In April, nineteen Zebedee Models from the ages 2 to 54 took part in this stunning body confidence shoot with photographer Elise Dumontet for Limb Difference Awareness Month. All the Zebedee models have either been born with a limb difference or had an amputation, the images are a celebration of their self-love and their body acceptance.
Whether the model’s difference is acquired (through cancer, meningitis, accident, diabetes, ex-veterans) or congenital, they really don’t want to fall on their feet anymore, they simply want to be able to stand tall, with and/or without prosthetics.
We all know positive representation matters, be it in the arts, in fashion or in the media. And yet, these guys can probably count on their fingers how many times they’ve seen themselves being represented.
Important facts: Did you know that there are about 30M amputees in the world, over 100,000 in the UK alone, with 5,000 amputations performed in the UK every year!!!
Scroll down to view the stunning captures of these incredible and inspiring children and youth.
Kiryn
Kiryn was born with an atypical cleft hand on the left. Kyrin likes to challenge herself doing things normally requiring both hands. Some of you may have also seen Kiryn featured in an editorial by Ross Bolger ‘Just because’ in Tangereene magazine issue 1.
Kelsey
My limb difference makes me unique, why fit in when you can stand out!
Daisy-May
Daisy-May is a double amputee who came back fighting from a wheelchair to cartwheeling down the catwalk. Daisy inspires many people around the world on her Instagram page doing gymnastics and circus training showing people what’s possible with hard work and a smile. Daisy has been modelling for just over a year with Zebedee management working for high street stores and will be walking on New York fashion week in September.
Oakley
Oakley was born with a limb difference.
“Oakley has amazed us since the day he was born, watching him adapt so effortlessly to any task you’d think he might struggle with has been fascinating. He is a content, capable and confident boy, who refuses to be held back in life, we are so excited for what his future will hold.”
George
“George lights up every room he walks in to with his beaming smile and undeniable positivity and confidence, proving he is not defined by his disability. He often shows those who doubt his abilities that there is nothing he can’t do. Nothing stops him putting 100% effort into everything he does”.
Neisha
Neisha is attending the Hartlepool Hawks Cheerleading Academy and is in seven teams including cheer, pom, stunting, paracheer and dance at national and European level. Neisha and her teammates have done amazingly well this season winning numerous competitions and qualifying for the European Cheerleading Championships in Germany in July.
Neisha is determined to show that having a disability doesn’t have to stop you from achieving your dreams. At every competition someone has approached her to tell her how inspirational she is yet to her she’s just doing the same as everyone else who is there.
Albie
“Albie has symbrachydactyly, this is a non-genetic congenital abnormality which affects his right hand. He’s so clever and innovative. Nobody really takes any notice of his hand. What they see first is that big smile.
We are all different and that is something to be celebrated, so let’s keep doing that! Nothing stops him now and won’t in the future”.
Limb Difference Awareness Campaign Credits:
Photographer: Elise Dumontet @elisedumontetphotography @skinwereinproject
Assistant: Brian Whar
Make Up: Neusa Neves @neusa_nevesloves_mkup & Charlie Duffy @charlieduffymakeup
Hair: Andrew Gregory @tattoo_pole_boy
Video: Rob Eden @rob_eden_29
Women’s underwear: Figleaves @figleavesofficial
Director: Zoe Proctor @zebedee_management
‘At Zebedee Management, we know we are sitting on the shoulders of giants! That’s why we ventured out on a very lonely and dodgy limb when we started 2 years ago. Truth be known, we haven’t put our feet up since, we’ve had our hands so full, but it’s a long and winding road to prove that beauty is not one-dimensional but on every hand’. View the full post on Limb difference awareness via Zebedee Managements blog here.
View further posts on Junior Style featuring models and talent from Zebedee Management HERE.
Limb difference awareness photography via Zebedee Management – All rights reserved.
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