Growing up with an entourage of friends and family who continuously criticized my appearance and laughed at my self-expression, I have always lacked confidence and felt reluctant to express myself freely — feelings that I have carried into adulthood. With an unexpected turn of events, I became a fashion model a few years ago, despite my countless insecurities. In front of the camera I gained confidence, but my self-presentation was still defined by others. For this final project, I decided to fuse my modelling skills with the photographic expertise that I have gained as an ALC student and take charge of my own representation. Having control over the front and back of the camera, I have found the courage to reveal my body in ways I had never done before.