Frankie's Diary: Model: Francesca Grillo

Earlier in the year when I had a full day off work we got together at my trusted photographer friends studio space to create some emotive portraits. Our model shown here is Francesca Grillo a survivor of Kidney failure. If no one understands this disease it is fatally dangerous and causes other side effects in the body that are just as potentially fatal. Frankie as we call her had to go through life changing surgery with her partner Tom Brand by her side the whole way through. Going through the complications in her life together, living with a risky dangerous disease or a illness that is inward of any kind, from personal experience is a depressing ordeal. One that you are judged for on a regular basis as it being an excuse for getting out of daily life. I wanted to document the strength of going through something heartbreaking and make it heart warming.

This will forever be our main mascot. Gucci the pet Chiwawa, the visitor for the day with model Nina Moon who was also on set the shoot this day. A lovable and seriously affectionate dog that was well behaved and always so gentle. Unfortunately this beautiful creature of nature was viciously attacked by another dog leaving Nina no choice but to have this wonderful soul put to sleep. Another reason why this shoot is so important to me as a photographer.

Displayed here is a darker portrait that suggests the fear behind Kidney Failure. Looking down always represents the feeling of submission or giving in and the indecisive choices made by those who make it their profession to treat those with such conditions.

NO MORE: The picture version showcasing the mental breakdown of any human who has spent months or years in a unstable condition.

A very grungy portrait that shows off a scar made by the surgery she needed in order to live a relatively normal life.