A photographer is hoping to tackle two separate but similar prejudices, concerning shelter animals and tattooed people, in one fell swoop by photographing them together to produce powerful portraits.
Brian Batista's moving photos spotlight dogs - particularly Pit Bulls and other breeds which suffer some of the worst unfounded reputations - with the inked owners who saved them from abuse and abandonment.
The Nashville, Tennessee-based photographer tells Little Things that he started his project in 2012 to challenge the notion that all rescue pets are 'damaged' and that all tattooed people are 'degenerates'.
On the mend: Two of photographer Brian Batista's subjects are Richard Burgess and his rescue puppy Major (pictured), who was attacked by other dog and badly injured
Writing on his website, Mr Batista states that he has met some 'incredible people' while shooting his photos, and 'some even more incredible animals'.
He adds: 'The things that they have seen and been through are some of the most heart-wrenching yet inspiring stories you will ever hear.'
Two of his subjects are Richard Burgess and his rescue puppy Major, who was attacked by other dog and badly injured.
Mr Burgess, based in Alabama, says that Major is now a 'very happy dog' and aptly has his knuckles stamped with the words: 'Save Them'Share
Colorful lives: Major's owner says the pup (pictured) is now a 'very happy dog'
Moving: The photos spotlight dogs - particularly breeds which suffer some of the worst unfounded reputations - with the inked owners who saved them from abuse and abandonment. Pictured, Heather and Diesel
Man's best friend: Mr Batista started his project in 2012 to challenge the notion that all rescue pets are 'damaged' and that all tattooed people are 'degenerates'. Pictured, Stephan and Chesty
One duo is Steve Lawrence and his pit bull Lilly, who came together when Mr Lawrence rescued her from Nashville's city shelter after its ban on adopting out the breed was lifted.
Another of Mr Batista's portraits is of his fiancee getting inked while clutching the supportive paw of their rescue English Bulldog Mathilda.
The couple have several rescue dogs, but Mr Batista himself has no tattoos.
Valuable: Writing on his website, Mr Batista states that he has met some 'incredible people' while shooting his photos, and 'some even more incredible animals'. Pictured, Sarge and his owner
Happy endings: One duo is Steve Lawrence and his pit bull Lilly (pictured), who came together when Mr Lawrence rescued her from Nashville's city shelter after its ban on adopting out the breed was lifted
Heartwarming: Mr Batista says of his canine subjects, 'The things that they have seen and been through are some of the most heart-wrenching yet inspiring stories you will ever hear'
Snapshot of happiness: Phil and Gooch share a loving embrace
Despite ongoing discrimination against tattoos in today's society, they are hardly the rebel stamp they once were.
One in five U.S. adults now has at least one, compared to just 16per cent of the population in 2003, according to the Harris Institute of Research.
Still, employment-based prejudices seem to be particularly stubborn.
No pain no gain: One of Mr Batista's portraits is of his fiancee getting inked while clutching the supportive paw of their rescue English Bulldog Mathilda (pictured)
Tides are turning: Despite ongoing discrimination against tattoos in today's society, they are hardly the rebel stamp they once were. Pictured, Phil and Gooch
More mainstream: One in five U.S. adults now has at least one, compared to just 16per cent of the population in 2003, according to the Harris Institute of Research. Pictured, an unknown duo
Mr Batista's take home message? 'Support your local animal rescue and advocacy groups before judging the animals,' he suggests. Pictured, Catfish, Erin and Handsome Hank
Inquire within: 'Ask a person why they have the tattoo they do before you judge them', the photographer concludes
This is nothing short of bullying. It's not fair and needs to be stopped
Mr Batista cites an example concerning one of his friends, who got a memorial tattoo on his neck after his four-year-old son died.
'He was fired the next day for having this tattoo, which was showing his love for his son with art and self-expression,' Mr Batista writes.
'This is nothing short of bullying. It's not fair and needs to be stopped. Not all visibly tattooed people are in hate groups, just like not all pit bulls are vicious.'
Mr Batista's take home message? 'Support your local animal rescue and advocacy groups before judging the animals,' he suggests.
'And ask a person why they have the tattoo they do before you judge them.'
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