THE WOMANHOOD PROJECT

Please understand that this project was put on hold due to the corona virus pandemic. I will be leaving this portion of my website as is so you can enjoy and learn about all of the amazing women that participated pre-March 2020. I will update this page as soon as or if I choose to pick up this project again!

The Project:

 After graduating from college I had been struggling to photograph for myself or even create art. I felt as though every decent idea had been sucked out of  me and used in the last four years of school to complete assignments. I spent a lot of time looking for inspiration, which I eventually found in current events. I was greatly inspired by all of the marches, protests and women fighting for what they believed in, fighting for their rights. I began to realize that I am constantly surrounded by strong women who continue to inspire and push me to be the best I can be. My hope was to showcase that strong women come in all shapes, sizes, colors, ages, religions, etc. Each subject was asked to fill out a questionnaire before coming to sit for a short photo session in my living room. The questions were as follows:

1. What does it mean to be a woman?

2. What is a single word that describes you as an individual?

3. What is one quality you are proud of?

4. Do you have any advice you would give to other women, something you’ve learned, or wish you had known when you were younger?

5. Any other thoughts or comments you would like to add?

    After answering the questions, I asked each participant to wear a favorite outfit, a job uniform, something significant, and if they wanted to bring an object of importance to be photographed with, I encouraged it. In March 2017 I started this project in hopes that the end product would be inspirational and that whoever takes the time to read this, realizes we aren’t as different as you think.

This project is far from over and I am still looking for women willing to participate in all shapes, sizes, colors, and religions! Please contact me if you want to get in on the fun! You can submit the form below for more information on how to participate.

Project Questionnaire

Each participant must hand write their response to all of these questions to be used in the photos at a later date! If you wish to participate, the link to the questionnaire is in the link below. You do not have to print out the sheet, but you do have to write the answers on a piece of paper!

Casting Call

Here is what I am looking for. I am looking FOR ANY AND ALL WOMEN! I will not turn you down if you are interested! I have not photographed any Muslim, middle eastern, Hispanic/Latina, Indian, Native American, or Asian Women and I need representation from all walks of life! I would like to photograph more African American Women. I also would like to photograph transgender women and any one who identifies as a women or is part of the LGBTQ+ community. Old and young! I want to photograph you in your work uniforms! Female military members, police officers, fire fighters, EMT/paramedics, doctors, nurses, mechanics, chef, etc.I'd love to photograph a nun, a bodybuilder, a few girls under the age of 15 and I'm open to photographing multiple generations or sisters in one photo! If you come, please wear an outfit that means something to you, a favorite outfit, a work uniform, even a prop or something that is special to you! Express yourself!!! 

Reetu

“A woman to me is strong, independent and an amazing multitasker. The way God created us is such a blessing. Women have the ability to bring another life to this world. I word I would use describe myself is Positive. I am proud of being a strong realistic person. It has saved me from falling into major depression. The best advice I could give would be to learn to connect your heart & mind. When you learn which one to you makes more sense, use that to your advantage. Each situation in life forces us to make decisions, if you know your heart tends to get you in trouble then learn to use your mind. The sooner you can understand yourself the better.”

Réetü Davé

Occupation: Marketing Specialist

Age: 29

Lila and Izzy

“Being a woman means you’re no longer looking for validation from society that will constantly tell you something else. It means defining your own strength, instead of adhering to a set of standards society has decided women must follow in order to be considered strong. A word that would describe me is charismatic. I am proud of the love I have for my daughter Izaliya and my son Jayce. Always be true to yourself. Love yourself first. Always have faith. Never doubt yourself in any situation big or small. Like it’s said, when there’s a will, there is a way! Most importantly, stand up for what you believe in.”

Lila Bhuiya + Izzy

Occupation: Ophthalmic scribe

Age: 31

Gabby

“I struggled having to define what it means to be a woman. Of course it’s more than one things - it’s what our society tells us to be and it’s what we as individuals believe it is. So, for me I guess being a woman means being persistent. it’s being determined and passionate. It’s being strong and being kind. It’s being aggressive and it’s being gentle. Being a woman means constantly navigating and negotiating who you have to be on any given day. The word that describes me and the quality I am proud of are the same. Perseverant. Life is often difficult and unexpecting. I’ve spent a lot of time being disheartened by my failures - which I’ll admit is often problematic. But, I do end up pushing through those failures to keep going. I used to say I was simply stubborn, which is also true, but it doesn’t explain it best. If I were to give other women and my younger self advice - It would be to be aggressive, be bossy, be assertive and be bitchy. Be all the things you were told not to be and never compromise your values.”

Gabby Lotarski

Occupation: Grad student + TA

Age: 25

Donovan and Hyden Ladies

“A single word to describe me would be independent. I’m very ok with being on my own. I don’t rely on anyone myself. I get strength from knowing I can accomplish things on my own. My quality I’m most proud of is my ability to make friends with anyone I meet. To make people feel comfortable to open up to me to help them with anything. To make people feel special by just paying attention to them, to hear their story.”

Jaime Donovan

Age: 36

Occupation: Mother of 1 son (Travis) and Customer Care Rep

“One word that describes me would have to be warrior #OvarianCancerSurvivor. Advice I have for other women would be to be yourself and fight for what you believe in. A quality I am most proud of would be my strength. My strength to survive cancer and then become a mother.”

Krystal Donovan

Age: 33

Occupation: Mom/Receptionist

“What does it mean to be a woman? Being a woman is a very important thing. Women play very big roles in society, such as being a mother. Being a mother is a very large, hard, time consuming, and important task. Being a woman also includes being independent and strong. A woman isn’t just the opposite of a man. She is her own person and shouldn’t be defined as anything different. A single word that could be used to describe me is loyal. I am loyal to my family and friends, along with my thoughts, opinions, and beliefs. I don’t change them to be like someone else. One of the qualities I have that I am proud of is that I always strive to do my best on everything I do: school work, projects, after school activities, etc. Some pieces of advice that I have learned is, it doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside. If you are a good person on the inside, people will like you for you. Don’t try to be something that you aren’t. You are amazing just the way you are. Don’t let anybody tell you any different. Just be yourself.”

Alice Hyden

Age: 12

Occupation: Student

“When you are a woman, you become part of an unspoken sisterhood. It is being so beautiful on the inside that you radiate positivity, kindness, and passion. Womanhood is uniting to stand up for what you believe in . . . pushing past comfort ones and appreciating how far you have come. I am most proud of being Alice’s mother. The best adventure of my life has been raising this unique, intelligent, soul for over 1/3 of my life. I am excited to see what path she decides to take. I would tell my younger self and generations that time is more valuable than money. Always be aware of your surroundings. TRUST YOUR INTUITION! Visit your mother and grandma’s (and Great-Grandmothers if you’re lucky) you will learn more about yourself than you can imagine. Take the good . . .learn to heal the bad.”

Kandra Hyden

Age: 33

Occupation: Sales Lead

Women in group photo:

Back row, L to R: Tina, Jaime, Kandra

Middle row, L to R: Ashleigh, Krystal, Alice

Front row: Joanie

For more information on how you can donate to ovarian cancer and other cancer research please click here!

Lexie

“To be a woman is to be humble, strong and compassionate. The one world that describes me is talented. I have so many gifted talents that I can share with others. I am so proud of my success in life, like graduating from college and many others. I have learned to think positive and to be strong and not letting anyone say anything negative behind my back.”

Lexie Kaplan

Age: 25

Occupation: Guest Service Associate

Nahid

“Human - Healer. Giver. Mother. Friend. Game changer. Inspiring. My womanhood is split between being a homemaker, mother - grandmother and humanitarian. My favorite thing about being a woman is being a giver. I get to build me own legacy in hopes my children and grandchildren will do the same. A single word that describes me as an individual is selfless. Giving without expectations is something I am proud of.”

Nahid Ayoub

Age: unknown

Occupation: Humanitarian

Nahid has been feeding the homeless in Detroit every Sunday for the last 7 years. In fact she came to this shoot on her way home from Detroit one Sunday. Project dignity is a non-profit organization that aims to lessen the number of homeless and needy people on the streets through kind and generous contributions in hopes to be able to give them safe housing, hot meals and help restore their dignity one day at a time. To learn how you can donate or volunteer please visit projectdignitymi.org.

Sarah

“Although being a woman has its disadvantages when it comes to bathrooms in public places, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. One of the best things in life is when you find your unconditionally supportive tribe of women. Some friends for years, others sharing toilet paper in the public bathroom. Together we are limitless. A single word that describes me is genuine. I am proud of my thoughtfulness - I love surprising others and keeping them in my thoughts, or checking in. it’s the little things! Some advice? First and foremost: Learn how to be comfortable and content alone. I wish I would have known my worth early on. Don’t be scared to seek help, like therapy. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. You have to put in work to change your mindset. It won’t happen over night. Don’t be scared of the unknown. Learn from your mistakes, but don’t dwell on them. It’s not about the size (jeans) it’s all about the feel. If you are under 30 prepare for the best years to come! Live your best life.”

Sarah Mannion

Age: 34

Occupation: Customer Service Representative

Shayma

“What does it mean to be a woman? Where do I begin? So much encompasses what it means to be a woman. You have to be strong, empowered, resilient, and wear many hats! It’s truly a superpower! I am passionate and a quality I am proud of is being honest and trustworthy. I wish I would have known to care less of what people think of me. Putting too much focus, energy, and thoughts in to what others think is a waste of time. Looking back I would’ve invested more time in making myself happy.”

Shayma Mustafa

Age: 38

Occupation: College Instructor (and Author of the book she is holding in the photos above!)

To purchase “Excuse Me Ma'am, Excuse Me Sir: I'm Amina An All-American Girl” click here!

Heather and Andi

“Thinking about al of the women in my life, my mother, and grandmother, friends and family, Responsibility and strength come to mind. Women bear a tremendous amount of responsibility on their shoulders every day. From nurturer, to role model, to provider, women must do it all. In my own life I feel a great responsibility everyday. Taking care of the little ones I see all day long as well as my not so little ones at home. I am responsible to teach them to be good humans by the actions I take, the words that I speak and the examples that I set. I am responsible to give them the tools to help their minds grow as well as their hearts. Being a woman to me also means making the world a better place.”

Heather Welch

Age: 43

Occupation: Teacher

“Being a woman comes with many things but it also means much more than with what it comes with. It comes with being told you will never be as strong, as fast or as tough as boys are. Being a woman means you show them how much faster, stronger, & tougher then them you are. Being a woman means being put into many boxes of unrealistic expectations. Being a woman means pushing down the walls of those boxes turning unrealistic expectations in to no expectations. Being a woman comes with fearing walking home alone, being scared for friends & loved ones walking in the dark, never knowing if today is the day someone is going to strike. Being a woman comes with being told you can’t do lots of stuff. Being a woman means you don’t listen to them. Being a woman means you push down every obstacle & live your life to the fullest on your own.”

Andi Welch

Age: 13

Occupation: Student

Jessi

“What does it mean to be a woman? This questions a lot harder to answer than I imagined. To me, being a woman means being human. I have learned in life that women have too many defining characteristics. Women come in all shapes, colors & sizes. Some people might think that being a woman means you have to be motherly, empathetic, strong in a lady like way. The truth is, there is no real way to define being a woman. I was raised by an amazing woman, I work with some truly unbelievable women and don’t even get me started about the women I work out with. But I have also met a lot of crappy women in my life as well. The point is, being a woman is only what you make of it, it is impossible to define. I am INTERESTING: I fine myself continuously growing & evolving as a person. Ever changing, always full of surprises.

I am a good friend. I’m not just a good friend to my friends, but my husband, and my family, and my coworkers. I think that is I fail at everything else in life I can at least go back and say I had good people in my life and treated them well. Some advice I would give to other women: Be nice, try hard, you’re allowed to make mistakes, and you are not always right.

Jessica Dial

Age: 30

Occupation: Registered Nurse

Kelleigh

“Being a woman means being strong. Strong enough to fight for our beliefs and values. Strong enough to get back up every time the world knocks us down. Women have the strength to wear a smile on their face while supporting and caring for others, all the while fighting countless battle of their own. Being a woman means being fierce, and using that ferocity to do what needs to be done even when we’re not sure how. Every woman is strong in her own way. When we come together to support + love each other, that strength is unstoppable! A single word that describes myself is independent. I know who I am and what I want. And although I appreciate my support system without end, I know was I alone am capable of. . . and that is so empowering.

First and foremost, Love yourself! Know your worth and don’t let anyone take that away from you. As women (and humans} we get lost in judging and comparing ourselves to others. Don’t let people determine what you need or want. Strive to better yourself for your own happiness. Follow your heart and most importantly keep moving forward!”

Kelleigh Wittstock

Age: 33

Occupation: Mortgage Underwrite

Mimi

“To me being a woman means a lot of things. You are expected of in certain cultural norms. You’re still in my opinion, devalued. We do so much, especially when it comes to molding lives and raising children. I don’t have children yet but I see what women do and what my mother did for me and how I feel like that is still not “enough” to be valued as a person, in today’s day and age. Which is crazy! (Not by all, but many) I think being a woman personally is VERY empowering. Being alive today I feel like we are consciously making an effort to prove our equality and who we are and the amount of women who are out here being an inspiration for other women, and individuals in general makes me proud. We bring/are able to bring LIFE in to the world. That is something beautiful and there is nothing like knowing that. That feeling to me is like, WOW. I can do that, and I don’t like to give too much credit to myself because all of this is bigger than me. . . anything we do and are capable of is bigger and should be for others, other than ourselves, but we can still feel that blessing that comes from it all. From being able to be able to do all we can do. That is powerful.

A word that describes me as an individual is individual. I think we are all so alike but uniquely our own. I love that because we have a lot to offer each other. I’m proud of my honesty. I’ve always hated lying! I never wanted or was good at doing it. I try to be myself and as real as possible. Show the world YOU, love yourself. Then they will love you! As women we still feel like we have to look and act a certain way. . . and I say to HELL with all of that! Many people I’m SURE would disagree . . . but I am just a PERSON. Regardless of my gender, I want to be genuine and be able to put out the best me . . and if that means I’m a little un-ladylike sometimes, OH WELL! You have to be comfortable with yourself and what you’re putting out there. Don’t act a certain way unless that is really what you are striving to be. We HAVE to be true to ourselves.”

Mimi Chavez

Age: 26

Occupation: Music Artist/Lyft Driver

Chrissy

“To me, being a woman mean being strong and unafraid, even when it feels impossible. It means being empathetic and understanding, and knowing that you can’t always control what is happening around you, but that’s okay. My mom has always told me, “ You can’t control what others do/say to you, but you can control how you react to it.” This, to me, is what being a woman is. It’s not being perfect or completely impenetrable, but instead knowing how to overcome adversity and still show kindness and understanding. A single word to describe myself is lover. One quality I’m proud of is my empathy. I’m proud of my ability to listen to others and really see what they are feeling or trying to express. Do not fear being yourself to the fullest extent. Do not do something for the fear of being wrong or judged. Do not harm yourself or others, but be unabashedly you 100% of the time.

I love being a woman. Many days it’s hard, frustrating is exhausting to be female in today’s world. But I am proud of who I am and what I am because of so many other strong, fierce women who have shown me what it is truly like to be fearless and determined.”

Chrissy Jenks

Age: 25

Occupation: Photographer

Click here to view Chrissy’s work!

Evelyn, Kristie, and Julia

“As a women, I believe we have many privileges. I am privileged to be the wife of a truly amazing man for 45 years; I am privileged to be the mother of 3 beautiful children, and 4 magnificent grandchildren. As a woman, we’re allowed to express ourselves using many emotions, examples, and actions. As a woman, I can be emotional, supportive, strong, proud. One word to describe me is tireless. I think I am most proud of how I manage to make it through each day after the death of my oldest child. I have tremendous faith in God. I wish I had been more patient when I was younger. I have learned to be more patient as I age, in fact, I am still working on it. Being able to admit the mistakes you’ve made in the past, because you will make them. and the knowledge to keep improving yourself each day. Learn to forgive, so that you will be forgiven one day. Most of all - Love.”

Julia Berger (Far right)

Age: Unknown

Occupation: Unknown

“Being a women is, It’s a responsibility. . .To smash stereotypes. A single word that describes me is a fighter. Stop giving so many fucks about comparing yourself to others. My children are my reason. I live and push forward thru an almost suffocating mental illness because I want them to have an real chance to believe in themselves in this world - and in pure happiness. I want them to strive to be good people for the simple sake of being a good person, not because they fear a scary fate after they die.”

Kristie Berger (Middle)

Age: Unknown

Occupation: Waitress

Evelyn (left)

Ariel

“For me, a woman is someone who is both strong and gentle. A woman is someone who is tough, capable, and fierce enough to protect her loved ones while also being compassionate towards other. One word to describe me is kind. A quality I am proud of is my empathy. I have always been able to feel the emotions of others as if I were experiencing them for myself . I can feel people’s happiness as well as their pain. I would never wish it away because I think it’s a big part of what makes me the person I am today.

I wish I had known how to stand up for myself better when I was younger - or that it was okay to stand up for myself. I used to try to stay overly polite in any situation towards people who didn’t quite deserve it. I thought is I acted like the older Disney princess, always sweet and mild, people would like me. I wish I had known how much people would respect me for standing up for myself and that sometimes it’s better to be respected than liked.”

Ariel Guevara

Age: Unknown

Occupation: Unknown

Laura & Sunny

“There is no singular definition of what it means to be a woman because all women have and do lead very unique lives. Therefore, to be a woman, means to be yourself in my opinion. . . To live your life the way that makes you the most happy . . . I try to do that no matter what, which is why I believe one word that could be used to describe me is fluidity because I go through life adapting to all circumstances. My ability to stay true to myself is a quality I’m proud of because at the end of the day, I know I’m working to better myself first so I can be the person I need and want to be. I haven’t always been this way and one piece of advice I give to others is to focus on yourself more and love who you are more than anything because you have to live with yourself, others don’t. So, don’t be who others want you to be. Be you.”

Laura Sorrells O'Donnell & Sunny

Age: Unknown

Occupation: Unknown