I started this project a few months ago wanting to connect with narratives of how women “should” self care, and how self care has become an industry, a commodity, and a distraction. I say this all knowing that accessing & allowing self care can be a privilege - and it can also be challenging. The gift we give ourselves when we show self-compassion, kindness, rest, is beautiful, but at times, it can be difficult to believe our minds, spirits, and bodies worthy of it. We are worthy of self care.
I felt that the industry was directed at women, and wanted to get away from the “marketed self care” narrative, but in doing this I think I actually fed into another narrative - the one that suggests that self care is for women only and/or that men don’t need/shouldn’t want to access care/mental health support. I 100% do not believe this, and I think it’s so important to have a platform for all genders to share the ways in which they give themselves love, compassion, care, and support. We need to have a wider conversation about what mental health & care looks like for all - and so with that recognition, I’m opening up this project to all genders/identities. However you identify, I welcome you to come and share your story.
Thus far I’ve been asking people on a case by case basis as I’ve had time to take on shooting - I’ve been attempting a bit of a balance because I tend to open sign ups and then bulldoze through, running off adrenaline, insomnia and coffee - and that seems like a real strange approach to take when we’re talking about caring for ourselves. It’s something I’ve been working on for myself - as part of my own self care. I may not have room to organize shoots for everyone who reaches out, but I welcome your stories, and if you’re comfortable, may look at sharing them as text based Instagram stories. I’ve also been considering adding these on as purchasable sessions - portrait sessions that explore our processes of care. I’d love to hear feedback on this!
Excited to share more of these stories - thank you to all of you who have created with me so far.
-Sarah