5 Reasons Women Need to Be Photographed

In my experience, women are the first ones to step out of the photograph. We make sure we take pictures of our kids, we get those milestones capture, and we are our worst critics when it comes to seeing ourselves in images. But I believe that women being photographed is not only important, but an act of rebellion. Here are 5 reasons (there are more) why it’s time to step into the photograph and out from behind the scenes.

Dark Times

We are living in times when women’s rights are being challenged. We have yet to see a female president in our country despite over 80 other countries having been led by women. Women need to be seen. We need to lead. We need to take up space and show all that we are doing in the world. It’s an act of rebellion and it matters.

Legacy

Part of the reason it matters is so that the little girls who are watching us know that they can do it too. That they are worthy of taking up space, of having fun in front of a camera, of loving who they are.

Credit

One of my favorite phrases to ask myself is “Who benefits?” Who benefits from us not showing up or being seen? Who benefits from us hating on ourselves? And if we flip it, and show up, love ourselves, take credit for our accomplishments and the amazing people we are…who benefits then?

Self Care

You’ll read time and time again on here that I believe that photography is also an act of self care. I believe that truly seeing yourself and being seen for the badass you are is deeply powerful. It can helps us work through trauma, body issues, compassion and self esteem.

Just Because

Just because. For no other reason than we want to, because it’s fun, because it brings joy and art into the world. That’s more than reason enough.

I feel Pretty

I feel pretty.  That's right, I, goofy, awkward, uncoordinated Runawayalice, feel pretty. Yesterday I went and got my haircut by AJ at California Concept, here in Knoxville.  I love her!  She does such a great job and is really fun and easy to talk to.  Anywho, she had some extra time so she curled my hair for me.  I don't do hair very well.  We're talking my glam look is maybe I will put it up in a ponytail.  But the curls were different and made me feel very pretty.  So I did a little research on why women should feel pretty, the results were interesting.So by research I mean I put that exact question into google, just to see what would come up.  I got hits on everything from "I don't feel pretty please help me," to "successful middle aged women," to "I don't feel pretty without make-up."  It was a little scary.   I felt like starting a support group.  "Now repeat after me.  My name is Runawayalice and I feel pretty.  It's okay for me to feel pretty." The truth is it's taken me awhile to become okay with feeling pretty and with my "girlishness."  Ever since I was little I've been a Tom-boy and trying to keep up with my brothers.  I fell down stairs trying to keep up with them because my legs weren't long enough yet.  After my brothers, I always had guy friends, and I wanted to keep up with them.  I mean, I had to run just as fast, or faster.  I had to be able to be tough, to not cry, to hike mountains, skydive, bungee jump, not scream when something was scary.  All those things.  And I love every one of them.  I think that's what took me so long to figure out, I don't have to be one or the other.  I can love shooting guns and having my hair curled too.

I spent most of my teens and college, being one of the guys, and trying to be a tough chic, and I succeeded.  That's part of who I am and I have a great group of guy friends.  But now as I'm getting into my mid twenties, I feel like I'm coming into my womanhood a bit.  That sounds dumb but it's true.  Really over the last year I realized how many amazing women I have in my life.  They've taught me that I can embrace both sides of me.  So here it is, what makes me feel pretty and why I feel pretty.

Hi, my name is Runawayalice.  I feel pretty.  I feel pretty when...

1. I'm wearing my chacos

2. My hair is curly for no reason at all.

3. I'm camping in the middle of nowhere.

4. I help people.

5. My husband whispers he loves me.

6. I see my mother.

7. I shoot a gun.

8. I'm in a bathing suit.

9. I'm at the beach.

10. My Dad hugs me.

11. I'm with my girlfriends.

12. I laugh.

13. I take photographs.

14. I hold a baby.

15. I'm hanging out with the boys.

16. I'm skydiving.

17. I'm alone.

18. I wear cowboy boots.

19. I make art.

20. There's no reason at all to feel pretty.

Why do I feel pretty? (This is the hard one to say because we've been taught not to say it.) Because I am pretty.  Because I enjoy my life.  Because there's so many reasons to feel pretty inside.

Feeling pretty comes from confidence, from finally getting to know who you are, and taking joy in life.  It really has nothing to do with mascara, hair, clothes or anything else.  It's feel pretty Friday.  Feel pretty, because you are.  Happy Friday.