Chrysalis Portrait Shoot | Hollywood, CA

A few days ago, I had the distinct pleasure of documenting an event unlike any other that I normally photograph, but was truly beyond rewarding.

The Chrysalis Women’s Empowerment program is a Los Angeles based resource that helps women coming from various hardships learn vital skills, build self-esteem, gain employment, and ultimately become self-sufficient.

I was introduced to this organization through a past wedding client and immediately jumped at the chance to contribute my services to the “Makeover Event,” which is held a couple of weeks prior to the program’s graduation for these incredible women. Owner/stylist Ginger Boyle of Planet Salon on the forever famous Melrose Avenue in Hollywood hosted this powerful evening, with many of the salon’s stylists and staff generously contributing their time and talents to the transformation process.

For a few hours, these women were lavished upon like never before with various treatments including massage, hair and makeup, jewelry and wardrobe, all culminating with a professional portrait at the evening’s end. Many of these women revealed that they had never experienced anything like this, so for me as the photographer it was so moving to see this process taking place and to be a part of something so impactful to their lives. I could tangibly see the confidence and glow exuding from these ladies!

Once it was their turn to be photographed, helping to set each of them at ease and witnessing their emergence was both enjoyable and an emotional experience! Seeing their expressions of joy and hope made made me so grateful for this opportunity and definitely helped bring things into perspective.

I am looking forward to working with this phenomenal organization again in the future, and I hope as you glance at these images, you will get a sense of the immense power and emotion that filled this special time.

If you’re personally interested in learning more about Chrysalis or potentially contributing to this amazing program, click here to watch a compelling video.