Survivor Saturday w/ Lynette Franklin - Maryland Portrait Photographer

Hey everyone!!! It's Saturday and today I am featuring this bright light known as Lynette Franklin!  She was so grateful for the is opportunity to tell her story and to help others.  During our session it was emotional for Lynette and this was part of her healing process and her moving forward in life.  Most time people that have cancer get stuck and these sessions are to remind them of their beauty and to help them see that IT ISN'T OVER, but a fresh start!  Everyone meet Lynette...

October 15, 2013 At the age of 38 I sat in my car and read a medical report which confirmed my biggest fear…I HAD BREAST CANCER.

On that day my life changed forever. Mentally, physically and emotionally I had to prepare myself for the battle of my life. Things that mattered previously no longer mattered and things that never mattered now mattered the most. I had no choice but to regroup. I had to keep praying, trusting and believing as I had always done before.

At this time I was a solider in the United States Army. I was hundreds of miles away form my family and friends. The ones whom loved me the most and would pray the hardest for me were the furthest away from me. During the emotional journey I was blessed with prayer warriors. They would pray for me when I was too weak to pray for myself.

I was blessed with women, ‘sistas’ near and far who encouraged me, inspired me and prayed with me and for me. I endured chemotherapy, radiation, a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. This journey tested me on every level.

However, through my heartache, hurt and scars I am thankful and forever grateful for this part of my journey. It made me dig deep and prove to myself what I was truly made of. God has used me to create awareness, promote self-examination and encourage each other spirits.

Again, I thank you for allowing me this opportunity to tell my story. It is my hope that through the pain, tears, and emotional roller coaster I am able to inspire, encourage and motivate someone else who may have to go through such a life changing experience.

Ms. Veteran America 2016 - Maryland Photographer

In early October, I had the honor of capturing the Ms. Veteran America award celebration.  These ladies are amazing and have proudly or are currently serving in the military.  These women as part of the competition take on the platform of raising money and awareness for homeless female veterans and their families.  For this campaign the women raised $80K towards the initiative and the organization of Final Salute Inc. 
This competition is far from a beauty pageant!  These ladies not only compete in talent, questions and stage presentation; but they also competed in a push up competition right on the stage in front of the spectators.  It was great to see those that dropped cheer on their comrades in this section of the night.  From 25 it went to the Top 10 and then the Final 3 and then the final question.  Congrats to Captain Molly Mae Porter who was crowned Ms. Veteran America 2016!
 

MILITARY SPOTLIGHT: Prowess Modeling Agency

There’s a new and unique alternative to hiring our heroes. Prowess steps away from traditional employment and launched the nation’s first fashionable employment initiative. Founded, operated and owned by veterans in spring 2015, Prowess is making its mark by penetrating an industry typically not pursued as a career change for service members in transition. The military has taught our nation’s heroes to adapt and overcome any obstacle; if they can march, then they can surely strut the runway with the best of them.

Prowess’ fleet includes, Prowess Women, Prowess Men, Prowess Curvy, Prowess Physique and Prowess Brats. U.S. military bases have Military Exchanges, which bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year – a majority of the consumers are service members and their families. Troops and their families enjoy popular brands at Military Exchanges, such as, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Lucky Brand, Tommy Hilfiger, Bali, Hanes, Under Armour, Nike, Levis and Michael Kors and many more. The time has come where we should walk into any Military Exchange or Fashion Week and see these designers represented by our nation’s finest!

If veterans have modeling on their bucket list, then they are perfect candidates for Prowess. Interested veterans should contact Prowess at model@prowessmodels.com and visit their website, www.prowessmodels.com, for additional information about the agency.

Climbing the Ranks w/ Jas Boothe - Maryland Photographer

When you look around you see women in the military all the time!  It is not often that you see women that have gone through as much as MAJ Jaspen Boothe and have survived to tell her story.  Jaspen has made it her mission to tell her story and other women vets stories that cannot tell their own.  MAJ Boothe has organized countless resources for veterans across America and continues to do so through her organization Final Salute.  I am glad that she asked me to capture her moments as she pinned on the rank of MAJ in the US Army.  It was a joyous day for her and her family.  Please enjoy, like and SHARE.