Why is it important to me to write about this particular photo session?
I guess because I'm different. I can relate to the pain. I know what it's like to feel like your body is betraying you, and feel like the entire world is watching it unfold. It's uniquely awkward to me that I'm bringing attention to this issue, given that I can't face the world in my own condition. [insert awkward emoticon here.]
I didn't set out to raise awareness. Call me small minded, but that's never been my goal. My goal is, and always will be, to make a difference in ONE persons life. In this case, hers.
Meet Michelle
Such Beautiful, troubled eyes.
Michelle is a remarkably talented makeup artist in Grand Rapids Michigan. We first started this journey in a Facebook modeling group, planning a "starry night" concept art piece just before Christmas '17.
"Starry Night"
With Michelle Hein
"Release"
Just before our appointment she mentioned to me that she had Alopecia, which I was only familiar with because my landlord educated me on it some months before. Michelle sent me some "tormented" photo inspiration and wanted to let out some of that emotion that had been building up over the year that that she been battling with the condition.
It didn't take much convincing to get her to take some photo's without her wigs. I felt she was beautiful with or without, but far more authentic to herself, as she was. My goal was to show her how beautiful she was, so that she'd have the inner fortitude to face the general public confidently and comfortably. I think secretly she wanted to get it out too.
Imagine if you will, that not only was your hair falling out in patches all over, but on top of that confusion and sorrow, people were staring at you and asking if you had cancer, and generally drawing unwanted attention to your condition. [It doesn't escape me that I'm doing just that right now Michelle, but I know you're strong and want to raise awareness.]
She told me about the discomfort, the itchy wigs and trapped body heat, (useful in the winter, but miserable in the summer, I'd imagine). It occurs to me that decent wigs are also very expensive. This is a condition that comes with more cost than just financial and physical though. It attacks your emotions, and self views, which can further affect the way others see you. Yet, I didn't see as much of this from Michelle as I expected to find. She was more than strong, she was POWERFUL. She was more than beautiful, she was radiant! There were moments where the emotions got real, but most of her session was so joyful. I'll always remember her.
(Sorry, the following video was deleted by Youtube for unknown reasons. I will get it back asap)
Michelle - Living with Alopecia - by Liz Renae Portraiture
I had originally planned to include her reveal session in the video, but she got so emotional I shut down production.
Please, when you meet these women, don't stare. Don't treat them differently or ask awkward questions. Simply recognize that their smile, is SO much brighter through the pain... and their eyes are even more beautiful now that they're the center of attention. There is beauty everywhere, if you refuse to be distracted by the scars of life.
For those with Alopecia or wanting to support those who suffer from Alopecia, please visit the National Alopecia Areata Foundation for information and community connections.