Ink & Story: A Passion Project Honoring Tattooed Women Over 40

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder—but I believe it’s also carved in the ink, etched into the skin, and lived in the stories behind every tattoo.

Ink & Story is my latest passion project, a tribute to women over 40 who wear their ink with pride, mystery, and meaning. This series is about more than just tattoos—it's about the power, resilience, and quiet defiance that lives within every line and shade.

Each portrait is photographed exclusively in black and white, using high-contrast, moody lighting to strip away the distractions and let raw beauty speak for itself. No color, no filters—just real women, real stories, and the art they carry on their skin.

Every participant is carefully selected through an interview process to ensure a strong connection with the project’s spirit. Once someone is chosen, we collaborate on a photo session that reflects her individuality—whether in the studio, at home, or out in the world. Alongside the portrait session, each woman sits down for an on-camera interview, sharing the personal meaning behind her ink.

The first woman I photographed is a seasoned drag racer who’s been burning rubber for over two decades. With a look as fierce as her engine, she’s supported by a husband who’s never raced a day in his life, yet has always stood behind her. Because of her public presence, she chose to remain off-camera for future interviews—but her strength and spirit perfectly represent what Ink & Story is all about.

To broaden the conversation, we’re also taking to the streets—filming candid, documentary-style interviews with the public about their perceptions of tattoos. These unscripted conversations will be woven together with our in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes footage into a short film that will be released online across multiple platforms.

The final goal? To photograph 40 extraordinary women and host an immersive evening exhibition—location to be announced—featuring large-format wall art and a curated screening of a 12-minute cut from the Ink & Story documentary.

This is more than a photo series. It’s a celebration of identity, age, ink, and womanhood.