Ink & Story

Help Bring “Ink & Story” to Life – A Documentary and Photo Project Celebrating Women's Tattoo Stories

Hi, I’m Donovan Vaughan — a portrait photographer, documentary filmmaker, and founder of Dark Reveal Photography. I’m creating a powerful, personal project called Ink & Story — a photographic and video journey celebrating women over 40 with tattoos and the stories behind their ink.

This project is about so much more than just beautiful images. It’s about honoring life experiences, resilience, identity, and the unique journeys these women carry on their skin. It’s about giving them space to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

I’ve previously directed a documentary that brought awareness to human trafficking in Central Oregon, which you can watch here: https://youtu.be/5yOj7FQGn2k?si=JahlbukvfQF0qYGG. Telling real, impactful stories is my mission — and Ink & Story is my next step in doing that.

What Makes This Project Special:

Alongside stunning black and white portraits, I am creating a documentary film that will:

  • Feature video interviews with the tattooed women sharing their personal stories

  • Include on-the-street interviews capturing public opinions and reactions to tattoos

  • Showcase conversations with tattoo artists about their craft, their clients, and the cultural meaning behind tattoos

  • Dive into the deeper stories behind each piece of ink, beyond what meets the eye

    Why I'm Reaching Out:

    As part of my creative process, I’m looking for a few subjects to help me shape the flow of the project. This would involve a photoshoot (in black & white) and an informal interview about your tattoos. It will also allow me to test the technical and creative aspects of the shoot, ensuring that the final product reflects the intimacy and depth that this project aims to convey.

    What You’ll Receive:

    A portrait session with a focus on your tattoos and personal story
    3 web-resolution digital images of your photos
    A chance to be featured in the final "Ink & Story" project, which will be showcased in a gallery exhibition and online.
    A Matted Print which will be revealed at the exhibition.(Yours to purchase to cover the cost of the print)


What I’m Looking For:

Women aged 40+ with at least one visible tattoo
An openness to share your personal tattoo stories in a relaxed interview setting
If you’re interested or have any questions, please let me know! I'd love to discuss how we can collaborate and make sure this project aligns with your vision and comfort level.

Thank you for considering being a part of this exciting project!