I had the chance to bring something bold, intimate, and unapologetically expressive to life — a tattoo and fashion-themed photo session in the heart of Portland, Oregon. From the initial sparks of inspiration to the final shutter click, this shoot was all about honoring self-expression through ink, fabric, and attitude.

The Vision: Turning Ink into Art

Every great session starts with intention. For this one, we wanted to capture not just the look of tattoos, but the stories they represent — the resilience, rebellion, transformation, and identity they carry. Pairing that with edgy, all-black fashion pieces gave us a sleek, editorial aesthetic grounded in authenticity.

Before touching the camera, we spent time developing a mood board that would guide our lighting, poses, and emotional tone. Using Pinterest and old zines as a foundation, we curated a blend of inspiration that pulled from street fashion, underground tattoo culture, and high-contrast editorial spreads. Words like “grit,” “elegance,” and “power” shaped the concept.

Behind the Scenes: Creating the Experience

The session started at the First Congregational United Church of Christ  in downtown Portland. I collaborated with a few amazing individuals from Portland's tattoo and alternative fashion communities, each bringing their own energy and style to the shoot. From there, I moved to the waterfront of downtown Vancouver, WA.

I focused on -

  • Soft and direct lighting to highlight skin textures and ink details
  • Monochrome palettes — mostly blacks, leather, mesh, and minimal accessories
  • Candid moments in between poses to bring out authenticity and vulnerability

The models' tattoos weren’t just decorations — they were conversation starters. Each piece had a history, and those stories shaped how we framed each portrait. Some were sharp and intimate. Others leaned into motion and attitude, mirroring the fluid nature of fashion and body art.

What This Shoot Means to Me

This wasn’t just another photoshoot — it was a celebration of bodies as canvases and clothing as armor. I believe photography is about glorifying your truth, whether that’s in cosplay, family events, or edgy, inked-up fashion sessions like this one.

Portland gave us the perfect atmosphere to experiment, collaborate, and honor the unique intersection of style and self-expression. And from the glowing feedback of the models to the richness of the final shots, we know we captured something real.

A model with vibrant red hair poses outdoors wearing a black cape dress and patterned tights.
Colorful graffiti artwork spans across multiple segments of a wall with vibrant red, green and yellow designs.
A Gothic figure poses dramatically against an ornate stone archway in a lush green park setting.
Colorful floral tattoo design featuring orange and yellow flowers with green leaves on skin.
A gothic-styled outfit featuring a black cape dress, patterned tights and boots against an urban backdrop.
A person with gray hair in a bun and glasses smiles while showing off a vibrant sunflower shoulder tattoo outdoors.
A gothic style portrait showing long red hair and black clothing with visible tattoo sleeve.
A dramatic portrait taken at a vintage stone gazebo surrounded by lush green trees.
A person in a black dress with bright red hair and arm tattoos poses against a blurred green background.
A person wearing black clothing with vibrant red hair and tattoos poses artistically outdoors.
Artistic portrait showcasing vibrant red hair, a black dress, and an ornate sleeve tattoo in an outdoor setting.
A fashion portrait showcasing long red hair, black dress and floral arm tattoo against urban backdrop.
A person in black attire with flowing red hair leans on a railing against green foliage.