A year ago, photographer Chesterfield Hector began an ambitious endeavor to capture the vastly different skin tones of people around the world. “Coming from a family where everyone was a different shade,” he tells us in an email, “I have always found the variation in skin tones very interesting.” Now, he’s photographed nearly 50 people who each have their own unique complexion. The resulting images are part of his aptly-titled project called Skin Tones.
From chocolate brown to light peach, Hector has captured an impressive array of colors. Each of the models pose against a similarly neutral backdrop that bathes the scenes in rich, luscious tones. “Beauty comes in every shade,” Hector writes, and he sees Skin Tones as a form of empowerment for everyone—that it’s alright to be comfortable with who you are. The sentiment comes at the right time. “I think this message is extremely relevant given the recent increase in xenophobic attitudes,” Hector continues. “We live in a world where it has become commonplace for world leaders to use hateful rhetoric to divide society.”
Skin Tones is just beginning. Currently, Hector has photographed a lot of professional models, but he plans on capturing more portraits that represent different ages and body types. The project is now being made into a book that you can pre-order through Hector’s Kickstarter campaign until October 2, 2017.
Chesterfield Hector celebrates the diversity of skin tones through his studio portrait photography.
Through a project called Skin Tones, the models represent an array of colors.
From chocolate brown to light peach, it’s a reminder that beauty comes in every shade.
Chesterfield Hector: Website | Instagram | Kickstarter
My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Chesterfield Hector.
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