The American Girl Project

A few years ago, I saw a post from another photographer that had adult women who had self image issues. Some had been told they were too short, too fat, too tall, their hair was frizzy, their freckles were ugly...the list went on and on. This photographer took them and in their most vulnerable state of no make up and a black sports bra with tiny black shorts, photographed them. Some of the women tried to hide their bellies, some barely made eye contact with the camera. It was such an exposed place to be. Now let me tell you that there were thousands...yes THOUSANDS of comments on these photos and every single one of them was positive and uplifting for those women. Not one bad or negative comment in the bunch! My first thought immediately went to "Oh Lord no...I could NEVER do that!"...then my second thought was "Why?". I pondered that for days and it took me back to my own two daughters. I hope that even though I have serious body and self image issues...I hope that they NEVER do! I want them to throw that black sports bra on at the drop of a hat if necessary. They don't need an athletes body or a models shape. They just need to love themselves no matter how they look. I also came back to the fact that I hope I instilled this in them from the inside out. I truly believe if you love yourself on the inside...the rest just falls into place.

I wanted to work with an age group that is sometimes overlooked in this type of conversation. Those girls that aren't the "Little Girls", Not the "Tweens" and not quite the "College Girls" yet. Those in between girls that are in the process of figuring themselves out. They are figuring out not only their lives in general but their personalities and bodies. The girls that those "Little Girls" will listen to because they are the "Cool" ones. I wanted to not only pull some of their amazing strengths from them, but have them be an inspiration to those "Littles" and "Tweens" that may need it. I feel the most important "self esteem" issue years are now upon these girls. I hope that the little amount of time they spent participating in this was something they will carry with them always.

I loved these girls because look how different they all are!!! All different body types, hair colors, and personalities. Some were a bit more outgoing than others. Some were super soft spoken. Some have freckles. Some traveled in a ways to participate...some lived right down the road. How amazing that when you think about it....they are all so different, but all so much the same. And they are all amazing!

"There will always be someone who can't see your worth....Don't let it be YOU!"

"Next time you think of beautiful things...don't forget to count yourself in!"

In a world so full of hatred right now, maybe..just maybe....a few amazing teen girls can break that mold and share love. Uplift and support another person. Show someone who really needs it, a little compassion. The best way to do that...is to love yourself. Then it comes easy to love others.

“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” In our case....a sparkler!

So, I guess my message from this is pretty simple.....everyone is beautiful, unique, smart, funny , athletic, generous, helpful, determined, talented and Kind. Love yourself....love others. Be the best YOU that you can be so that you can be the best YOU to others. If you see one of these lovey girls, let them know how amazing they are. Because...they really truly are! I am hoping to make this an annual tradition. Although I was super excited to hold this session...I didn't realize the impact it would have on me. That most definitely means we will have another!