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Too Ugly for Love? is a TV show now on TLC, originally airing in the United Kingdom to much acclaim. The show explores the challenges of dating with a physical stigma that may cause a hindrance when meeting new potential partners.
Discovery Communications, the owner of TLC, reached out to Wonderful Machine photographer Jonathan Timme’s to shoot a series of photographs to promote the show. While this was the first time working for the team at TLC, Jonathan had shot promotional material for various Discovery affiliate channels in the past.
The title of the show questions the concept that “love is only skin deep.” Undoubtedly, there is more to any one person than what we see on the outside, yet the title provokes a shallow ideal in one’s imagination. The goal here was to create images that contrast with the imagery that the title evokes. Simply put, the images needed to showcase each cast member looking his or her best, and most importantly, ready for love.
Being born with a congenital heart defect, Jonathan has had multiple operations in his life and felt a genuine personal connection with the concept of this project.
There is something to be said for those who have to fight a physical ailment in order to “blend in.” I was determined to use my experience and empathy to help explore the bravery and beauty that it takes to overcome stigma. If anything… it helped push me.
There was an extensive pre-production process to this shoot. To start, TLC determined early on in production that five of the cast members would be photographed in the U.K. and the other five in Silver Spring, Maryland – not far from the Discovery headquarters. For continuity, both photographers had to utilize the same style and guidelines. The U.K. shoot took place the day before Jonathan’s. Once completed overseas, they sent the U.S. based team a photo brief to work from. Jonathan used the exact same color palettes, light modifiers, lens, etc. It was no easy task to pull together all the equipment and forge a creative game plan with one day of knowing the exact details, but Jonathan flawlessly executed the work.
With multiple sets operating simultaneously, as well as coordinating hair, makeup, and wardrobe, they were able to put together a great team that was motivated to keep the shoot positive, fast paced and on schedule. While things went off without a hitch, by the end of the shoot, Jonathan was exhausted from all of the hard work.
My favorite part was bonding with the cast and crew. The cast was so open about their individual stories and had such inspiring attitudes. We rolled with that sense of openness, sharing, & understanding throughout the process. It laid down a great foundation for honest creative exploration. Very inspiring.
From his deep connection and desire to share inspirational stories, Jonathan feels grateful to have photographed this project and hopes to pursue more commissions with strong moral grounds.
The reaction to the project has been overwhelmingly positive. These stories represent a desire to overcome and find peace within oneself. We can all connect with & root for the underdog to preserver against the odds. “Too Ugly for Love?” Not even close. There is no greater beauty than self-strength, self-confidence, & self-awareness.
See more of Jonathan at: http://jonathantimmes.com/