I knew once I started this project that my conversations would feature women who have lived. Women who have seen life, embraced challenges and become extraordinary as a result.
This is my friend Martina. Isn't she lovely? Stevie Wonder would think so - he would see Martina's beauty without any problems. I would challenge any one reading this blog post to spend 10 minutes in Martina's company and not feel her power. I experienced Martina's power one Sunday morning at Church when she asked me to help here sort the numbers for the Hymn Board - she said "you look tall to me, so you can reach the numbers and change them". Such was her force of personality, I did not even feel the need to refuse. I found her charming and just plain lovely. Today, we had a magical conversation about her life growing up in Germany. I told her I am going to perform in Poland in Krakow very soon. Martina then told me stories about grown up in war torn Germany, experiencing the devastation of war and bombings as a teenager. Can you imagine being a teenager living through this very difficult time? Our conversation about my project revealed some interesting facts about how she saw herself regarding her personal beauty. She grew up feeling she wasn't beautiful compared to her friends. She also said having this point of view meant she did not experience any harassment from boys like her friends did. She decided to just get on with the job of living, dealing with life, challenges, upsets and being a good person. being strong willed, determined and a demonstration of rock solid faith. I listened with rapt attention; she also said, "people may be beautiful to look at and just plain ugly on the inside". This comment is the very essence of my project simply because Martina embodies the very ethos of inner beauty, generosity of spirit, compassion, service to others, contribution sharing, kindness and love. My afternoon with her was delightful with Tea, Biscuits, Cake, Sandwiches and conversation about the true meaning of beauty. If you are in any doubt about what true beauty looks like, study Martina's photograph. I feel very happy looking at this image because it inspires me, it makes me feel good and just joyful. With this image, I feel I have brought glory to the living force because Martina is a wonderful divine expression of the living force in human form. xx
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This is Carole.
We have known each other for over twenty years. This image was one of a few that was created towards the end of our day together. What is intetesting was the realisation about what worked and what didn’t. I will let Carole tell you about that. My point of view in this post is very matter of fact. This image would not have been possible without the long conversation before hand. We spoke about beauty, DNA, self image, the construct of identity just to unlock one fundamental truth. That truth is simply the fact that as human beings, we are truly creative beings and create ourselves to be any character. Now, this character, is it who we are? Does it honour us and our creative life force? Is this creation just an act to Look good and survive? Who are we really? How do you know YOU are being authentically you? All, I can say is, when this image was created in Camera and Carole saw it on the live view screen of my camera, she lit up like a Christmas Tree. What followed next was her realisation about how she felt about her self-expression and then she experienced her personal breakthrough. Now, there are two stories in this image. Carole will share hers. I am sharing mine right now. A Celebration of Women & Beauty Through Visual Imagery is much more than a collection of image of women. This is about the conversation we have with ourselves about how we look, how we present ourselves to the world. This is about how we see ourselves, self image, it’s about self acceptance, self love, celebrating ourselves as a devine expression of the living force. Who is Michael Vincent in all of this? Who I am is the possibility of being a man and photographer that supports all women in experiencing their authentic beauty beyond the construct of their DNA. I am the mirror of ERISED. Any women who is courageous enough to participate in this project and conversation with me will experience me full of power, authentic conversation compassionate listening, provocative questions, heartfelt love, appreciation and expert photography that will unlock the truth and set you free. My intention is to create an experience where all of the women in this project don’t recognise themselves and actually fall in love with themselves.❤️ I want to acknowledge Carole for engaging in this conversation. It was a beautiful dialogue and I got profound value for myself. I hope she will share her point of view. It offers a lot of deep insight which I believe will offer hope and possibility to any woman who comes across this post and image. Michael Vincent The Magical Photographer. A Celebration of Women & Beauty is much more than a photograph, it’s an expression and story about my subject and myself.
Every image is a self portrait and this reveals something about me the photographer. This project will reveal through my eyes and my expression the beauty I see in all women. This is a photograph of my friend Petra - it is a personal favourite. I love this image. She is beautiful yes, however, take a closer look. Take a moment, stop, don’t think, allow yourself to feel💜 Now, how do you feel as you allow yourself to just “be” with this image? This communicates to me total peace, serenity and pure stillness. When I am in Petra’s company, this is her energy. I love the fact that she doesn’t front up or freak out in front of the camera, she is totally at peace in front of the lens and this allows me to the freedom to capture her authentic spirit. This is a beautiful experience for me. Ladies, this is what I attempt to create with every photograph. Please send me a message to learn more about this project. This project attempts to go beneath the surface of DNA beauty and unleash something even more exquisite. This is pure beauty expressed through the eyes, the spirit and an expression of the living force. I experience Petra’s beauty in her stillness, peaceful demeanour and her subtle and yet rock solid expression of “This is Me”. My friend Serenia.
An extrordinary lady who I met by pure chance. A friendship created out of nothing. Just an honest covnersaiton at a party, full of Stevie Wonder Songs, and little magic. I did not create this image, she did and sent it to me. I will see her again and create my own image. My exposure to authentic beauty begins with my mother.
This is the perfect way to start, simply because she was, is and will be the barometer that I operate from when experiencing beauty in all women. She showed me the way. She got me to see beyond the fake smile and look deep into the heart of women, people and access their truth. I know what it looks and feels like because I experience it everyday through her. This image was created one night while I was practicing my Flash Photography. My number one Model was on hand to give me this expression. It communicates so much to me. Compassion Warmth Pride A life well lived. Peace and Joy. x I am very excited to be sharing this new project with you.
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August 2018
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