Unmasked

This series of photos was heavily influenced by Peter Lindbergh’s “naked” photographs for the 2017 Pirelli Calendar. Rather than concentrate on his subjects’ bodies, as prior Pirelli calendars did, Lindbergh focused mainly on their faces in a series of timeless and revealing portraits. I admire Lindbergh’s commitment to capturing a woman’s true beauty, regardless of age, without glamorous locations, extraneous props, jewellery, heavy make-up, dazzling wardrobes or, most importantly, post-production editing. 

“Unmasked” emulates Lindbergh’s style. These black and white portraits of mature women, without adornment or retouching, showcase their natural beauty and inner strength at their current stage in life. Breaking through each’s insecurities and inhibitions, and garnering her trust to be open and “naked”, was my absolute privilege.

Terri Williams

"And I approached them saying, you know, I want to do something which is like a cry against the terror of perfection and youth."  Peter Lindbergh, talking about shooting the Pirelli Calendar, 2017