01/27/2020
Finding a life purpose is probably one of the greatest challenges we face. Most times, it takes a mass amount of strenuous thought mixed with uncertain life circumstances that eventually lead you down a path.
My journey led me toward building confidence in women. I realized many of the tragedies of my life were a result of someone not having enough self worth and absolutely no confidence. I mirrored this in my teens while seeking validation from others to feel anything good about myself.
Following a long series of choices which included joining a youth group, being accepted to a prestigious art college and earning roles in theater productions, my self confidence grew. With every step toward something unknown, I was a step closer to confidence.
I'm in my thirties now. Independent and focused on a path that leads me toward helping others gain confidence and embrace their walk through life as a survivor of their own particular circumstances.
I am not wealthy, booked constantly nor seeking any type of celebrated platform. My goals have always been to be an open book and share what I can from my human experience with others.
Sharing my gift of photography and human connection brought me to the bo***ir genre. My goal is to protect the honor and value of all that experience bo***ir sessions with me. With each woman I photograph, I heal a bit more myself.
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The photo below was one I contemplated sharing for a long time. I attended a photo conference 9 months back, and it was the first time in my 11 year photography career that I had the opportunity to work with actual models. Something about the process felt a touch disingenuous. My work is mainly captured in a lovely Victorian bed and breakfast. That is my style. Classic and lovely. How can I deliver photos taken in a completely different environment?
This photo is of a model. I didn't even catch her name. We did not have the experience I have with my bo***ir clients. Dozens of photographers snapped endless photos of her and a plethora of other women. This image stands as a faceless and classic lady. Images such as this from the conference motivated me to question how models work, how they are treated, how they feel while posing and how we as creative professionals treat them with the utmost respect. I thought teaching what I had learned about photography and empowering women during a session would be a new path, but have currently decided against teaching. The pool is deep in the photography community. I belong in my own corner of the small town in Central Illinois giving one on one attention to each woman who seeks out my services. That is where my heart is the most full and is my purpose.
