I began this project with intent to divulge the misinterpretation of appearance. There has been an evolution regarding facial hair since time began and my goal as a photographer is to tell that story while being as authentic as possible. I intended to showcase the reasoning behind each individual beard by capturing the beard, its man, and its environment as one harmonious story. From clean cut to long straggly beards, there is a story behind every single one that contributes to the evolving purpose of facial hair. Some men grow it for a purpose and some don’t feel the need to shave. Some find it to be a passage into manhood, while others use it to hide insecurities or scars. "Bearded Soul" seeks to understand these reasonings. These are their stories.