Choose a theme: Let it take you some place new

By Tom Coyner

A couple of years ago, I decided to try to push myself beyond my comfort zone and explore a new type of photography -- photographing the “inked culture of Korea.” In the process, I met several wonderful people, participating in parts of society I was not familiar with.

What I discovered were people who were committed to self-expression by permanently tattooing their bodies. Since tattooing is frowned on by large parts of Korean society, I discovered an alternative culture that operates almost in defiance to mainstream Korea.

I found several highly educated and courteous young Koreans and foreigners striking out to create their own society -- sometimes by choice, other times by necessity. In the process, they have adopted tattooing and sometimes unconventional -- or at least very informal -- apparel.

As I networked among the people whom I was photographing, I learned more about Korean society and, of course, I met some really nice people whom I would not have otherwise done so without my camera. The camera can be your ultimate exploration vehicle.