We know it makes a difference
It made a difference to her.
Missy was a 22 year old mental health patient, abandoned by her family in the parking lot of grocery store. She had developmental issues and several other severe diagnoses. Her prognosis wasn’t good. My son found her wandering dirty, crying, and scared near a cart corral. He called me and we brought her home. As we tried to find resources for her over the next couple of months, (including calling her parents and begging them for help.) Missy became intrigued by my photography studio. So, I gave her a full session. When we eventually found an inpatient placement for her, she kept the batch of photos in her bedside table. When she left her room, she would clutch the photos to take with her. She said it reminded her who she was… and she was scared she’d forget. They became a lifeline to herself. She remains an inpatient in the State Mental health system.
It made a difference to her and her two children
Lynne was a victim of domestic abuse and the mother of two toddlers. Lynne was 25 but had no work experience or education. She arrived at my studio with a black and bloody eye. We did the works. Make up, hair, clothing. and several different looks. When she saw the photos she was amazed. She had no idea she could look like that. They gave Lynne the vision for herself that she needed. Six months later, Lynn was working at McDonalds while going to school, and had left her abusive husband. She said it was the photos that gave her the courage.