National Portrait Prize
A portrait of Luke, a heavy metal frontman, exploring the space between outward identity and vulnerability.
As the lead singer and guitarist of a heavy metal band, Luke carries an image that comes with its own set of expectations — intensity, toughness and performance.
I wanted to photograph the person behind that persona. Stripped of the usual visual cues of the stage, Luke stands exposed and slightly vulnerable, while holding Nacoya, his black Pomeranian, close to him. The contrast is unexpected, but also completely natural.
The portrait is less about challenging a stereotype than revealing what sits alongside it: strength and softness, confidence and vulnerability, performance and intimacy.
Selected as a finalist in the National Photographic Portrait Prize.
