Since I was little, photography has fascinated me. I used my mother's camera to capture things I found interesting, like cloudy skies and cars at traffic lights. When I got my own camera, I explored urban life and the night sky. In the city, I would always think about the people in my pictures and think of stories. I love taking pictures of the moon, its brightness, the stars, and the building of the place I call home. Doing this makes me feel connected to the world. Photography and writing have always been my passions. My family inspires me to be different in a world of conformity; I choose to live my way, taking advantage of opportunities. My message is, “We’re all different; nobody gets to control that.”

With the theme inside/outside, I wanted to look at the idea of inner vs. outer selves. The figure in the mirror represents our inner self, dressed in lighter colours with no defining characteristics whatsoever. It represents who we are unmarred by outside expectations and labels. The figure outside the mirror has no face; the viewer doesn't know who they really are. The darker colours show flaws, labels, and expectations that others' perceptions may push onto us. The red scarf is a characteristic given to the figure, forcing them to stand out.

In this photo, I wanted to incorporate the theme of “Inside and Outside.” However, I also wanted to create a powerful message. I thought I should approach the idea literally—bring a girl’s insides out. I thought this would be an effective way to depict the pressure put on young girls to lose weight and to fit into the “beauty standard.” Having the wounds on her stomach in colour was to bring more power to the image and highlight the point I was making. While the rest of the image is black and white, I tinted the image slightly red to make the photo complement the mood. I hope my image can inspire girls to feel comfortable in their bodies. 

Model: Shannyn Watson