This event was an outstanding gathering of baddass women embracing who they have have become through both portraits and stories.
“I really think that sexually, your session with my spouse, has opened many doors between us.”
“Sifting through the bullshit and highlighting the truth: women are queens, miracle makers, goddesses.”
“I felt strong, powerful, and beautiful and those images really told the story of my rebirth after my divorce.”
“Afterwards, I was energized and felt like I had really done something important for my self. I couldn't wait to see my photos!”
“The next day I broke down in tears. I think because it made me understand how much I needed to do it FOR ME”
“Life gets crazy and you stop doing things for yourself. This was the beginning of me reclaiming something that was mine that I forgot that I had and now I remember.”
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“I am a queen, a miracle maker, a goddess.”
“Sifting through the bullshit and highlighting the truth: women are queens, miracle makers, goddesses.”
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“I felt strong, powerful, and beautiful and those images really told the story of my rebirth after my divorce.”
Read More“Afterwards, I was energized and felt like I had really done something important for my self. I couldn't wait to see my photos!”
Read More
The project Be Seen Be Heard began with a flurry of energy. BLM was on the tip of everyone’s tongue. Protests were abound. The response from Black women was incredible!
Sylvie is a French teacher and runs a side business called: Smile Giver Batik. Imported, hand created clothing and accessories from Africa https://www.smilegiverbatik.com/
Fast forward to now. Things have quieted. Protests are no longer happening here in Portland. We are experiencing Covid in our daily lives. And yet, this project is alive. Or perhaps revived. Thanks to a woman who believed. Her name is Sylvie Gbhete. She was referred by a client & she was excited to be a part of Be Seen, Be Heard. We spoke on the phone and as our conversation unfolded, I became once again, filled with the feeling that I should continue to run Be Seen Be Heard.
I don’t recall exactly what she said but it was something like: “If you continue to do the work, it will be evident that the project is a good project and has good intentions.” She spoke this after I had talked about the issues of being white and running this project. How it may come across as self serving. I had also shared how an interview about Be Seen Be Heard, that had been done by a popular local magazine, didn’t see the light of day even though, after checking back multiple times, I had been assured that it was to be published.
Because of her words, I said yes. And because I said yes, Black United Fund of Oregon said yes to funding a website dedicated solely to the project. And because BUFOR said yes. I am once again filled with the belief that this project is a good project.
And so for this coming year, I will continue to take applicants and dedicate 1 day per month to do a photoshoot as well as the work to do interviews, Q&A’s. Because it is a good project. Black women need to Be Seen & Be Heard!
So stay tuned. I will be announcing the launch of Be Seen Be Heard’s website within the next few weeks that will include a new story and photographs from her shoot. Stay tuned for The story of Sylvie Gbhete.
If interested in reading the current stories, please click HERE
Cheers!
~Shawnalee
“The 40 over 40 shoot couldn't have come at a better time - it was exactly what I was looking for for the space I am in right now. I wouldn't have done it sooner! I am thankful the opportunity presented itself at the right time. I also have been trying to support small local businesses, and after following Shawnalee for awhile on Instagram, I knew it would be a good, safe, comfortable and uplifting experience.”
“I would absofuckinglutely recommend this!!”
“At first, I was confident it was what I wanted to do. A day or two before the shoot, I was, like, "What the hell was I thinking!" Having committed, showing up was a given, and then showing up and just feeling no worries at all, everything was taken care of. It was just...easy...and fun! Afterward I felt confident, I enjoyed the experience and was looking forward to see what came of it. I felt like I was able to be my true self and that is what I was looking for. The reveal was awesome and then the anticipation of receiving the images and then actually getting them was pretty awesome too.”
“I refound my soul in some small, but important and lasting way.”
I feel like I now have documentation of this point in my life, and photographs that will be here long after I am gone. Hopefully bringing good memories to my son, my nieces and nephew of who I was. For myself, I have a images that remind me that I am strong, that I am capable, that I have retained that inner joy that life seems to try to beat out of you sometimes. I honestly look at them and think "it will be okay." It was an important shift for me from one point in my life to the next one.
When do you ever get to have the focus be squarely on you and what you want to present, how you want to present, yourself and then have a visual affirmation of that experience? When do you ever get a chance to see yourself from a different perspective and to be able to carry that with you. And to be in the company of a pretty remarkable photographer lady, who lights up rooms with her energy, confidence and charm, and changes peoples lives with her life work?? I gained a friend and I refound my soul in some small, but important and lasting way. I also felt special and honored to be a part of this project, it's not something I could have ever foretold.” ~M
If interested to learn more about my 40 Women Over 40 project that M participated in, go here
Introduction from my project Vision: “Only brave people have the courage to share their vulnerable side. When we reveal this part of ourselves, it invites others to take down their walls. It builds connection and understanding.
It is my goal to create portraits that celebrate and represent strength, vulnerability and dignity. I am also wanting to incorporate words of wisdom from the women I photograph. A snippet of a personal story or their perspective of the state of things with the resurgence of BLM. Ultimately I hope to continue the dialogue. Providing a platform for people of colour to connect & educate our community & the world.”
And so we launched with our first shoot last Sunday. June 28th. It took place at Beast Daylight Studio who generously donated their studio. I had 2 volunteers: Calico from Calico Rose Photography who shot Behind the scenes and assisted on set. Also, Jennifer Randall. An incredible artist and writer who interviewed each woman. The day ran as smooth as silk.
The women I photographed left with smiles on their faces. I feel connected to them now & I look forward to diving into editing and working through their words to create individual works that represent the intrinsic nature of these beautiful souls.
I look forward to the next shoot(s). Submissions continue to roll in.
Int
“Life gets crazy and you stop doing things for yourself. This was the beginning of me reclaiming something that was mine that I forgot that I had and now I remember.”