Any person who has had a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer is welcome to participate in The Grace Project. All breast cancer stages, all levels of healing (from fresh scars and drains, to radiation treatment, to years out of treatment, to those who have stage iv and all forms and choices of (or lack of) reconstruction. Cancer does not discriminate and The Grace Project is a diverse project. All body types and ethnicities and ages are encouraged to participate.
Note: Any person with metastatic breast cancer (stage iv) that has not had a mastectomy is also welcome to be photographed.
My primary location for photographing is in or near Kingston NY. If you are in or near NYC, The tri-state region (New Jersey, Connecticut, New York) Western Massachusetts, or Southern Vermont, individual photoshoots can be arranged at most times of the year.
I travel outside of New York from time to time and schedule group shoots. Locations and dates to sign up are generally posted on the Grace Project Facebook page.
Participation in the Grace Project is absolutely free. There is no charge. You must be willing to share your scars, your vulnerability, your courage and your unique beauty with the camera and you must also sign a model release.
The Grace Project is a 501(c)3 organization that operates on a shoe string budget and is funded by the generosity of individual donors. If you would like to donate to the project there is a donate link on the website and also on the Facebook page for the project however there is no requirement.
You should arrive at the photoshoot wearing loose comfortable clothing that are easy to take off and put back on. Please try to wear neutral colored underwear if possible. Occasionally bright colors will show through the draping fabric. (See photographs on website for draping reference).
Wear your hair and your make-up as you would like to appear in the photograph. There will NOT be stylists at the shoot. I prefer that you look like yourself in the image. Therefore wear your hair and makeup the way you normally like to wear it. If you don’t normally wear makeup, don’t wear any… If you wear lipstick and eyelashes on the regular… do that… you do you. This photograph is a portrait of YOU. I want it to be as authentic as possible.
I drape my subjects with fabric as you will have seen in many of my photographs. If you would like to bring your own fabric/color I recommend that it be at least 3-4 yards. However it is not required to bring as I have an ample supply that I bring to all of my shoots.
On average a Grace Project photoshoot can take anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour. If you are participating in a group event we encourage you to spend the day with us… however if you have limited time, please advise ahead of time so that we can schedule your photoshoot earlier or later in the day.
Yes.
I do allow photographs and video recording during a Grace Project shoot, however I request that all footage includes me (the photographer) in the imagery and that if you share it on social media, that you tag the project.
I only ever release 2 images from everybody’s shoot. Because it is a fine art project I spend significant time deliberating over which two images these will be. As the artist I will choose the images that most resonate with the message of the project. When I have chosen your images, I will message you with the digital version.
-Can I get prints of my photographs?
All participants will be gifted with signed heirloom quality fine art prints from their shoot.
I will direct you how to pose and give you things to think about as we are photographing. Most people I photograph are not used to being in front of a camera, let alone half naked… so you will experience some nervousness, however I am very good at getting you relaxed and present. Sharing your scars, your body, your story can be a very emotional experience… but also empowering and liberating. I encourage authenticity in my photographs. If you feel sad let the tears flow… if you are joyful and can’t stop smiling, then let yourself beam. Everyone’s experience and what they bring to the project is different and what comes through can sometimes be surprising.
When you stand in front of my camera for a Grace Project portrait, you are sharing the story that has been written on your body. You are asking the world to see you… to accept you… in the process your courage to share will in turn help other women that may be traversing a similar journey.
General application to participate as a model in The Grace Project.
Please Note: You will most likely not hear from anyone immediately after filling out this form. The application is there so that Charise can be in touch when she is visiting your region. Thank you.
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