#BreakTheFilter

Being stripped down to who we were always meant to be means removing everything that was added to us for survival—but never truly belonged.

It’s the shedding of expectations.

The quiet unlearning of roles we were praised for.
The release of approval-seeking, comparison, and performance.

It means returning to the self that existed before we were told to be smaller, softer, louder, prettier, easier, sexier, stronger.

To be stripped down is not to be empty—it’s to be honest.
It’s standing in your body without apology.

Letting your face hold its stories.

Allowing your presence to be enough without adornment or explanation.

It is the moment you stop asking, “Am I acceptable?”
and start knowing, “I am whole.”

Being stripped down is not exposure for spectacle—it’s vulnerability with intention.

A remembering.
A homecoming.

A refusal to hide what was never meant to be hidden.

It is stepping back into alignment with your truth—
before the filter,
before the mask,
before the world told you who to be.

Participants are welcome to incorporate an element of their occupation or personal passion if it reflects who they are at their core.

This may be a tool, environment, gesture, or quiet moment connected to what makes them feel most alive.

These elements are not meant as performance or display, but as grounding—an extension of identity rather than adornment. Whether it’s work, craft, or a deeply held hobby, these details can help reveal presence, purpose, and authenticity, reinforcing the heart of #BreakTheFilter: being seen as we truly are, without masks, filters, or expectation.

APPLY HERE

Full Name

Age

Address

Phone

Are you able to attend an in-person portrait session?

Yes

Are you open to being invited back for future sessions years from now?

Yes

Maybe

Do you have any accessibility needs I should be aware of?

What part of yourself have you been taught to hide?

Please feel free to be as descriptive as you want; but know, short answers are more than enough, too.

Is there a season of life you feel you are currently in?

Please feel free to be as descriptive as you want; but know, short answers are more than enough, too.

Why does this project feel important to you?

Please feel free to be as descriptive as you want; but know, short answers are more than enough, too.

Would you like to incorporate your occupation or hobby that helps tell the story of who you are?

Is there anything about being photographed that feels vulnerable for you?

Please check the boxes if they resonate with you:

I am comfortable with my portrait being shared on social media

I am comfortable with my portrait being used in print/exhibitions

I prefer my portrait to remain anonymous (name not published)

I understand this is a long-term documentation project
I understand images will not be retouched beyond basic color and exposure
I understand little to no makeup and natural hair are part of the project
I understand a model release is required for participation
I understand there is no obligation to purchase images
I understand my portrait could be exhibited or published as part of this project
I understand that this is an application, and that submitting it does not guarantee participation.

Thank you for considering being part of this ongoing work.

Submitting this application does not guarantee participation, and that is okay.

Every expression of interest matters.

~Kell @WaywindPhoto