Photographer Strips Tattooed People To Show What’s Hidden Below

Some tattoos are easier to hide than others. Photographer Alan Powdrill took pictures of this hidden ink in his series “Covered”. Simply put, the series shows people standing outside. First, they’re clothed, then they strip down to their underwear (and sometimes less) to show 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 novel you never finished.

“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

“I don’t feel my opinion will change on my tattoos, I doubt I’ll have any regrets regardless of my age.” Lillianna, 23, Hackney

“I started in 1963 when I was 14 and I don’t think I’ll ever stop.” Dave, 66, Leyton

“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

“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

“I love being different and everyday I’m asked about them. Good tattoos aren’t cheap, cheap tattoos are not good.” Izzy, 48, Maidstone

“I was 16 and got a small lizard on my hip. My parents said ‘how would I ever get a job !’ ” James, 33, Brighton

“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

“My first tattoo was at 13 and was a secret for 10 years. It’s a part of me and I’m never going to get old.” Patrick, 34, Brighton

“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’m loving 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

“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

“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

“When I was 17 I thought I’d get as many tatts as possible to look bad ass but now I’m not bothered about looking cool.” Sean, 26, Lincoln

 “I was 15. My parents didn’t find out until I got my second at 18.” Carlos, 35, Bournemouth

“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

“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

“I was 14 and my mum said if I get another one she’d kick me out the house.” Simon, 45, Clacton-on-Sea

“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 its exactly how I wanted it.” Stefano, 33, London

“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’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