Girlhood, Take 2

Four years ago I was in my Junior year at Mira Costa High School, working on my concentration portfolio for AP Studio Art. It was called Girlhood, and it explored girls, growing up, and femininity. Given that I submitted photographs only, I did not score quite well. To be honest,  having my art judged on a scale of 1-5 without constructive criticism in return was a big hit to my ego. I felt like my perspective on what it meant to be a woman was invalid, meaningless, and weak. Looking back at it now, I do understand how I felt that way. But, I can now recognize that despite the AP Board's opinion, my art is empowering and unique. Here are the shots from my concentration and others that were inspired by the idea of Girlhood, taken in the years since. All photos are 35mm film.