Alternative Lifestyles: 1995 – 1998

Tony_Ward_Photography_studio_early_work_Alternative_Lifestyles_portrait_series_subject_Electric_Factory_entertainment_needle_piercings_tattoos_male — Needle Piercings

The 1990’s was a time in which Philadelphia catered to a large group of young club goers who didn’t conform to the “norms” of traditional society and dress attire. This sub cultural group was part of the South Street crowd who listened to electronic music, frequented the numerous tattoo, body piercing parlors and clothing boutiques that catered to an alternative lifestyle of wearing black latex, leather, bondage and a host of other provocative adornments.

I met many of the subjects of this series in my South Street neighborhood where I became friends and developed a rapport with some of the individuals that lived in the neighborhood. I eventually was introduced to event planners who organized parties centering around the group who flocked by the hundreds to parties several times a year at the Electric Factory in Philly. At the factory, I was given permission to set up a makeshift studio in order to make portraits during this unique period in history.