Project Beauty 2025 | A Celebration of Confidence, Kindness, and True Beauty

Every year, I look forward to Project Beauty — a powerful, no-frills portrait experience that allows teens to be photographed exactly as they are. No heavy makeup, no filters, no expectations — just real, raw, beautiful authenticity.

This year’s Project Beauty was extra special. Together, with the amazing young women who participated, we raised $275 for Youth In Need, a local organization that supports children and families in crisis. It was incredible to see how something as simple as a photo session could spark conversations about self-worth while also giving back to the community.

Each participant was asked to share what true beauty means to her, and the responses were inspiring, heartfelt, and unique — just like the girls themselves.

For this project, I selected one image from each session to highlight, paired with the teen’s personal message. These aren’t posed or overly polished portraits — they’re honest reflections of strength, vulnerability, and individuality. And that’s what makes them beautiful.

Why Project Beauty Matters
We live in a world where social media often defines beauty through filters and unrealistic standards. Project Beauty flips that narrative. It’s about showing up as you are and recognizing that confidence, kindness, and authenticity are what truly make someone beautiful.

Watching each teen step in front of the camera — unsure at first, but slowly relaxing, laughing, and being themselves — was a reminder of why I love what I do. Photography can be empowering. It can show people their strength and remind them that they are enough, just as they are.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing each girl’s photo and her thoughts on what beauty really means. I hope their words and portraits inspire you as much as they inspired me.

To everyone who participated: thank you. Your courage to be real, your generosity in giving back, and your willingness to be part of this project means more than you know.