Archie Hayes Some tattoos are comfortable to hide than others. Photographer Alan Powdrill took pictures of this invisible ink in his series “Covered”. Simply put, the series reveals people standing outside. First, they’re covered; and then they strip down to their underwear to reveal you their ink. You can see that a person who looks just like any other bloke on the street can have more ink on their skin than that book you never finished.
Alan Powdrill is a UK based photographer, who loved the art for as long as he can remember. He has photographed numerous topics – including some severely creative soapbox racing cars – and has even made a video about receiving unwanted gifts.
“My tattoos are part of who I am and I’ll always love my bodysuit now and when I’m 80. The love I get for what I look like is what it’s all about.” Victoria, 37, Coventry
“I’m beyond the stopping point now. It fucking hurts like shit man but I wouldn’t change my look for the world.” Unsal, 46, Hastings
“I love every inch of my skin but I love my back most because I’ve been waiting for 17 years to get it done, and it’s exactly how I wanted it.” Stefano, 33, London
“As long as I get to the toilet and piss on my own, I don’t care what I look like when I’m older. I never intended to get this many but I had an addictive personality.” Simon, 47, London
“I was 14 and my mum said if I get another one she’d kick me out the house.” Simon, 45, Clacton-on-Sea
“When I was 17, I thought I’d get as many tatts as possible to look badass but now I’m not bothered about looking cool.” Sean, 26, Lincoln
“I was 17. I hid the first few from my parents for many years and by the time they found out they knew this was going to be my life.” Philip, 27, Southend-on-Sea
“My first tattoo was at 13 and was a secret for ten years. It’s a part of me and I’m never going to get old.” Patrick, 34, Brighton
“I love how they change as my body gets older and the creases and wrinkles change how they look When I’ve got no space below my neck I’ll stop.” Ness, 40,Crawley
“They’re an expression of my journey through life, as my body ages they take on a different appearance, ask me in 30 years how I feel.” Matthew, 48, London
“My Kiss tattoos are my favourites, the pain was incredible but it feels good to show my ultimate dedication to the band.” Kimmy, 29, Ruislip
“I was 16 and got a small lizard on my hip. My parents said ‘how would I ever get a job !’ ” James, 33, Brighton
“I love being different and every day I’m asked about them. Good tattoos aren’t cheap; cheap tattoos are not good.” Izzy, 48, Maidstone
“I was 51 when I started and my father was already dead and my mum didn’t say anything as she was in the early stages of dementia” Graham, 58, Cleethorpes
“Whats the point of worrying about the next 10-30 years, I might not be here by then so enjoy the now.” Gareth, 37, Potters Bar
“I started in 1963 when I was 14 and I don’t think I’ll ever stop.” Dave, 66, Leyton
“I was 23 and got the wrestler CM Punk on my arm. My mum said ‘How could you deface the body I gave you?’ ” Craig, 28, Welwyn
“If I ever forget who I am I take my clothes off and look in the mirror and find out who I am again.” Chris, 25, Coventry
“I was 15. My parents didn’t find out until I got my second at 18.” Carlos, 35, Bournemouth
“Me mum wasn’t happy at all about the swallow on my hand so I said ‘Look mum it’s not like I’m on the street doing heroin” Alex, 49, Whitby
Via ufunk
