The conversation always goes like this:

Random person: “So, what do you do for work?”

Me: “I’m a photographer?”

Them: “Cool. What are your hobbies?”

Me: “Ummmm… photography!”

Them: “But you said that was your job…”

Me: “Yeah, it is… but… well… it’s my job AND my hobby!”

Cue the confusion and perplexed looks. Yes, photography is my job! It’s also my main hobby and my passion too! When I need to recharge or I need a break, I almost always turn to my camera. I love my personal projects because they are usually born or of something I’m truly passionate about. They vary every year and change according to my mood, the skills I’m currently working on, the wardrobe I have on hand, or anything else that strikes me on a whim. Most recently, I was struggling for ways to show people the way I see women… as strong, beautiful, confident, brilliant, powerful creatures worthy of tremendous reverence and respect. I love the balance of femininity versus the warrior spirit present in all of us! And, in that moment, my Warrior Project was born.

Over the summer, I spent my free time transforming women into strong, badass warriors and then photographed them in my own back yard. While there were a few shoots done elsewhere, almost all of them were shot right in my own pond. Sourcing the wardrobe, props and accessories was so much fun and putting together each look was something I agonized over for weeks. I asked women from all walks of life to participate, some I knew well and some I met for the first time when they arrived at my front door. I poured my heart and soul into this project and every single woman who joined me poured hers in as well. I was so thrilled with the results of every shoot because I not only loved the concept and images, I loved the people in them.

I was proud when F-Stoppers, a very well known photography publication, picked up the series to showcase in an article, too! You can read it here if you’d like: The Warrior Within

I want to say a very deep, heartfelt “Thank You” to every woman who participated in this project alongside me. I am deeply grateful to and for every single one of you. Thank you. It means the world to me that you trust me the way you do. I love you all.

Thank you for your continued encouragement and support. I’m excited to bring this project into 2017 this spring with even more warrior women. It’s become a project near and dear to my heart. Do you have a story you’d like to tell? If the warrior series has touched your heart the way it has touched mine, please get in touch! beth@losthighwayimaging.com

Our Connecticut boudoir studio is more than just boudoir and it’s more than just “pretty pictures.” It’s an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. If you can dream it, we can do it! Lost Highway Imaging is owned and operated by Beth Claire and is located in Preston, CT.