Your physical looks and the world around you will fade in time, but tattoos—and photos—are forever. Together, they’re a winning combination for portraiture. Whether you like how tattoos look on the human body or not, there’s no denying the power of a tattooed person as a portrait subject. On a dramatic level, you’re able to capture independence, edge, and self-expression through your lens. Symbolically, the person you’re taking a picture of has permanently imprinted their own self-identity and philosophies onto their body. We can’t think of anything more powerful than getting all that in a shot!

To prove just how sublime some of these portraits can be, we gathered 31 seriously striking shots of tattooed folks in the 500px community. Scroll down for some major ink-spiration! And if you happen to be on the hunt for tattoo designs yourself, consider looking into this for ideas—from the dope to the dreamy.

Photo by 500px on 500px

Wing by 500px on 500px

Courtney's magic by 500px on 500px

VI by 500px on 500px

Howling At The Moon by 500px on 500px

Someday, Just A Second Away by 500px on 500px

if. by 500px on 500px

Mary by 500px on 500px

Willow by 500px on 500px

Alysha Nett by 500px on 500px

Romeo by 500px on 500px

Sara Fabel by 500px on 500px

younger. by 500px on 500px

Queens & Kings... by 500px on 500px

Lady of Chin by 500px on 500px

Billy Nautilus - II - by 500px on 500px

sunset by 500px on 500px

ice eyes by 500px on 500px

Inked by 500px on 500px

Sara Fabel by 500px on 500px

Morning Meditation  by 500px on 500px

WestSide Originals by 500px on 500px

Samuel by 500px on 500px

… by 500px on 500px

Smoke by 500px on 500px

Elena by 500px on 500px

# paddy by 500px on 500px

All Rise by 500px on 500px

... by 500px on 500px

Joey by 500px on 500px

Voron by 500px on 500px

Which one is your favorite shot? Let us know in the comments below! And if you think we missed out on a great tattooed photo, drop the link below, and we might just do a Part 2 of this collection.