Naked Britain photography, from 21 July 2018

Here’s a joyous reminiscence from way back. Exactly seven years ago today, Esther and I journeyed to Coldrum Long Barrow in Kent to be photographed by Anastasia Trahanas for her ‘Naked Britain‘ project. We were accompanied by Tara Fleur, who both supported Anastasia and enriched our day further with her presence.

Anastasia began Naked Britain in 2005, as “…an anthropological project that takes a look at ‘the self’ as a raw individual and their response to society. The representation of ‘the self’ is portrayed with an element of exposing their identity. It is not only about being naked in a physical sense (without clothing) but metaphorically as well.”

Anastasia’s photographs “…are portraits that collaborate between the photographer and the sitters, where there is no static formality in the positioning of the subject. The subjects select their location, whether it is a private, public or intimate space.” Words can then be provided by each subject to accompany their image.

Esther and I selected Coldrum Long Barrow for our location as we’d been building an affinity for ancient megaliths. During the previous 15 months we’d visited sites across the Channel Islands and the Republic of Island, and yet here was a magnificent place so very close to home that we’d never seen.

Over the course of two late-afternoon hours, Anastasia photographed us naked, both as individuals and together, at the upper burial chamber, the fallen stones below, and even at a nearby rag tree. Occasionally we were stumbled-upon by passing walkers, but we didn’t mind and neither did they. We were peaceful; as one with nature.

It was a serene and beautiful experience – both the open-air photoshoot, and sharing the joy with Anastasia and Tara. Only later did a challenge arise, in the form of having to decide which photos were best for the project. Esther and I eventually suggested a shortlist of our favourites, from which Anastasia made the final choices.

The photographs below are not official Naked Britain photos, but rather informal shots that Tara and I took around the site during our happy afternoon.

Coldrum Long Barrow stone burial chamber

Fallen sarsen stones below the burial chamber

Esther at the rag tree

Tara photographing Anastasia photographing Esther

Anastasia photographing Esther

Anastasia photographing me

Esther and me on the rocks

Post-shoot: me, Anastasia and Esther