Embracing True Beauty with the MRP Senior Team
In a world saturated with filters, Photoshop, and unrealistic beauty standards, Project Beauty stands as a breath of fresh air—a movement dedicated to celebrating natural beauty, self-confidence, and authenticity. I had the incredible opportunity to photograph my senior team in one of the most meaningful sessions of the year: Project Beauty. And let me tell you, it was nothing short of inspiring.
What is Project Beauty?
Project Beauty is a national movement that encourages high school seniors to strip away the makeup, the retouching, and the societal pressure to look “perfect.” Instead, it focuses on capturing the raw, real, and unfiltered beauty of each individual. The goal? To redefine what beauty really means and remind every young woman that she is stunning—exactly as she is.
This isn’t just about photos; it’s about empowerment. It’s about looking in the mirror and seeing yourself as enough. No filters, no edits—just you.
Our Senior Team’s Project Beauty Shoot
When my senior team arrived for their Project Beauty session, there was an air of excitement mixed with a little nervous energy. After all, stepping in front of the camera without makeup can feel vulnerable! But as soon as we started, the energy shifted. Laughter filled the studio, the girls hyped each other up, and before long, they were radiating confidence.
Dressed simply in black or white t-shirts and jeans, they let their natural beauty shine. No over-the-top posing, no distractions—just them, being themselves. We also took a moment to reflect on what beauty truly means. Some of the girls wrote down words that resonated with them, from “strength” to “confidence” to “kindness.” Seeing them embrace those words and embody them in front of my camera was powerful.
Why Project Beauty Matters
In a time when social media can often make us feel like we need to change or “fix” something about ourselves, Project Beauty is a reminder that real beauty isn’t about perfection—it’s about being unapologetically yourself. It’s about the sparkle in your eyes when you laugh, the kindness in your heart, and the confidence that comes from embracing who you are.
As a senior photographer, my goal has always been to create images that make my clients feel incredible, and this session did exactly that. It wasn’t about creating “picture-perfect” portraits—it was about capturing the true, unfiltered beauty that was already there.
Project Beauty is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a movement. It’s about rewriting the narrative of what beauty looks like and giving young women the confidence to see their own worth. To my senior team: You are radiant, powerful, and absolutely beautiful. Thank you for trusting me to capture your true selves.
If you’re a high school senior looking for a photoshoot experience that goes beyond the surface, let’s chat! Your beauty deserves to be celebrated, exactly as you are.
Keep Shining,
Mariela