SEATTLE ANNOUNCEMENT

The First BIG LOVE PHOTO-SHOOT PROJECT
Runs July 7-19, 2014

in Seattle and Edmonds

Photographic Art Installation Created by Seattle Local Proves That Strangers Can Often See Our Beauty Even When We Cannot

 
With the help of local Seattle photographers and people who are willing to set their insecurities aside, the Big Love Photo-shoot Project is an art installation of photographs of people who normally do not put themselves in front of the camera.  Photographers, Gregory Cecil (www.gregorycecil.com), Christopher Nelson (www.christophernelsonphotography.com), and Devin Kearns will be paired with volunteer models and these photos will be displayed July 7-18 in two locations (Hotel Hotel in Fremont and The Refinery Salon in Edmonds). During this time, the community is invited to view them and write their own positive comments on a set area around the photographs, creating the final installation of the project.  A showing and reveal will take place on Saturday, July 19 at Hotel Hotel at 8pm.  The Big Love Photo-shoot Project was inspired by the fact that too many women share the feeling that they are too fat / skinny / old / unattractive / uncomfortable/ shy to be photographed. So they step out of the shot. And step a little bit out of life. The TRUTH is that most people can see your joy, your humor and your BIG LOVE…even if you don't.  It’s time to step back into the picture.
The Big Love Project founder and Seattle mother of three, Amy Gentry, commented, “I was really surprised by how many people, mostly women, shared my feeling that I wasn’t worth being in family photos or needed to hide behind someone in group pictures.  And what’s going to happen is that all of us fabulous people are going to pass on and our families won’t have photographs of how much we really did enjoy life.  My hope is that we’ll get in front of the camera and when we truly allow ourselves to be seen, even complete strangers can see the beauty, the life, the love that we all have. No matter what shape, size or age we are.”

The Refinery Salon – 4^th Ave and Bell Street in Edmonds, WA
www.therefinerysalon.net

Hotel Hotel – 3515 Fremont Ave. N in Seattle, WA

www.hotelhotel.co

The project is still accepting subjects to be photographed.  If you or someone you know needs to get back in front of the camera, sign up on this page.  Or go to www.facebook.com/biglovephotoshoot. 

Welcome to the BIG LOVE PHOTOSHOOT PROJECT!

NOW is the time to stop hiding because we feel we aren't good enough for those family photos or vacation snapshots!  Your children don't see a round belly or graying hair.  Your mate doesn't see your wrinkles.  Your friends aren't judging your double chin or skinny legs. YOU are the only one who sees this.  Your family and friends see the love and joy you are giving to them.  And most likely...so does everyone else!

Frankly, I'm tired of jumping out of the frame or sucking in my gut or throwing someone in front of me to hide myself when someone brings out a camera.  I want my kids to know I was a part of these holidays and fun events, and I don't want to keep waiting until I'm the "better" version of myself.  I need to be the best version NOW.  Maybe thinner will come.  Maybe better-dressed will come.  But right now...at this moment...this is who we are.  No more hiding to protect...who??...from the way we look or feel about ourselves.  NOW, we get our confidence back.  NOW, we show that we know that we are smart and funny and weird and strong.  That we're mothers, fathers, friends, siblings, colleagues and generally WONDERFUL PEOPLE.  Filled with BIG LOVE for ourselves.  Because when we feel it, they see it.

Join the BIG LOVE PHOTOSHOOT PROJECT, and let's form a community of people who truly see all the goodness we ALL have within.