âBare Bonesâ
Who are we, really?
The absence of clothing in Bare Bones is not meant to suggest loss, but arrival. By removing all external markers of identity, status, style and expectation, the work asks âwhat remains when nothing is used to define the self?â.
A fine art photographic exploration of selfhood revealed through intentional reduction.
Be yourself.
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Model: TĂŠa-Monet Chen | @teamonetc
CD/Photographer: Brandon Battle | @bbattlecuts
Producer: Nthabiseng Cooper | @bynthabiseng
Recent digital work đ¸. Models, if you need to refresh your book with updated digitals, shoot me a DM or email me at [email protected]. Letâs work!
Brandon Battle, Photo Director, AoD Magazine
AoD Magazine welcomes Brandon Battle as Photo Director, a visual storyteller and creative director known for his refined eye and ability to capture culture, fashion, and everyday moments with intention and clarity. His work reflects a balance of precision and feeling, shaping imagery that is both elevated and honest.
As he joins AoD, Brandon will lead the visual direction across print and digital, bringing a distinct point of view to how our stories are seen and experienced.
Welcome to AoD, Brandon.
âBlack is Beautifulâ
This is the first installment of an ongoing, personal photo series. It is my contemporary take on Kwame Braithwaiteâs work during the Black is Beautiful movement from the 1960âs and 1970âs. This movement was used as a catalyst for the rejection of European beauty standards and a celebration of natural Black identity.
Although I do agree with an excerpt of Toni Morrisonâs work where she stated, âThe phrase was nevertheless a full confession that white definitions were important to us (having to counteract them meant they were significant)â, I do still find it important to examine what âself-defined beautyâ looks like for each individual.
For this series, Iâm asking each model to wear their hair in itâs natural state (fully picked out, curly, coily, etc) and also to self-style in a way that makes them feel most beautiful.
Please stay tuned to see how this series fully unfolds!
