This is Cody

I became obsessed with photography 8 years ago.

Here’s what got me hooked…

When I started taking black and white portraits, I noticed something.

Every human I photographed had two deep feelings that were in conflict:

1. Every human wanted to be seen. And…

2. Every human had a fear that if people saw the real version of themselves, they wouldn’t be liked, loved or respected.

No matter what the person looked like, how old they were, how successful they were… each person I photographed had some version of this conflict.

I had it too. I still have it.

It takes a shit ton of courage to be yourself and to share your truth with the world: the mistakes, the disappointments, the big dreams of what we thought our lives would be.

People who are honest with who they are and what they have gone through will always have my highest respect. Even if their past was messy—mine certainly was.

Because when we share these things, it reminds us ALL that no one is perfect.

And that reminder is what makes us feel connected.

Not just to the person in the photo, but also to our own hearts.

Huge respect to Cody for being so damn real with his answer at the end of this video. Thank you brother for keeping your heart open and being willing to share your wisdom with me and the world.

Big love,

D

PS: In case you were wondering I always ask for permission from each person before I share their photos and their videos on social media. Always.

PPS: If you want to see the behind the scenes video of me approaching Cody and taking these photos, check out my Instagram or my TikTok.