‘this Is Me’ I Asked Teens To Brave Body Positive Reverse Makeover.

Back in February, I read an article about how teenagers, mostly girls, were using apps to change their faces to make them ‘social media ready.’

It struck a chord with me, and I was deeply saddened. I remember being a teen, and it was hard then in the days before the internet and Facebook. I can’t imagine the pressure both young girls and increasingly young boys are under to look a certain way.

I’m not against makeup, it can be lots of fun and has a place and value. I use it all the time with my talented Fran from Hansen Hair and Special FX in our photoshoots. Makeup can bolster confidence and free people. But these apps on social media again take things to another level, It is heartbreaking that we can hate ourselves so much. The impact this pressure can have on young people is enormous and can lead to mental health issues, including eating disorders and body dysmorphia.

I decided I wanted to use my photography to help, even if I only reached a few individuals and enabled them to accept themselves in new ways.

I initially had the idea of doing a reverse makeover and invited people to apply to take part. Thinking I’d only get a few responses and do it in my studio. So many women asked it soon turned into a 2-day event at our local Flaxmill Maltings, with English Heritage allowing us to use the space and film there for free. I was also approached by the principle of The Pauline Quirke Academy, who wanted her students to take part. So, in the end, I had a teen day and an adults day.

The teen day was fantastic, and the mood energetic. I was nervous, as I stood in front of them all – a middle-aged, overweight woman, taking off all my makeup and encouraging them to do the same.

And they did, each and every one. With healthy eating advice and smoothies with Kate Bevan Wood – Nutritional Therapist, a self-care self-love presentation from Juliet Tripp Events and a natural makeup demo from Miranda Etheridge the day was a full one. I was so impressed with how engaged everyone was.

For me, the most moving part of the day was when the students from the PQA performed a dance piece. Choreographed by them to a cover of ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman film. Filmed by Harry Fisher Films, Harry also made a fabulous behind the scenes film which you can see below.

What started as a project to capture portraits became a day to celebrate acceptance, of ourselves and those around us and a celebration of everything that makes us unique. The highlight of my day was when I overheard one girl doing a piece to camera. When I heard her say ‘I feel a little bit better about myself than I did this morning…’ I felt all the planning had been worth it.

Thank you much to all those that donated your time and skills to this project. Thank you to Holly, Abby, and Hope and the students from PQA Shrewsbury for coming along. Thank you also to Richard and Historic England for the use of The Dye House at The Flaxmill Maltings in Shrewsbury for this project. And to Harry, who stepped in at the last minute to make a film that I knew would leave me in tears xxB

with thanks to

https://www.facebook.com/harryfisherfilms/

https://www.facebook.com/ahealthyhomenutrition/

https://www.facebook.com/PQAShrewsbury/

https://www.facebook.com/miranda.etheridge.56

https://www.facebook.com/englishheritage/

More info: Facebook