Tattoos Disappear

In a life-changing photography project, Steven Burton wants to genuinely transform the lives of ex-gang members in America, by helping them see the drastic difference in their appearance with & without tattoos.

Tattoos have always been a large part of gang culture, whether a status symbol or simply a tactic to appear intimidating, gang members often cover their entire bodies with ink, including their face. However, this can be problematic when they want out of the gang culture, and have aspirations to a normal, working life. There is significant stigma and prejudice that comes hand in hand with tattoos, and employers can be very unaccepting of this way of expressing yourself.

In his video, Burton digitally enhances photos of various ex-gang members to remove all tattoos, then shows them the dramatic effect it could have on their appearance. It provokes a visible emotion with the ex-criminals, who immediately understand the positive effect it could have on their lives, and reduces some of them to tears. The photos from the project will be printed and made into a book, which Burton is hoping to crowd fund using Kickstarter, in order to portray the effort these ex-criminals are making to make up for lost time and become decent members of society. Pretty cool project, and one that could really make a difference to some of these guys trying to get back on track.


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