Local Photographer Empowers Girls With Special Project

Photography Provided by Mallory Davis

GirlsMallory Davis was fresh out of college, newly independent and ready to take on the world, when she fell ill. As the weeks and months passed, she felt nauseated, lightheaded and weak. Unable to keep food down, she kept dropping weight and no doctor could provide answers.

“I could barely walk four house lengths,” Davis says. “No one could figure out what was wrong with me.”

One doctor referred her to a psychologist, suggesting her ailment was all in her head. Thankfully, her allergist believed her and had connections with specialists at the Mayo Clinic. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that affects one’s stomach, heart, blood pressure and autonomic nervous system.

“That was in 2010, and my journey back to finding physical, emotional and spiritual strength took time,” Davis says. “I had to build myself back up. Growing up as an athlete and then having my body fail me for so long made me feel like a failure in general. I could no longer trust my body, and my health issues caused me extreme anxiety.”

Davis knew she wasn’t alone in these negative thoughts and that, in fact, many young girls struggle with self-esteem issues daily – particularly in today’s society where self-perception can be wrapped up in the number of likes and followers on social media. Females, in particular, can feel pressure to look a certain way, or risk rejection and ridicule.

“The power for young girls, I’ve learned, comes from their self-confidence and not relying on others to fulfill that love for themselves,” says Davis, a professional photographer who specializes in family and personal-brand photography.

She wanted to find a way to help young women feel better about themselves and realized she could do that with the power of their own portrait. Empowered Girls sessions are designed primarily with middle school to early high school girls in mind, to help boost their sense of self-esteem. Davis has worked with many girls in the Hamilton County area for the project.

“That’s the sweet spot in terms of age for this project, but obviously any-age girl can participate,” Davis says.

It’s not just about the photo, but rather the entire process leading up to the portrait session, as Davis meets with the girls prior to taking pictures to ask them open-ended questions that make them think about who they are and how their experiences shape them. Sample questions include: What makes you feel confident? What makes you feel nervous? Who has had the biggest impact on your life? What are things you like or frustrate you about school? What do you wish the world knew about you? Have you ever been bullied? If you could make a change in the world to help others, what would that be?

GirlsAfter learning about her clients’ interests, they work together to pick out wardrobe items and locations. Davis makes the photoshoot relaxed and fun. Some girls may initially feel awkward in front of the camera, but once Davis shows them how beautiful they look, they loosen up and have a good time.

“It’s fun for them to feel special and valued,” says Davis, who recently booked two sisters. “I told the mom that I wanted to do two separate sessions so each girl can have their own experience, since they have different aspirations, passions and personalities.”

The photoshoot also serves to tell each girl’s unique story of grace and strength.

“I want them to know that whatever they’re going through, it’ll get better,” Davis says. “There is purpose in our pain. No one gets through life unscathed.”

Several weeks after the shoot, Davis shows the girls and their parents the images set to music. The ultimate goal is to pick at least one photo that makes them feel confident. Davis then creates a portrait for them to hang on their bedroom wall.

“The idea is that each morning when they wake up to start their day, they can look at that photo that brings joy and makes them feel good about themselves,” Davis says. “This way, they’re confident going into a school setting, socially, emotionally and physically.”

It’s not unusual for the moms to get teary-eyed when they see their daughters’ photos. Sometimes that happens during the question-and-answer portion, too.

“I may ask the daughter, ‘What do you like about yourself?’ and she says, ‘I don’t know,’ and the mom is shocked that her child can’t pinpoint one good quality in herself,” Davis says. “They get insight into their child’s mindset and insecurities.”

GirlsWhen Davis asks about bullying, the mom has a chance to gain insight into whether the daughter was a victim of bullying, or perhaps stood up for another person.

“They learn something about their daughter in that interview portion,” says Davis, who tries to snap a couple of photos that include the mom during the shoot.

“Often moms don’t make it into pictures because they say, ‘Oh, don’t get me, I need to lose 20 pounds,’ but I promise you, when your kids look back in 20 or 30 years at photos, they’re not going to say, ‘I wish my mom had worked out more because these pictures would look better if she were thinner,’” Davis says. “You’re never going to regret having them. You’re going to regret not having them.”

She forces moms into at least one photo with their daughters, even if they are hesitant.

“Inevitably, that’s one they end up purchasing and cherishing,” Davis says.

For more information, or to book a photoshoot with Davis, call 317-414-4254 or visit malmophotography.com.

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