In a world where Photoshop creates the stereotype of perfect and flawless images, Steve Dean Mendes decided to row against the tide and do just the opposite as a photographer. By deciding not to retouch his images and to not use makeup for his models, only using natural light in the studio, Steve Dean Mendes created a safe environment for his protagonists, initiating a process of removing all masks. In this series he worked predominantly with women and attempted, through art, to facilitate the experience for self-discovery and acceptance. His aim? To capture raw and unaltered emotions and to present a story of love, joy, but also of pain, suffering and abandonment. Inspired by the great Flemish Old masters and the Pre-Raphaelite movement, Steve Dean Mendes wanted to show the real human beings behind these protagonists, with all their natural fragility and beauty of their soul. Text in English and Dutch. AUTHOR: Steve Dean Mendes was born and raised in a small town in the south of Portugal and is based in Aalst, Belgium. Through his photography not only he is expressing his vision of the world but also he uses it for healing. He's able to establish a deep emotional connection with his models and gives them a voice and power to embrace themselves, to heal and for self acceptance. SELLING POINTS: . In this series Steve Dean Mendes preferred working predominantly with women and he tried, through art, to facilitate the experience for self-discovery and acceptance. His aim was to capture raw and unaltered emotions and to present a story of love, joy, but also of pain, suffering and abandonment 89 colour illustrations