This project was conceived within the theoretical framework expressed by Laura Mulvey in her seminal work, "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema." Mulvey informs the reader that in mainstream media, female/feminine subjects remain passive objects whereas male/masculine subjects remain active subjects, usually in movement (and usually behind the camera).

In my previous photographic projects, I had unintentionally adhered to this norm by capturing images of women in a way that perpetuated their objectification and passivity. This approach was influenced by the pervasive portrayal of such imagery in popular media. While I acknowledge and support the empowerment inherent in women freely expressing their sexuality, I wanted to challenge myself as a photographer to explore an alternative style that felt more unusual to me. 

In this project, I sought to subvert the way women are typically shot. I drew inspiration from Justine Kurland's "Girl Pictures," wherein subjects are depicted in a utopian or romantic light, not as objects to be consumed for and by the male gaze, but rather subjects in action to become curious about "free from the presence of boys and men". I strived to create this set of photos with a similar ethos, depicting women in states of movement and action.

The intention here was to portray my subjects—my friends—as active participants in their own narratives, captured during candid moments of shared experiences as our summer together drew to a close. Additionally, I staged scenes where subjects were encouraged to take up space and engage in action in an attempt to reclaim the subject’s agency. Even subjects wearing minimal clothing are blurred in their states of action, purposefully limiting the ability to "gaze".

This deliberate departure from conventional representations allowed me to challenge ingrained perceptions of gender roles within visual culture. By presenting female subjects in the light of agency and movement, I aimed to disrupt long-established notions of women being characterized by passivity and objectification.