My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago and underwent a full mastectomy, as soon as she was told by the doctor. She had decided that she’d rather live without her breasts and survive, than live with them and die. Although two of my aunts had previously had breast cancer , I had never of thought that cancer would affect myself or my closest family . Supporting my mother though breast cancer I realised that cancer doesn’t mean death as I had previously thought.

Many of us are not confronted with images of women without breasts. The fact that one ninth of women in the uk are affected by breast cancer means there must be someone in or at least closely related to, every family, who has experienced cancer. I feel that exposure to such images would encourage younger women to be more aware of their bodies.

I used personal ads in local shops, libraries and community centres to find women in the UK who had suffered from breast cancer. I received a considerable amount of interest and the resulting twelve portraits show a relationship of acceptance and trust between the subject and myself. I photographed each sitter in their own surroundings which reflect through their natural and confident appearance.

These portraits are about reaching for the essence of life and recognising that many of us only do this when we are confronted with our own mortality. We take our bodies for granted, abusing them without realising that our bodies are indeed weak and fragile and prone to disease .

These women’s breasts no longer serve as sexual fantasies , being either amputated, reduced , or covered in scars as a result of surgery. Despite their visual disability, these women stand by the body they live in and with. These women stand defiant. They are figures of strength , hope and incredible courage

The breast cancer portrait series is an on going project and therefore I am always looking to work with more women who have experienced breast cancer. If you or someone you know are interested in collaborating with me on some portraits, please contact me directly. My details are in the CONTACT section of the site.