POP: If you could change one thing about how society and the fashion industry defines beauty, what would that be and why?
I’m not sure the definition of beauty needs to be changed. More important is an individual’s reaction to that definition. One need understand that the images they see in the magazines are not meant to be a mirror to judge themselves against; not meant to be taken literally. They are meant to be enjoyed. To be feasted upon. To stimulate and seduce. They are fantasy presented as reality. Much like a Hollywood movie and created in much the same way—the finished product appearing seamless, effortless, real.
POP: What prepares you for the emotion that you see in the breast cancer survivors that you photograph?
There is no way to prepare oneself for such powerful, raw emotion. The best I can do as a photographer (and as a man) is to try and create an environment where that emotion can be safely expressed….and be prepared to capture it on film when it is.