It is a difficult world as it is with our normal lives and looks. We are prisoners of a few templates on how we should appear. We survive if we conform. But there are many who do not, those who have refused to hide behind a self-imposed veil. They have borne their pain with fortitude. They chose to open up, inspiring many.
An inspiring photographer from London, Sophie Mayenne, started a beautiful photo project called ‘Behind The Scars‘. The project is about people with unique scars and their stories behind them.
Here are 33 photos that Sophie captured for her unique scars photo project.
1. Mercy
Mercy, a victim of domestic abuse had a painful struggle history regarding her scars. She was burnt because of a fire that was caused by domestic abuse. But, instead, she chose to consider the burn marks a part of her identity. She thinks that she would stand redeemed if anyone benefits from her opening up.
2. Isabella
Isabella was trapped in a fire that singed her skin but could not scar her spirits. She feels that the incident has made her feel more beautiful and definitely stronger.
3. Agnes
The soulful eyes tell the story of a superhuman struggle to regain a life blown apart after an explosion at the tender age of seven. Agnes has always considered the scars an intrinsic part of her body.
4. Maya
Maya has had to cope with a painful skin condition since childhood. She has opened up despite the pain and feels that it will boost the confidence of others who suffer from a similar life-threatening condition.
5. Chloe
Chloe is a victim of her troubled soul. The scars are self-inflicted but now she considers them as a part of her life story.
6. Zuzanna
An accident led to the discovery that Abi had bone cancer. Her work among abused women and children and her spirituality helped her get through.
Zuzanna is a victim of an operation that went wrong. She has managed to shed the negative connotation with her physical condition. She has discovered the real her.
7. Ami
8. Bintu
A childhood accident scarred her forever. She thought that scars are something that everyone has. She has never let that come in her way.
9. Sam
A self-inflicted bullet injury as a teen left Sam confined to wheelchair life. Her life revolves around real people. She exhorts all to accept them as they are, no limitations whatsoever.
10. Leo
A victim of a freak accident, Leo had to face the double indignity of being taken for a criminal due to the scars. But he has soldiered on.
11. Isabella
The wounds are still raw for Isabella and she has yet to come to terms with her scars. But she resolves to fight on.
12. Barbara
Barbara feels that the inhuman pain she had to suffer for the vicious form of cancer is a testimony to her courage and fortitude.
13. Iris
A fire accident robbed Iris of two fingers in her right hand. But that turned her into a fighter.
14. Jamie
Jamie had to endure painful operations to correct a digestive disorder and has learned to appreciate life fully.
15. Lucia
A heart too big has led to a large heart, literally and physically. She had had multiple open heart surgeries. The scar is beautiful for her, not ugly. It has helped Lucia open up to others.
16. Michelle
Almost everything about her body was wrong, to begin with. But that has not prevented Michelle from contributing to help others overcome the pain and stigma attached.
17. Ellen
Ellen had to endure multiple operations for her foot condition but, of late, she has accepted her scars.
18. Hannah
Hannah is still on a journey of acceptance as she gradually comes to embrace the small joys of life.
19. Tracey
Tracey’s journey has been a series of visits to the hospital but she has fought through with her fortitude.
20. Isabella
Trapped in a fire, Isabella has not let her spirits be trapped inside.
21. Yasmin
Yasmin is thankful that her body has held up to the torture inflicted over five years as she endured multiple operations.
22. Nell
Nell had been under an induced coma for 90 days and has fought through against a rare form of pneumonia. Her belief saw her through.
23. Hebe
Hebe rediscovered the capabilities of her body and feels proud and liberated.
24. Adele
Adele also endured multiple bone transplants for his bone cancer and came out stronger.
25. Jessica
Jessica suffered multi-organ injuries in a car accident. She pulled through despite it all. She considers the scars as tattoos that represent a new chapter in her life.
26. David
David overcame psychological issues but the scars remain.
27. Hannah
Hannah considers her skin a kaleidoscope of every form of scars imaginable but she has risen above them.
28. Blanca
Blanca sports a long scar as a result of a broken femur. The trauma has made her patient and made her accept life as it comes.
29. Aimme
Aimee almost had to give up on her passion for dancing after multiple surgeries but came back.
30. Jessica
Jessica has learned to live with a deformed breast.
31. Megan
Megan carries the marks from an accident as a jewel and does not accept that beauty is only about conformity.
32. Silje
Silje has not let the scars left by chemotherapy demoralize her.
33. Ashleigh
Ashleigh feels that the self-inflicted scars on her hands need not be hidden as they only further the feeling of guilt.
