The project continually evolved. With each new model came a story of why they wanted to volunteer. Some stories were whimsical or
funny. Others were sad or heroic. But, it became important to me to give them a voice through a photograph.
Several volunteers were doing the project because they didn’t want to hide their scars any longer. Meanwhile, others were afraid they
would be excluded because of tattoos and piercings.
It quickly became apparent that body acceptance was not only about size and shape. It was about how life changes us, and how some
of us choose to re-create ourselves.
The very act of living changes us. Scars, tattoos, piercings and other visible markings become as much a part of “us” as the color of our
eyes, or the shape of our noses.
funny. Others were sad or heroic. But, it became important to me to give them a voice through a photograph.
Several volunteers were doing the project because they didn’t want to hide their scars any longer. Meanwhile, others were afraid they
would be excluded because of tattoos and piercings.
It quickly became apparent that body acceptance was not only about size and shape. It was about how life changes us, and how some
of us choose to re-create ourselves.
The very act of living changes us. Scars, tattoos, piercings and other visible markings become as much a part of “us” as the color of our
eyes, or the shape of our noses.
The philosophy behind this project is a simple one. The modern media creates a false idea of beauty. It sets unrealistic standards that can
never be met. With special lighting, full body make-up, and photo editing, models are transformed into perfection. As we are bombarded
with these unreal images, our self-esteems diminish.
This project was conceived, as a way to prove that being human means diversity, imperfection, and uniqueness. We come in all shapes
and sizes. And, there is nothing wrong with that.
Ultimately, my goal is to include at least 99 men and 99 women. Each model will be shot with simple cross lighting, with a black
background. The photos will be edited together to form a continuous seamless line of human form.
Anonymity quickly became an issue. Many of the volunteers didn’t want to be identified. Some work in conservative career fields, and
other had personal or familial reasons to remain anonymous. Hence, all models are given a mask to wear. For consistency reasons,
regardless if a model wants to remain anonymous or not, all models are asked to wear a mask.
never be met. With special lighting, full body make-up, and photo editing, models are transformed into perfection. As we are bombarded
with these unreal images, our self-esteems diminish.
This project was conceived, as a way to prove that being human means diversity, imperfection, and uniqueness. We come in all shapes
and sizes. And, there is nothing wrong with that.
Ultimately, my goal is to include at least 99 men and 99 women. Each model will be shot with simple cross lighting, with a black
background. The photos will be edited together to form a continuous seamless line of human form.
Anonymity quickly became an issue. Many of the volunteers didn’t want to be identified. Some work in conservative career fields, and
other had personal or familial reasons to remain anonymous. Hence, all models are given a mask to wear. For consistency reasons,
regardless if a model wants to remain anonymous or not, all models are asked to wear a mask.
I began the project by photographing my friends that agreed with the concept. There was already an immediate diversity. So, I sought out
more volunteers to create a better range.
What started out as a simple idea, quickly escalated into a massive project. Each new volunteer helped prove the concept. And, their
stories helped refine it and give it meaning.
The models you see are everyday people, just like you. They come from ordinary backgrounds, jobs, and neighborhoods. They have
scars, birthmarks, and real bodies
Families played an important part in this series. Brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers have participated. In one case, four generations of
one family are present. And there are several pregnant woman and mothers with their babies.
With each new person, the lines between what we think we should look like, and what we really look like becomes blurred. There is less
and less uniformity. Our imperfections become common and far less intimidating.
more volunteers to create a better range.
What started out as a simple idea, quickly escalated into a massive project. Each new volunteer helped prove the concept. And, their
stories helped refine it and give it meaning.
The models you see are everyday people, just like you. They come from ordinary backgrounds, jobs, and neighborhoods. They have
scars, birthmarks, and real bodies
Families played an important part in this series. Brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers have participated. In one case, four generations of
one family are present. And there are several pregnant woman and mothers with their babies.
With each new person, the lines between what we think we should look like, and what we really look like becomes blurred. There is less
and less uniformity. Our imperfections become common and far less intimidating.
| “I try hard to not think of myself as fat, but sometimes it's tough when bombarded with "ideals" of what a woman is "supposed" to look like. We know this already, yes? ~ #54 |
“I needed to drop the cloth that covers me in society, so I jumped at the chance to dance naked in the woods, so to speak.” ~ #58 |
“At the base of it all is a fear of being seen, even if only by random strangers, with no clothing to hide behind. That's the truly scary part...being left naked to stand with the question "What am I supposed to be ashamed of?" The Human Spectrum Series is one great way to look humanity straight in the face and say "Absolutely nothing." ~ #12 |
The Human Spectrum Series
| The Journey |
Redefining the Series
Volunteering for this project is no small feat. It means being captured in your most vulnerable state. It is an incredibly brave
commitment. But, the project can only continue with the support of people like you.
The series you see here is only the beginning. The project is always growing and adapting. Its numbers continue to grow. Its statement
becomes stronger with each new volunteer. And, this is your chance to become a part of it.
If you would like to volunteer for this important project, I am always looking for models. My contact information can be found on my
contact page. Also, if you know somebody that might be interested, please refer them to my website, or request printed material to be
mailed to them.
The photography sessions are quick and simple. To aid anonymity, all models wear a plain mask, and numbers are used instead of
names.
If you would like to collaborate on other photography, please also contact me through the information on my contact page. I am
always looking for creative people to work with.
My philosophy towards my other photography is the same is with The Human Spectrum Series. I am not only looking for the typical
“model.” Beauty is in all people.
Thank you,
John Gross
commitment. But, the project can only continue with the support of people like you.
The series you see here is only the beginning. The project is always growing and adapting. Its numbers continue to grow. Its statement
becomes stronger with each new volunteer. And, this is your chance to become a part of it.
If you would like to volunteer for this important project, I am always looking for models. My contact information can be found on my
contact page. Also, if you know somebody that might be interested, please refer them to my website, or request printed material to be
mailed to them.
The photography sessions are quick and simple. To aid anonymity, all models wear a plain mask, and numbers are used instead of
names.
If you would like to collaborate on other photography, please also contact me through the information on my contact page. I am
always looking for creative people to work with.
My philosophy towards my other photography is the same is with The Human Spectrum Series. I am not only looking for the typical
“model.” Beauty is in all people.
Thank you,
John Gross
Brave Enough to Volunteer?
| Spider Shaman Photography |
| Copyright John Gross |
| CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE |