High school – it’s a whirlwind of emotions, isn’t it? As a teen, I remember feeling excited, nervous, and everything in between as I embarked on my senior year- navigating academic pressures, social dynamics, and the looming question of what comes next. When I started specializing in high school senior photography almost 8 years ago, I saw that teen girls were still struggling with these same emotions. I wanted to somehow use my business to support and uplift these young women, to create a sense of belonging.
That’s why I decided to create the BBP Senior Model Team. My mission for the team is to empower teen girls by fostering confidence, camaraderie, and self-discovery.
As I got to know more and more girls through my photography, I noticed that even the most outgoing high school girls had times when they were struggling – struggling to feel confident, struggling to make meaningful connections, and struggling to navigate the pressures of adolescence. And I knew there had to be a way to change that.
So, I gathered a group of driven, ambitious girls from different high schools – girls who shared my vision of creating something bigger, something special. Together, we formed the first BBP Senior Model Team – a sisterhood dedicated to building each other up and making unforgettable memories during our senior year, and now we’re in the process of recruiting our 7th team!
Although we’ve grown and changed through the years, my vision for the team has always remained the same: to empower teen girls to embrace their true selves, pursue their passions, and support one another along the way. And let me tell you, it’s been an incredible journey!
We’ve added casual team workshop discussions to our team hang outs where we focus on self-development. We’ve explored our strengths, talked about our insecurities, and set ambitious goals for ourselves. These sessions have not only helped us grow individually but have also strengthened out relationship with each other.
And then there’s the modeling aspect – a chance for us to step out of our comfort zones and exude confidence in front of the camera. Our exclusive team photoshoots are great for learning natural posing techniques and expressing ourselves creatively through fashion. These experiences have helped the girls to discover their inner beauty and strength- you can see it on their faces when they catch a glimpse of the back of my camera!
But perhaps the most rewarding part of this journey has been the friendships we’ve formed along the way. Through shared experiences, laughter, and mutual support, we’ve built a network of strong friendships that extends far beyond the duration of the program.
And as we’ve journeyed together, we’ve realized that we’re not alone in our struggles. Through open and honest discussions about common teen pressures, we’ve found solace in knowing that we’re in this together – that we’re stronger when we lift each other up.
I’m so excited to open applications for this year’s team. If you know any high school girls in the Fort Wayne area searching for a sense of belonging and empowerment, know that there’s a sisterhood waiting for them – the BBP Senior Model Team. Because here, you’ll not only build confidence and make memories, but you’ll also find a family that has your back every step of the way!
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