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Photographer Reveals What Hides Under Tattooed People’s Everyday Clothes
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Photographer Reveals What Hides Under Tattooed People’s Everyday Clothes

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People who love to get tattoos come in all different shapes and sizes, which London-based professional photographer Alan Powdrill proves in his new Covered photo series. The people in his series, many of whom are covered in cool tattoos chin-to-toe, are all walking, breathing works of art.

To drive the point home, each of Powdrill’s interesting photos comes with a brief comment from the sitter about their history with tattoos. Some are extraordinarily late bloomers who started getting tattoos at 40 or 50, while some are life-long enthusiasts who’ve been getting unique tattoos since before they were of legal age.

Powdrill has tons of great portrait photography shots of interesting people in his portfolio, so if you like this photo series, be sure to check out his other work on his website! His photos will be on display in London on November 11th as well, so if you’ll be in the city, check out his site for more info.

More info: alanpowdrill.com | Facebook | Twitter (h/t: ufunk)

Graham, 58

“I was 51 when I started and my father was already dead and my mum didn’t say anything as she was in the early stages of dementia”

Lillianna, 23

“I don’t feel my opinion will change on my tattoos, I doubt I’ll have any regrets regardless of my age”

Dave, 66

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“I started in 1963 when I was 14 and I don’t think I’ll ever stop”

Victoria, 37

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“My tattoos are part of who I am and I’ll always love my bodysuit now and when I’m 80. The love I get for what I look like is what it’s all about”

Alex, 49

“Me mum wasn’t happy at all about the swallow on my hand so I said ‘Look mum it’s not like I’m on the street doing heroin”

Izzy, 48

“I love being different and everyday I’m asked about them. Good tattoos aren’t cheap, cheap tattoos are not good”

James, 33

“I was 16 and got a small lizard on my hip. My parents said ‘how would I ever get a job!'”

Kimmy, 29

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“My Kiss tattoos are my favourites, the pain was incredible but it feels good to show my ultimate dedication to the band”

Peter, 38

“They have given me confidence in life since my Crohn’s illness, I will love them in the future like I do now”

Michelle, 53

“Can’t say what age I’ll stop. While there’s still space to fill, It’ll get filled. I don’t think my attitude will ever change”

Bill, 59

“I love the fact I’m middle aged, have a professional job, am surrounded by straight people and I have ‘No Fucking Way’ tattoed on my chest”

Patrick, 34

“My first tattoo was at 13 and was a secret for 10 years. It’s a part of me and I’m never going to get old”

Chris, 25

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“If I ever forget who I am I take my clothes off and look in the mirror and find out who I am again”

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Kenny, 27

“I love my tattoos, it’s a way of life and part of me. I’ll carry on getting them for as long as I can”

Ness, 40

“I’m loving how they change as my body gets older and the creases and wrinkles change how they look When I’ve got no space below my neck I’ll stop”

Simon, 47

“As long as I get to the toilet and piss on my own, I don’t care what I look like when I’m older. I never intended to get this many but I had an addictive personality”

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Dovas

Dovas

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There is a beast with heart of cold stone that dashes like lightning, shreds flesh from bone. // Bewitched by this beast, I fell to my knees. My mouth babbled madness and mumbled soft pleas. // I stared down the ravenous, gnashing dark maw of a cute cuddly kitten with yarn in its paw

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Dovas

Dovas

Author, Community member

There is a beast with heart of cold stone that dashes like lightning, shreds flesh from bone. // Bewitched by this beast, I fell to my knees. My mouth babbled madness and mumbled soft pleas. // I stared down the ravenous, gnashing dark maw of a cute cuddly kitten with yarn in its paw

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martha.donaldson.980 avatar
MarthaDonaldson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They look so unhappy! I guess the photographer told them not to smile.

nk_javalava avatar
MeeLin
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

of course they did not smile ! at the 1st they wore complete cloth + jacket + scarf , and for the next they should show their whole tattooed body . brrrrrr :D

Load More Replies...
jane_summerlott avatar
JaneSummerlott
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love my tattoos, and excellent one's are mobile art. So skin me when it's over, I won't feel it.

incognitushumanum avatar
JeanneDeaux
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“I was 16 and got a small lizard on my hip. My parents said ‘how would I ever get a job!'” Wait... What kind of job did your parents thought you would search for to be bothered by a HIP tattoo? Parents can be so funny sometimes.

joanne_klein_520 avatar
JoAnneKlein
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While I like tats, my opinion is that most of these folks have overdone it and therefore destroyed the actual art. Cramming too many tats on one body is not appealing (to me). The one exception in these photos are Graham's tats. They are beautiful and well done. Again, just my opinion. However, at 78, I have no desire to even get one tat... I'll leave it all up to the younger generation...

Michelle_Kimpton avatar
MichelleKimpton
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm also on the photos and the same artist did mine and graham's so I don't see how graham's ink can look any better.

Load More Replies...
glynislailann avatar
GlynisLailann
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interesting study - 'Jekyll & Hyde'. Now it will make me wonder what other people look like without their clothes.

contact_47 avatar
AaronO'Sullivan
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great photo montage but it wouldn't work here in Australia, it would be just too hot too often to be that covered up. It's interesting just how many layers some of these people have to wear to cover their tattoos, and even then a couple of the still had tattoos showing. Not sure how some of these people would go getting jobs in Australia, there are still taboos (and enforceable rules) around visible tattoos - http://tattsamistake.com/?s=visible+tattoos

xxxkiniaxxx avatar
martinw avatar
janispagel avatar
Jan Pagel
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The. Content of Boredpanda is being shared by a fraudulent facebook page called Gizmo's Frenss. It is a page that hacked other sites to steal the followers. Please complain to Facebook if Gizmo's Frenss has inappropriately taken your intellectual property and posted on their fraudulent page.

toxickitty6 avatar
Caroline Williams
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely beautiful, I love the variety!, who needs to go to a gallery when there are beautifully tattooed people like this walking around!:) xx

martinw avatar
Martin
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I call BS on the clothing, they all look new and off the rack, something tells me this ain't what they dress like everyday... and everyone is woefully out of shape, and the skinny guys look like they never lifted a weight, are there no gyms in GB??

Michelle_Kimpton avatar
MichelleKimpton
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like I said in a previous comment I'm also on the photos and the clothes are our own and yes I do wear that type of clothing .

Load More Replies...
littlegrove1110 avatar
ElizabethButler
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

George R R Martin wrote a novel about a culture on a strange planet where everyone spent their lives getting these, and when they die, their skins are preserved. Do not remember the title as it was long ago, but the idea is in my head forever.

ikklechick avatar
NessWatson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They sometimes did this when Yakuza had body suits. Some of these preserved skins can be found in private collections or some museums :)

Load More Replies...
spholmes999 avatar
martinw avatar
Martin
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't believe someone would downvote this, Its a compliment if you ask me... Hordor is hung like an elephant

Load More Replies...
s_v_spiro avatar
ScottSpiro
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These people are actually more attractive with their clothing on.

cathybinder avatar
CathyBinder
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

bill is impishly adorable. he looks like he could get in a bit of trouble... in a very good way.

kathytastet avatar
Kathy Tastet
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do not like this . its so trashy such a waste of money .if god wanted us have tattoo he paint on us. this is crazy.

emmabakunin1 avatar
emmabakunin1
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They should direct some of that effort away from the ink and onto the canvas, if you know what I mean.

ikklechick avatar
Ness Watson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe I work on canvas usually and then let OTHER people work on my skin canvas. Why does it matter???

Load More Replies...
abrouchkova avatar
AliNa
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't see wrong about tattoos and nothing great either. Maybe they have some meaning in non Western cultures and subcultures but not for "regular" folks

gunwanto avatar
gunwanto
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the background of "Lillianna, 23" is photoshoped, see the woman in mini skirt.

don_l_guild avatar
DonGuild
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Way to much, I find them gross when there is over kill

martinw avatar
Martin
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same here... its like ODing on it, I don't get the giant black ones like Simons [last one], whats the point.

Load More Replies...
arjan_vanmourik_946 avatar
Arjan
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of faking going on. Probably half of these are composed where the model is studio shot. All the winter clothing seems forced and not the everyday outfit that is claimed, several background show people wearing summer cloths.

giustizia avatar
JustynaL.
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think i'd like them better without tattoos. some tattoos are very pretty (like my friend has an awesome wolf's head in grey and white), but i don't like these and there are so many, that i see one melted mass instead of pretty pictures.

ms_monimise avatar
emheist avatar
ikklechick avatar
NessWatson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only if you keep your ugly opinions to yourself Elaine, I think that is a fair deal, right?

Load More Replies...
Mady_Reber avatar
MadeleineReber
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Yuck!! Thank-you for keeping your clothes on! (Lilianna was photo shopped in unless that woman in the background us a statue )

ikklechick avatar
NessWatson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NO photoshop. Not at all. Just absolute brilliant photography out in the open and near winter

Load More Replies...
lgrg04 avatar
Baked_Potato
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I'm a little disturbed by the fact that people were walking by in public as they took these photos, I mean they are naked...

profagbaje avatar
DadaEyo
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

yuck, complete & utter rubbish attempt at nudity - epic fails!!!!!!!

moyesandree avatar
MoyesAndree
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

My Name is Rhonda i am here to testify about Dr Abu,he is the best thing that has even happened to me in this life, he brought back my ex bf after 4 months of separation i have tried so many people but they could not help but Dr Abu did it for me, I am so happy, If you are having issues in your relationship don't bother anymore just contact Dr Abu for help. email.. ABUSPELLHOME@HOTMAIL.COM, thanks dr Abu love u.. Contact him...ABUSPELLHOME@HOTMAIL.COM (1) If you want your ex back (2) if you always have bad dreams. (3) You want to be promoted in your office. (4) You want women/men to run after you. (5) If you want a child. (6) You want to be rich. (7) You want to tie your husband/wife to be yours forever. (8) If you need financial assistance. (9) Herbal care (10) If you can't be able to satisfy your wife sex desire due or low err action. (11) if your menstruation refuse to come out the day it suppose or over flows. (12) if your work refuse to pay you, people owing you?. (13) solve a

martha.donaldson.980 avatar
MarthaDonaldson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They look so unhappy! I guess the photographer told them not to smile.

nk_javalava avatar
MeeLin
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

of course they did not smile ! at the 1st they wore complete cloth + jacket + scarf , and for the next they should show their whole tattooed body . brrrrrr :D

Load More Replies...
jane_summerlott avatar
JaneSummerlott
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love my tattoos, and excellent one's are mobile art. So skin me when it's over, I won't feel it.

incognitushumanum avatar
JeanneDeaux
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“I was 16 and got a small lizard on my hip. My parents said ‘how would I ever get a job!'” Wait... What kind of job did your parents thought you would search for to be bothered by a HIP tattoo? Parents can be so funny sometimes.

joanne_klein_520 avatar
JoAnneKlein
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While I like tats, my opinion is that most of these folks have overdone it and therefore destroyed the actual art. Cramming too many tats on one body is not appealing (to me). The one exception in these photos are Graham's tats. They are beautiful and well done. Again, just my opinion. However, at 78, I have no desire to even get one tat... I'll leave it all up to the younger generation...

Michelle_Kimpton avatar
MichelleKimpton
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm also on the photos and the same artist did mine and graham's so I don't see how graham's ink can look any better.

Load More Replies...
glynislailann avatar
GlynisLailann
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interesting study - 'Jekyll & Hyde'. Now it will make me wonder what other people look like without their clothes.

contact_47 avatar
AaronO'Sullivan
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great photo montage but it wouldn't work here in Australia, it would be just too hot too often to be that covered up. It's interesting just how many layers some of these people have to wear to cover their tattoos, and even then a couple of the still had tattoos showing. Not sure how some of these people would go getting jobs in Australia, there are still taboos (and enforceable rules) around visible tattoos - http://tattsamistake.com/?s=visible+tattoos

xxxkiniaxxx avatar
martinw avatar
janispagel avatar
Jan Pagel
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The. Content of Boredpanda is being shared by a fraudulent facebook page called Gizmo's Frenss. It is a page that hacked other sites to steal the followers. Please complain to Facebook if Gizmo's Frenss has inappropriately taken your intellectual property and posted on their fraudulent page.

toxickitty6 avatar
Caroline Williams
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely beautiful, I love the variety!, who needs to go to a gallery when there are beautifully tattooed people like this walking around!:) xx

martinw avatar
Martin
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I call BS on the clothing, they all look new and off the rack, something tells me this ain't what they dress like everyday... and everyone is woefully out of shape, and the skinny guys look like they never lifted a weight, are there no gyms in GB??

Michelle_Kimpton avatar
MichelleKimpton
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like I said in a previous comment I'm also on the photos and the clothes are our own and yes I do wear that type of clothing .

Load More Replies...
littlegrove1110 avatar
ElizabethButler
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

George R R Martin wrote a novel about a culture on a strange planet where everyone spent their lives getting these, and when they die, their skins are preserved. Do not remember the title as it was long ago, but the idea is in my head forever.

ikklechick avatar
NessWatson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They sometimes did this when Yakuza had body suits. Some of these preserved skins can be found in private collections or some museums :)

Load More Replies...
spholmes999 avatar
martinw avatar
Martin
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't believe someone would downvote this, Its a compliment if you ask me... Hordor is hung like an elephant

Load More Replies...
s_v_spiro avatar
ScottSpiro
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These people are actually more attractive with their clothing on.

cathybinder avatar
CathyBinder
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

bill is impishly adorable. he looks like he could get in a bit of trouble... in a very good way.

kathytastet avatar
Kathy Tastet
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do not like this . its so trashy such a waste of money .if god wanted us have tattoo he paint on us. this is crazy.

emmabakunin1 avatar
emmabakunin1
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They should direct some of that effort away from the ink and onto the canvas, if you know what I mean.

ikklechick avatar
Ness Watson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe I work on canvas usually and then let OTHER people work on my skin canvas. Why does it matter???

Load More Replies...
abrouchkova avatar
AliNa
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't see wrong about tattoos and nothing great either. Maybe they have some meaning in non Western cultures and subcultures but not for "regular" folks

gunwanto avatar
gunwanto
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the background of "Lillianna, 23" is photoshoped, see the woman in mini skirt.

don_l_guild avatar
DonGuild
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Way to much, I find them gross when there is over kill

martinw avatar
Martin
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same here... its like ODing on it, I don't get the giant black ones like Simons [last one], whats the point.

Load More Replies...
arjan_vanmourik_946 avatar
Arjan
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of faking going on. Probably half of these are composed where the model is studio shot. All the winter clothing seems forced and not the everyday outfit that is claimed, several background show people wearing summer cloths.

giustizia avatar
JustynaL.
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think i'd like them better without tattoos. some tattoos are very pretty (like my friend has an awesome wolf's head in grey and white), but i don't like these and there are so many, that i see one melted mass instead of pretty pictures.

ms_monimise avatar
emheist avatar
ikklechick avatar
NessWatson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only if you keep your ugly opinions to yourself Elaine, I think that is a fair deal, right?

Load More Replies...
Mady_Reber avatar
MadeleineReber
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Yuck!! Thank-you for keeping your clothes on! (Lilianna was photo shopped in unless that woman in the background us a statue )

ikklechick avatar
NessWatson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NO photoshop. Not at all. Just absolute brilliant photography out in the open and near winter

Load More Replies...
lgrg04 avatar
Baked_Potato
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I'm a little disturbed by the fact that people were walking by in public as they took these photos, I mean they are naked...

profagbaje avatar
DadaEyo
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

yuck, complete & utter rubbish attempt at nudity - epic fails!!!!!!!

moyesandree avatar
MoyesAndree
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

My Name is Rhonda i am here to testify about Dr Abu,he is the best thing that has even happened to me in this life, he brought back my ex bf after 4 months of separation i have tried so many people but they could not help but Dr Abu did it for me, I am so happy, If you are having issues in your relationship don't bother anymore just contact Dr Abu for help. email.. ABUSPELLHOME@HOTMAIL.COM, thanks dr Abu love u.. Contact him...ABUSPELLHOME@HOTMAIL.COM (1) If you want your ex back (2) if you always have bad dreams. (3) You want to be promoted in your office. (4) You want women/men to run after you. (5) If you want a child. (6) You want to be rich. (7) You want to tie your husband/wife to be yours forever. (8) If you need financial assistance. (9) Herbal care (10) If you can't be able to satisfy your wife sex desire due or low err action. (11) if your menstruation refuse to come out the day it suppose or over flows. (12) if your work refuse to pay you, people owing you?. (13) solve a

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