Shedding Light on Toxic Relationships: Tamara Lawrence's Inspiring Self-Portrait Series

With an interest in photography and a passion for storytelling, freelance commercial photographer Tamara Lawrence is using her craft to tackle serious issues through a powerful series of self-portraits. Using her Canon 750D, Tamara aims to shed a light on toxic relationships and unspoken truths.

Tamara's journey into photography began at an early age—she received her first camera when she was just eight years old. Her fascination with capturing moments and telling stories through images grew over the years, leading her to study photography at the A-Level and ultimately earn a BA (Hons) in Photography.

Tamara - who goes by @tamarabreezephotos on Instagram - loves to create meaningful photographs, usually inspired by climate change.

Inspired by a book about a woman meeting her ideal partner, she reflected on how “sugar-coated” such narratives can be. Tamara points out, “So many people go through failed relationships first.”

She notes, “The aim of this series is to create awareness of toxic relationships which may seem completely happy to outsiders.”

This project springs from a personal and cultural context—one that many can relate to.

To deepen the impact of her work, she incorporated quotes from the book into her photos, highlighting how relationships can seem flawless on the surface while hiding dangers beneath.

“It’s important to recognize personal struggles and how we are never truly aware of what someone is going through,” she emphasizes.

This sentiment resonates even more during the pandemic, a time when many have faced increased challenges at home.

According to an investigation by the BBC's Panorama, the pandemic brought about a worrying surge in domestic violence. During this period, two-thirds of women in abusive relationships reported experiencing more violence from their partners.

The investigation also revealed that three-quarters of victims found it increasingly difficult to escape their abusers during lockdown. Alarmingly, police reported receiving a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds in the first seven weeks of the pandemic.

With this context in mind, Tamara's work takes on an urgent significance. To visually represent the “vulnerability and fragility of women (and men),” she experimented with a soft focus by placing lace over her 50mm lens.

This creative choice not only adds a unique aesthetic to her images but also symbolizes the delicate nature of relationships.

“I wanted people to realize abuse doesn’t always have to be physical,” she explains. “It’s important to be aware of our own mannerisms and traits and how they may impact someone else.”

Tamara's ultimate goal is clear: “If one of my images resonates with someone and encourages them to seek help and support, then it’s done its job, while also creating awareness for the wider population.”

Through her photography, she aims to spark conversations around these critical issues, fostering a deeper understanding of what lies beneath the surface of seemingly perfect relationships.

In a world where social media often showcases only the highlights of life, Tamara Lawrence’s self-portraits serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities that exist behind closed doors.

Her inspiring work not only highlights the importance of recognizing toxic dynamics but also encourages empathy and support for those struggling in silence.

By bringing these issues to light, she is not just capturing images—she's creating a movement towards awareness and healing.