The Inspiration
Let me start by saying that "Project: Know My Worth" was inspired by the work of Steve Rosenfield and his What I Be Project. When I stumbled upon his project a year or so ago, I felt compelled to do something similar. But what?And with who? After giving it some thought over many months, I shared my ideas with some of my Class of 2024 Senior Reps, and a few of them liked the idea and expressed interest in participating. I encouraged them to invite one or two girls that they thought would also like to be part of the Project. And so it began.
The Pressures
Being a "girl mom," I have seen firsthand some of the pressures that girls today are under. Sometimes that pressure comes from people around them (family, friends, coaches), and sometimes it comes from within. Prior to the photo session, I asked the girls to consider the labels or limitations put on them by society, including any they put on themselves, and to be prepared to "wear" this issue on their body somewhere at the photo session. I was very up front and honest with them that my intention was to share these on social media, not to shed light on their struggle, but to shine light on THEM in spite of it. (Everyone is perfect on social media, right!?!)
The Session
The day of the session, we had a small discussion concerning the main issues teen girls are facing these days. It was agreed unanimously that jealousy and bullying (more in the form of words than physical) reign! Then they started sharing some inner, and some physical, struggles they are dealing with individually, ranging from their mental health, diseases, disorders, sports pressures, etc. I guided them in filling in the blank: I'm not my "______________," and I reminded them they are so much more than whatever "that" is. For each girl this was different, as you can see by their images.
The Why
I had been asking myself over and over, why I wanted to do this project so badly and what it meant to me? I wasn't really sure. Then one day prior to the session, I was working on a mission statement for my business. As I began writing down words in a mad dash sort of fashion, I realized. You see, when I'm working with clients, I really do think they're beautiful. Not just surface beauty, but as a person, on the inside. I see these wonderful young ladies just being the best version of themselves, and I really just want to celebrate them! I love my job, and I love making people feel good about themselves. If you've had fun at your portraits session and leave feeling uplifted and good about yourself, then I've done my job. The finished product - prints, albums, wall art - that's all just the tangible result of our time together. I wanted these young ladies to feel good about themselves in spite of their struggles.
Courageous. Beautiful. WORTHY!
So that's the reason behind Vibe Photography's "Project: Know My Worth." It is so important for every girl to know she is so much more than her mental health, her skin disease, her feelings of insecurity, her points on the board (or lack thereof), her time on the field, her struggle with making decisions and so on. It takes a lot of courage to do what these girls did, exposing their struggles for everyone to see! I hope they left feeling, and knowing, their worth and that they are always more than enough.
