TITLE: Bent Not Broken

These photographs chronicle a personal journey through scoliosis, a condition I was diagnosed with in my teens. At that time, doctors advised that it wouldn’t worsen, but as the years went by, my spine continued to curve and compress. My lumbar spine had compacted, the vertebrae twisting and barely stacking atop each other. The pain and discomfort intensified, leading me to make the daunting decision to undergo surgery.

The surgery was extensive—two separate procedures, involving the removal of part of my rib to access the lumbar spine, breaking apart vertebrae that had naturally fused, and the placement of rods and screws to realign my spine. It was a deeply nerve-wracking experience that transformed my body in a profound way.

Before the surgery, I wanted to document my spine as a form of personal record. I had a pronounced rib hump due to the vertebrae twisting my ribs. Post-surgery, however, I found myself unable to document the early recovery as I had envisioned. The pain was overwhelming, and even taking a short walk took weeks to achieve.

These images serve as both an emotional processing tool and a testament to the resilience of the human body. They capture the "before" state and the healing "after," embodying not just the scars and physical adjustments but also the incredible journey of reconstruction and recovery. This series reflects the strength and vulnerability intertwined in our bodies' capacity to endure, adapt, and heal.

Each image captures a facet of the physical and emotional transformation involved in my journey. Together, they tell a story of a body that was bent, surgically broken, and ultimately rebuilt—not just in form, but in spirit.

AUTHOR: Natalie Perrin (Australia)

I am a Melbourne-based photographer with a passion for exploring a wide range of genres, but nothing inspires me more than wandering through a new city, capturing its distinctive essence and the people who bring it to life. I am nearing the completion of an Advanced Diploma of Photography at Photography Studies College. This journey has allowed me to delve into diverse projects, from still-life compositions to the vibrancy of travel photography. This year, I paused my studies to focus on recovery from surgery.

My latest project, Bent not Broken, marks a departure from my typical genres, venturing into self-portraiture. The series was created in a corner of my front room, with a simple black backdrop, a speed light in a softbox, and my camera set on a timer. The minimalist setup required patience and experimentation, with a lot of trial and error!