Little Women Project 2018

Little Women Project - Teenage Girls

Having a teenager has got me rethinking everything. I remember what I felt like, how I walked around the halls in school and was so insecure. I was mostly uncertain with who I was, what others thought of me. So, having a teenage daughter myself and being a photographer, I decided with permission to get a specific group of girls together a week or so before their school year begins and photograph them for the next four years of high school. This year will be our first year.

My goal is inspire within. Meaning, I hope to show teenagers how to look within themselves for validation instead of outward. Now, I know that is may not be a realistic goal but I feel as though I have to try. I’m choosing to photograph them, via being an active participant both in a few portraits and also more candid or girl lead.

Some background info : I’ve always been inspired by one of the most influential sociologist, Charles Cooley and The Looking Glass Theory that I studied back in my university days. I want to see if we can challenge how we see ourselves while we are still forming out ideals of who we are, a teenager. In the looking glass theory, we determine our self perception based on what others think or feel who we are. I know that this is something we will always do but I strongly feel we can also influence ourselves by shutting out the external noise and look inside for who we are.

Here is year one! 2018-2019 School Year , 9th Grade

Madelyn, Victoria, Natalie, Maddie

Madelyn Weston -Average, Funny, Tiered, Adventurous

Victoria Francis - Creative, Funny, Weird, Nice, Smart

Natalie Rensby - Kind, Funny, Happy, Talented, Adventurous

Maddie Hodgson - Silly, Proud, Passionate, Smart, Kind