Learn to Love Campaign Part 1
L-R, T-B: Natalia Wilmott, Jackson Maciel, Clarissa Donohue, Monika Elert, Sophie Ruck, Stephanie Would, Lauren Ives, Lam Peretti, Jonathon Wolfenden, Alexis Magnuson-Bennett, Laren Elwin, Dineo Motaung, Beckie Jamieson, Benjie Kusita, Rashenie, Mabz Beet, me and Charlotte May Sneddon.
I’ve always wanted to create something personal, that can help other people and has a good cause. When COVID-19 came in 2020, my photography world pretty much stopped. My business was on hold and much like everyone else, all I could do was sit at home and watch. Now was the time to work on Learn to Love…a campaign aimed at spreading Love and Positivity through inclusion.
“Everybody deserves to live in a world without fear of hate or violence. Regardless of where you're from, the language you speak, the colour of your skin, the way you look or your gender identity. Everyone deserves to be loved.”
Throughout March 2021, I put out a call for people who would like to be involved with the campaign and I was overwhelmed with the response and stories of why people wanted to join in. In April-May, I photographed the first 18 people and launched the campaign on social media on May 5th. Each participant had the option to bring a 2nd outfit and enjoy mini-session as an additional Thank You ♡
Here’s a little look at their stories, why and the campaign imagery.
Natalia Willmott
April 17th | “I love people- I love stories- I love love. It took me a long time to show myself online and I want to inspire others to do that as well.” Read Natalia’s blog here.
Jakson Maciel
April 20th | “…body and self image positivity are extremely important to all of us and if I can help making someone else feel better about themselves even a little bit it’s a win.” Visit Jakson’s Instagram here.
Mabz Beet
April 20th | “You need to love yourself and feel good about yourself. Inclusivity is very important. We need to learn to respect and understand each other.” Follow Mabz’ journey here on Instagram.
Clarissa Donohue
April 23rd | “…..there needs to be more representation for people of colour & different cultures/backgrounds. ….as a teenager in the UK (late 90s/early 00s) I didn't see myself in media or literature.” See Clarissa’s business.
Monia Elert
April 23rd | “Originally from Poland, a working single mum to an Autistic boy. Previously, a domestic abuse survivor now making the most of everyday life with my amazing 7 year old.” Follow Monia’s journey here.
Sophie Ruck
April 23rd | “I am passionate about making people feel good when I photograph others yet I cannot bring myself to be in front of the camera….Seeing myself through someone else’s would be fascinating.” See Sophie’s own photography here.
Stephanie Would
April 24th | “…since having my daughter I have put on so much weight on that I am literally having to learn to love myself again and be more confident.” Visit Cake Nation, to see Steph’s cake designs.
Lauren Ives
April 25th | “I want to stand proud for women who don’t “fit the mould” and who don’t look like everyone else. Who stand out and stand tall…now I’m a mother I simply don’t care what others think as the only opinion I care for is my daughters.” Lauren is a Pro Make-Up Artist.
Lam Peretti
April 26th | A Vietnamese-American photographer who fell in love with an Italian. Simply wants to support and share the message of love and positivity. Read more about Lam here.
Alexis Bennett
April 26th | A fellow American who’s best friends with Lam and wanted to support and share the message of love and positivity. See more about Alexis and what she’s up to here.
Lauren Elwin
April 26th | “I would love to spread further acceptance for all and show a little self love too.” Take a look at some of Laurens modelling and mini restorations here.
Dineo Motaung
May 1st | “I wish the world was kinder especially in this pandemic. I've seen so much bad during this pandemic it's like people have forgotten how to be empathetic all together hiding behind social media.” You can listen to Dineo’s music here.
Jonathon Wolfenden
May 1st | “You are enough.” You can follow Jonathon on Instagram here.
Rebecca Jamieson
May 1st |“I'm a fore arm amputee with many body scars from operations, suffer with BDD and ED & a mother to 3 children. I think its time to stop and embrace and love ME! I want to show others, so they accept themselves better by seeing - we are all different and beautiful.” Find Beckie here.
Benjie Kusita
May 2nd | Taking part in other beauty standard campaigns like ‘Rock the scar you're the star’, Benjie wants to share her love for make-up and everyone’s natural beauty. You can see some of Benjie’s beautiful work here.
Rashenie Mumin
May 2nd | One of Benjie’s closest friends they came together to support the campaign message and help spread as much love and positivity as possible ♡
Charlotte Sneddon
May 2nd | An advocate for body positivity and learning to love yourself, Charlotte runs her own positivity platform. See more of Flaunt Those Curves & Charlottes journey here.
Nisha Keaton
May 2nd | “ I’ve managed to photograph people originally from Paris, Brazil, U.S.A, Vietnam, Thailand and the north of UK, people with disabilities and without, regardless of gender or sexual identity. I’m on my own self-love journey and photographed myself make-up free. “
“Thank you for trusting me to photograph you for this campaign. I’m honoured & cannot wait to do it again!”
