All my life I have struggled with a negative body image. Growing up as the chubby kid made me constantly aware of how I looked, how my clothes fit, and how my body just never seemed to reflect how I wanted to feel. These words are coming from a very confident 6'2, blond haired, blue eyed man that has never lead on to my partners that my body's appearance was ever a concern of mine. I have had so many people that have loved my body, told me how attractive I was, and yet it remained the one aspect of my persona that I refused to accept. That struggle which is all too common these days has inspired me to create this project.
"What I See" - Photo Exhibit
I am looking for couples off all ages/shapes/genders/ethnicities to volunteer in a photo-project to explore the differences in how we see our selves, versus how our partners see us. Both members of the couple don't have to be photographed, but both our welcome.
I will shoot the participating model(s) in a studio space, where they will be wearing only underwear in an emotionally safe, and comfortable environment. Through our dialogue, and under the model's direction I will shoot them in a way that will highlight the fears that they see in their body. Then, I will work with their partner as the director of the shoot to highlight all the things their partner absolutely loves. After that, each member of the couple will sit with me in a separate selection process to find the photo which captures their perspective. The photo that looks the most unsettling to the model, versus the photo that captures the truest beauty seen by their partner. These two photos will be presented side by side in a single portrait. Neither photo will be photoshopped in any way that will change the body's true form.
Shoot Details:
My goals is to submit this project to a variety of magazines, galleries, and online publications. Right now, I am unable to pay so this will be a volunteer project. However, I will have a percentage breakdown written into the image release contract which will stipulate how you will be paid if/when any money is made off of the photographs. That release form will be forwarded to you ahead of time, so you will be able to read through everything before the shoot.
How to Submit:
To submit, please send a photograph of you and your partner to the email listed on the ad. In the email, please include who will be participating as a model, and just a little bit about yourselves/what interests you in the project. My goal is to shoot as many people as I can, but time/resources are limited so the couples that are selected will be strictly for the purposes of enhancing the variety/theme of the shoot.
About Me:
Peter Berube is a professional photographer working in Los Angeles, and New York. He began his career in high school, where his first portfolio won him a Golden Key from the state of Connecticut in the 2001 Scholastic Art Awards. Over the years his work has been sold in galleries, and at major art events in Los Angeles. Peter continues to shoot freelance, and is regularly commissioned by actors, models, artists, and small businesses to enhance their marketability.
Photography Website:
www.PeterBerube.wix.com/Photography
Check out Peter's recently completed year long art project, The 52 Week Art Challenge!
www.52WeekArtChallenge.tumblr.com
