Harry Borden takes delicate portraits of particular person fathers
Forty-eight fathers feature in Single Dad, a new photo book that aims to undermine long-held ideas about fatherhood and masculinity
Although the number of single mothers in the UK remains disproportionately high than that of single fathers, single parent families have grown faster over the past two decades.
Portrait photographer Harry Borden's new book Single Dad, published by Hoxton Mini Press, illuminates this parenting setup through intimate images of 48 fathers and their children.
The fathers of the book have all endured some form of loss or heartbreak, and their stories are woven throughout the book to accompany the photos. The fathers think about life and often about death; how they came to have their children; and the joys and struggles of lonely fatherhood that follow.
Her experiences paired with Borden's pictures fill a void in the portrait of fatherhood that is not widespread in written and visual storytelling, especially beyond superficial reports. Borden's photographs feel gentle yet real and full of nuances to make up for traditional notions of masculinity and emotionally suffocated fathers.
Harry Borden's Single Dad, published by Hoxton Mini Press, is available for pre-order. hoxtonminipress.com