Shine Bright 02.

Meet Meagan

Meagan is one of the most kind and gentle souls in this world that I have had the honor of knowing for 20 years. She is what this project is about.

Sometimes we feel like we are not tan enough,

not thin enough, 

just ... not enough.

But even in the most simple of time - 

even without hiding behind a mask 

our strength and our beauty prevail.

What do you love about yourself?

I love how caring I can be towards people and I always try to see the good in people and the positive side of every situation. Even though I can get hurt when thinking this way, I feel that it makes me a happier person overall to view the positives in life as opposed to always expecting the negative.

What gets you discouraged?

When life sets in and I am given battles I don't believe I can handle on my own. I begin to panic thinking I am not good enough or strong enough to overcome this. It is a scary road to go down - but then I remind myself I am not alone in this world.

How do you face or overcome your demons?

When I am dealing with demons I take a step back and look at my life as a whole. While doing this I see all the blessings I have been given. A husband: who loves me for me, and finds me beautiful in my own unique way. A family: who is close and bends over backwards to help one another through whatever battle presents at the time. A God: who cares for each and every one of us - and will no matter what nonsense this world fills in our heads.

What is your Greatest Passion?

One thing in my life that will always give me the greatest sense of joy and happiness is helping others. I love the feeling that I get from it. I love feeling like I have touched someone's life or helped make a difference for them. I will always try my best to help others as much as I can because when circumstances are reversed and you are the one in need, it makes all of the difference in the world when someone is there to help you.

Beautiful Meagan.

Shine Bright 01

Meet Rachel.

What do you love about yourself?

This is tough.... Probably honestly what I love and hate most about myself is my heart. Not the physical vessel but what it does to me (and yah i know its my brain but bear with me) I hate how I can care so much about people just to watch them walk away and then let them do it again and again. I find in love and friendships i follow this pattern where I allow myself to be taken advantage of just because I care about the other person so much, probably even more about them then they care about me. I also like my eyes :P they are pretty cool. 

What gets you discouraged?

Comparing myself with others. It really is the thief of joy. I have done a lot better this year with staying away from social media (only posting for work reasons!) so I just STOP DOING THAT. and when I do compare myself and primarily I work i do it very consciously. Physically go online saying 'i am going to go look at a bunch of other photographers work for "THIS" purpose (generally to inspire me or to see what trends are going on). It has really helped a lot. I find when I see someones work through that light I actually enjoy the comparison now. 

How do you overcome your demons?

I don't think anyone ever really overcomes any demons we just find these ways to push them deep inside to a place where they don't bother us anymore, they aren't a part of our consciousness. My connection with yoga and meditation i think really helps me overcome pretty mcuh any mental block I have. 

What is your greatest passion?

Freaking love man. My greatest weakness is my greatest passion and strength. I connect very easily with people and enjoy finding out their quirks and telling their stories. I am moved by the connection people have between each other and am always seeking it out. Exploring the world while also exploring our connections is something i am constantly seeking out. I will go anywhere to tell a story that is freaking good. I wish i could do everything i personally want to do but gotta pay the bills man.