs and one “guilty-looking cat.”

Each creature has an expression of disgust on its face, whether it’s an upturned nose or squinting eyes to indicate that it smelled something bad.

“I carefully chose each shot to build a narrative and as you view these images,” Richards explains, “I hope you will experience a sense of amusement and delight as each dog's look of disgust is revealed, culminating in the cat's guilty expression when we find out who really did cut the cheese.”

Want to learn how to shoot incredible pet portraits like Richards?

Enroll in her online class Introduction to Pet Photography: Capture the Spirit of Your Furry Friend exclusively on My Modern Met Academy.

Belinda Richards: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Belinda Richards. 

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Catrin was returning from a ski trip in the French Alps, when the coach’s brakes failed and the crash happened. 96% of her body suffered third degree burns leaving her with a 1 in a 1000 chance for survival. Following three months in coma, 200 surgical procedures and 4 years of rehab, Catrin defied destiny.
To the prying eyes that meet her every time she steps out of the house, she looks back at them with tenderness and empathy.
‘If my scars make you feel better about yours then I am happy for you. I understand you. And that’s what I expect from you as well. Empathy, not sympathy. My scars make me special… unique… differently beautiful. They are life’s brush strokes… and I am in love with this painting.

Photography can be an empowering tool used to tell stories of those whose voices might struggle to be heard. An image can communicate a lot without words, as is the case with Sujata Setia’s project called Changing the Conversation. The series features people with physical differences as a way to honor their resilience in the face of obstacles.

The intimate portraits were inspired by a simple question from Setia’s child. “My 8-year-old daughter returned from school one day and asked me if she was beautiful,” she tells My Modern Met. “As a girl, who grew up in a patriarchal society back in a small town in India, I have battled all my life with the constructs of beautiful or ugly, boy or girl, normal or abnormal, rich or poor, pink or blue.

“For me, this world has always been divided into binaries, and I noticed my daughter started to develop a similar worldview. And so, I started this series as an effort to work toward the expansion of humanity. A world without exceptions. A world that moves away from binaries. It is an ongoing series.”

Setia, who works under the name But Natural Photography, specializes in newborn, pregnancy, and family portraits. She sees a lot of families, and that’s where Changing the Conversation began. “My first photoshoot was with Amber, a mum who gave birth to a 13-pound baby and was left with what I call ‘medals of honor’ on her body.” But the project shifted when she met Cartrin, a 96% burn survivor. “I realized that there was a lot more that needs to be spoken about. I thought I would build awareness around scars, visible and invisible both. That one conversation with Catrin, changed the course of this project entirely.”

Unfortunate things can happen to us, but they aren’t all of what makes us who we are. And in these dark situations, light can still find its way in. “I want these images to show that nothing is either this or that,” Setia explains. “That the world isn’t just good or bad. Pretty or ugly. Man or woman. The world exists beyond these binaries.”

Scroll down to see the powerful images and read the accompanying captions.

Photographer Sujata Setia has created an ongoing series titled Changing the Conversation.

On 14 February 1990, flight IA605 flying from Bombay to Bangalore, crashed killing 92 of 146 people on board; three of whom were Tulsi’s mother, father, and 5-year-old brother.
“I remember fighting with my brother about who will get to sit on the window seat and the next thing I hear was my grandma’s voice.
‘Tulsi your mum, dad, and Kamlesh are no more.’
Next few weeks were a blur and then came the time to meet the new me.
Not the 10-year-old boisterous Me… but the orphan, burn survivor Me.
From there on the word ‘ugly’ became my identity.
‘Who will marry her? Who will give her a job? She is so ugly!’—that sort of became my narrative at 10. Growing up, job rejection letters stated my face wasn’t fit for the job.
Life forced me to sign on for social benefits. An incident that day changed my life. I was waiting for a bus to goto the job center and a car pulled up right next to me. Next, I heard 4 men shouting at me, ‘You are so ugly. You should have died.’
I came very close to giving up that day. I came very close to taking my life.
But instead I chose to NOT LET MYSELF DOWN.
I got onto the bus and reached the job center to sign up. The lady there was just the most compassionate person ever. She made me realize that there is goodness in this world.
That was a turning point in my life. That’s the day I realized that maybe I’m not the most beautiful person in the world but I am certainly not ugly.
I chose to face my trauma and I healed myself.
I am now a reiki master. A spiritual coach. I help people with generational trauma and abuse so they are able to break that cycle. I am a model/ influencer/ speaker… things that my 10-year-old self wouldn’t imagine doing. Because she was told she was ugly.”
“Will you be able to hold that little 10-year-old You in your arms now and tell her with conviction that you will protect her?” I asked Tulsi.
“OF COURSE YES!! I will protect her and together we will and are living our best life.”

“I have wondered what it would be like to have more than one child, if I need to hold them both tight at the same time,” James said as he laughed casually.
9 years ago, James lost his arm and leg in an accident.
Ashley is a congenital amputee. Which means that she was born with the lower part of her right arm missing.
“I didn’t want to have children because I thought I wouldn't be able to hold her. How will I support her head while feeding? How will I tie her shoe laces? Or change her clothes… but it all worked itself out. Elara realises that mummy and daddy just have to do things differently. So she works with us on solutions.”
“You know how it is… with being limb different… you just have to be persistent.”
Ashley is a successful model and an advocate for families that have a limb different member. Since his accident, James has worked with Japanese gaming giant Konami to personally design and develop his own advanced bionic arm—earning himself the nickname Metal Gear Man. Since then, he's become a speaker, BBC presenter, and model.
They have the most beautiful 2-year-old daughter Elara, who truly is a ray of sunshine.

When I met Hannah for this shoot, I had to give no instructions. She asked me simply what my purpose was and I said “A world without exceptions.”She then went and sat at the spot against the backdrop and looked straight at the camera and her eyes; her soul spoke back to me. This is her story.
“Hi. I am Hannah. I am 18. I was born with a rare genetic condition called Hay-Wells Syndrome. There are only about 30 other people like me in this world. My condition has left my hair, teeth, and skin undeveloped.
It all started in college… the bullying. That's when we become self-conscious and start noticing the differences. It was too much, just too much to bear. I developed an eating disorder as a result. I am still battling with it.
I remember retaliating if they bullied me. I knew deep down inside that it wasn’t my fault but I couldn’t stop myself. That is what the bullies wanted. They wanted power over me. They wanted to dim my light.
But instead I decided to dim theirs. I started to ignore them and their jokes. I have forgiven them because everyone deserves a chance to redeem themselves. Our younger self does not represent us as an adult.
If people stare at me now… which they do… all the time… then I just smile at them. I encourage people to ask me questions about my condition because I want to increase awareness about disabilities. That is why I became a model; so I could represent my tribe.
I want this world to become a collective union, where we can all embrace each others’ uniqueness. And until that doesn’t happen; I promise to never judge you, laugh at you, ridicule you or make you feel unworthy… even if you choose to not do the same for me.
Because I am Me. I am kind, strong, compassionate and filled with an inner glow. Because I am more than just a ‘rare genetic condition.'”

“‘101 Dalmatians. Cookie dough. Spotty Face,’ those were the names my classmates secretly kept for me.
Growing up, I hated myself.
I hated everyone around me.
No one looked like me… I didn’t look like them.
I thought I was ugly… horrible.
Those feelings took me to a very dark place. My relationships suffered… with people I loved the most…
Until 3 years ago.
My children were the turning point for me.
I remember that day so vividly. We were going on a family holiday and I was picking clothes that would help me cover myself. I didn’t want to be seen…
…and I just asked my self this one question: “What kind of a role model am I to my children, if I can’t embrace who I am?”
I don’t want them to worry to fit in. I want them to be comfortable with who they are.
And so that day, I chose to be ME!
Hi my name is Cheryl.
I was born with congenital Melanocytic nevus (CMN).
These are my scars.
This is me. I love me. I embrace me. I wear me with respect, confidence and endless joy, for I… AM A CELEBRATION!”

The series features people with disabilities and burn survivors as a way to honor their resilience in the face of obstacles.

“Aged two and a half years young I was burned with boiling water whilst playing a game of ‘Hide n Seek’ with my sister. I was hiding behind the bathroom door and accidentally fell backwards as my sister pushed the door open. I was rushed to the local hospital where we were told I wouldn’t survive. I was quickly transferred to another hospital and put on life support with no hope of survival, but weeks later I pulled through.
Growing up, I was taught to embrace my body and was often told I was beautiful, but as my 20s approached I began to hate my body.
One day whilst walking across a park with my mum, I was approached by a lady that told her I could be a runway model. My mother and I went to the agency later that day and whilst there I was told to fill out some forms. On the forms it asked whether I had any scars. I showed the form to my mother and was quite upset. She told me that it was okay and that I needed to be honest on the form.
When the lady came to take the form, she read it and quickly ushered me and my mother out of the agency. She told me that I could perhaps be a hand model but couldn’t possibly be a runway model with scars.
I was very upset by this and my world was turned upside down, and went on to suffer with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Six years ago, I walked London Fashion Week—twice—and this September I did it yet again.
Through my campaigning, standing outside London Fashion Week protesting with groups of ladies, I have now shown that anything is possible and everyone should be included in society.
I’m now in the process of setting up @lovedisfiguretalent agency so that we can see everything Diverse and Equal.
I am a Burn Survivor Thriving, Campaigner for people with Visible/Hidden Difference & Disabilities. I also hold two accolades: Point of Light Award & Boots Wellness Warrior, Women of the Year Award.” – Sylvia

“Hi, my name is Hattie. I was born with a congenital cataract and congenital glaucoma. This meant I required multiple operations as a baby leaving me with an enlarged black eye. Over the last few years this eye began to cause me pain and the consultant recommended I had it removed and replaced with a prosthetic, or the eye was at risk of rupturing and the pain would not ease. I have spent the majority of my life with a visible difference. I also developed psoriasis a few years ago, with red, sore patches of skin and nail changes. Some of these conditions result in stares and questions from strangers. I always try to keep an open mind to others’ approaches and feel I can now use it as an opportunity to educate and raise awareness. Over time I have grown in confidence, embracing my image and accepting its uniqueness, determined that my self-worth will not be defined by my outward appearance. I hope for a world where individuality is celebrated and normalized and desire to be part of that movement.”

Accompanying the powerful images are captions, often featuring the voice of the subject.

“Hi. My name is Erika. I have Neurofibromatosis type 2, (NF2), a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves, mainly in the brain and spine.
NF2 takes and continues taking, and while it does, we are left with physical losses like loss of vision, hearing and facial function, as well as less tangible ones like the loss of communicating with those we love, lost connections, relationships, and opportunities.
Many people don't talk about the importance of grieving these losses, just as one would grieve the loss of a loved one.
Processing grief is tiring and grueling but ultimately, it renews our strength. As we are thrown into yet another cycle of grief and loss, amidst surgeries, radiation, and drug trials, we find slivers of hope.
So, we keep going, adapting, evolving, and navigating the world we were not quite prepared for.
We celebrate life and advocate for ourselves and others. And though we continue to face the mental, physical, and emotional challenges, we don't do it alone.
We find and cherish our support systems—those who never left, but instead learned new ways to connect and communicate, held us up and never questioned our strength or our beauty, even if we might have done so, ourselves.”

Raiche was 18 months old when she was burnt in a house fire. Being a Black-British, female, burn survivor has come with its multiple narratives for Raiche. It is a story of marginalisation at multiple levels. A story of perceptions. “The way you look matters a lot in Black culture, so that was a long journey of acceptance for me… understanding, where I actually stand.
I felt like an outsider, but judgement was quick to come by from others as well. ‘Oh you don’t talk Black, you don’t act black,’ I was often reminded.”
Raiche and Catrin came together for this shoot so we could explore the concept of finding oneness in our differences. The role of finding our community, our tribe in helping us navigate the parody of life…to be… to feel… normal.
Together these two amazing women have and are continuing to help redefine “beauty” and normalize facial differences in this world.
I asked them what they feel about being called an “inspiration” every so often?
“Ya! Im living my best life. I wonder sometimes when people walk up to me and say I inspire them. While I am just living my life… I somehow inspire. I guess it’s because scars have a beautiful way of telling a story… a shared story of many commons.”

“I was told, my child won’t be born alive. At my 20 weeks pregnancy scan, she was diagnosed with a cystic hygroma—a fluid-filled sac that results from a blockage in the lymphatic system.
Doctors feared that the large cysts compressing her airways would potentially lead to fatal breathing problems at birth, and we were given the devastating news that Eden wouldn’t make it past the first day. But at 12:01 p.m. on August 9, 2016, miracle baby Eden defied all the odds and was delivered by C-section in a room full of doctors, pediatric surgeons and nurses. She was born with a lymphatic malformation in the form of a mass on her face and neck.
Five years and nearly 20 surgeries later, Eden has kept surprising doctors and defying the odds to become a perfect, happy, and beautiful little girl.
Since Eden was born, I have become her advocate in a bid to help kick the stigma of her visible difference and disability.
I won’t deny that unfortunately Eden has been subject to many nasty comments from trolls online about the way she looks.
But none of that will stop me from being my daughter’s voice, by standing up for Eden and everyone with a visible difference.” – Chelsea. Mother of Eden Sue (The girl who is “differently special”)

“I have a condition called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA Type 2.) I was diagnosed when I was 18 months old. Its a muscle wasting condition. So as I get older, I get weaker. So when I was around 15 years old, I went on a ventilator, full-time.
A lot of people think that it really gets me down. It did in the beginning but now I just get on with life. I have goals that I want to achieve!!
My 24-hour ventilator has not stopped me from becoming a model and educating people about disabilities. I just feel people need to understand that we are no different from you and so we should be treated the same way as you. We just need extra support.
Don’t be scared of using the word ‘disabled.’ Say ‘disabled.’ It is fine.
I try to educate people about disabilities through humor and through trends on Instagram and TikTok. Many of those posts do well. But I also get a lot of negative comments.
It gets a bit much sometimes. A lot of them are borderline death threats.
‘I am going to unplug your machine.’
‘I am going to push you down the stairs.’
But I get on with what I need to do. I express who I am… my body confidence… through the pictures I post with other people on social media. So that they feel confident in their bodies as well.
I just want to say: Disabled people do have fulfilling happy lives. So please don’t think of us as inspirations because we are happily getting on with our lives.”

September 2013, Sassy lost her sight to a deteriorating eye condition called Uveitis Iritis. The vision loss started at 14 and she lost major chunks of it by the time she was 16. Eight years ago, she went in for an eye operation with the knowledge that the results could go either way. Her eye had had so many operations on it earlier that it had become too weak and damaged and there was a high chance that it could not withstand another.
Yet, the eternal optimist—Sassy, went into the surgery with a positive mindset. Unfortunately, however, she came out of the surgery, with blood over her eye… which meant that no light could get in.
Once the blood subsided… Sassy could see light or what you can call “light perception.” She can tell day from night. But that is all!
When we went out for her photo session, I noticed Sassy looking toward the sky… Her beautiful eyes were chasing the light…
The next five years were a rollercoaster of emotions for Sassy.
“I have been diagnosed with depression. I have taken it out on people I care about the most. I get angry and frustrated. And there are days I have truly wished that I could turn back the clock and never have the operation. I want people reading this to know that no matter what, you are not alone and that you will come out on the other side. Because here I am… telling you this story… BECAUSE I GOT PAST IT!!” she says.
“For years I was tethering on the edge between two worlds. The sighted world and the blind world.
As my world became darker. More shadow than light… I was left behind.
I was still me, I wasn’t different, but to others I was. I had changed.
With my future distorting before my very own eyes, I didn’t know which path to take. But with each step, it became a triumph, a celebration, and a new milestone reached.
I face misconceptions, prejudice, and discrimination. But I also face love, support, compassion and inclusion.
I see the beauty everywhere I go. I hear the laughter and I feel the joy.
Now I stand out from the crowd and I shine.
I carry the weight of who I am with pride. Everything I want to be and everything I can be.” – Poem by @sassywyattofficial (The girl who sees light.)

Sujata Setia: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Sujata Setia.

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READ: Powerful Portraits Honor the Stories of People With Physical Differences