In a bold and inspiring move, California-based fine arts photographer Michael Stokes has introduced a groundbreaking series of veteran portraits that showcase strength, confidence, and undeniable allure. This project, which celebrates wounded war veterans as models, challenges societal perceptions by capturing these heroes in their most powerful and sexy forms, proudly displaying their amputated limbs and prosthetics.
This remarkable initiative began with Alex Minsky, a US Marine whose leg was amputated following a devastating roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan in 2009. Determined to rewrite the narrative around wounded veterans, Minsky approached Stokes with the idea of focusing on confidence rather than traditional stories of struggle. His vision resonated deeply, inspiring other veterans to join the project, which culminated in Stokes’ stunning book, Always Loyal.
In an interview with MTV, Stokes shared his perspective: “Some people will say to me, ‘Oh, this is really helpful to their self-esteem,’ or, ‘You’re making them feel like men again.’ But the truth is, these guys come to me already healed and ready to take on the world. I’m not giving them back their confidence. They already have it.”
The striking photographs have garnered significant attention and praise for their empowering message. Stokes’ work emphasizes that these veterans—far from being defined by their injuries—are symbols of resilience, vitality, and courage.
For more on Michael Stokes’ incredible work, visit michaelstokes.net or find him on Facebook and Kickstarter.
“I’m not giving them back their confidence. They already have it.”
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This project is more than just photography—it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of those who have served and a celebration of their unstoppable confidence.
