2019 FAIR SHOOT - "Side By Side"

ISOLATION. 

“the process or fact of isolating or being isolated.”

Separation. 

Loneliness. 

Friendlessness. 

Lack of contact. 

Exile. 

Aloneness. 

Lost connection.

We were not created to be alone. We need community. Connection. Relationships. Closeness.

But a mind in turmoil is a confusing thing.

When we struggle with mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts, our mind and emotions get muddled and jumbled until we begin thinking we need to close off our hearts in order to protect ourselves from further damage. Sometimes what we need most- what we should naturally crave at our lowest points- is the very thing we push away the hardest. 

And so our souls, that thirst desperately for genuine connection- slowly wither, becoming dry and numb in the vast desert of loneliness. 

The more our hearts hurt, the harder we push people away, leaving us more alone than ever, which only makes the hurt that much deeper.

Depression is a cycle that steals the warmth of closeness in community, and leaves nothing but emptiness in it’s place. 

But when we live in community, when we take the risk of opening up and sharing our hearts with others, we can be free from the loneliness that draws us apart. We can uplift others who are struggling by simply being there for them. Being the type of friend you would have needed when you were struggling. We can be a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, and a hand to hold when life gets hard. Refusing to let each other fall, we can stand up for those who are too broken to stand for themselves, and we can empower and encourage each other to come back towards the light.

No matter what tries to divide us, we can choose to walk together.

United. 

Side by side. 

Intertwined in love.

YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.

A big thank you to our incredible Fair Shoot Team for making this year's project possible! We were so thrilled to get to partner with "I AM NOT SUICIDE," a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading hope and healing to those struggling with mental health issues. 

We hope that through our creative fair shoot, we are able to encourage and inspire anyone who may be struggling that there is always hope for a brighter future full of community and connection. 

You are NEVER alone.

Our Fair Shoot Team:

MODELS:

-Milly Yailin

-Shannon Murphy

-Bella Robinson

-Mckenzie Hawkins

-Hannah Lincoln

-Laura Griffin

BEHIND THE SCENES TEAM:

-Sylvana Bolden

-Tina Blottenberger

-Kat Hartley

MAKEUP/HAIR ARTISTS:

-Kim Rodriguez

-Tina Blottenberger

WARDROBE:

Select pieces provided by Chicka & Co.

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Samantha Jane Photography

xoxo,

Samantha Jane & The Fair Shoot Team