Ashton: A Body's Journey Through the Duality of Strength & Fragility

Ashton and I worked together in the studio on documentation and explorations of his transitioning body. Through weight loss, strength training, cancer, hormones and top surgery he had a new self to discover. He put a huge amount o f trust in me and it allowed us to find an intimate flow in our sessions. As a photographer I wanted to push past just a headshot or seated portrait. I wanted to show Ashton the classical beauty to be found in this new body. This series reflects a deep dive into mental health, gender dysphoria and self-image. After getting to know Ashton and his incredibly difficult transition journey I felt as though using the metaphors of light, reflection and balance around all that had happened with and within him and his body could be a way to look past the darkness. It was meant to illuminate the body's journey of duality of strength and fragility.