How One Photographer has Committed to the Fight Against Middle School Bullying, One Photo

Casey Scalf of Storybook Studios in Chesapeake, VA is helping build the self-esteem of young girls who have been bullied, through the power of photography.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. 10/22/19— “I created this program a couple of years ago when I started hearing parents tell me about how hard middle school is on their girls. The bullying in middle school is horrible and is detrimental to their self-confidence.” said Scalf.

“As preteens, kids develop their self-esteem during these very important years. We are hearing way too often that kids this age are getting bullied and it breaks my heart. We need to show them that they are worthy…worthy of self-confidence, worthy of loving who they are, worthy of being here to live their life.” said Scalf.

“Since our high school senior portraits have changed the self-confidence of so many seniors, I felt compelled to create the Fearless Spirit Model Crew. This program is designed to boost their self-esteem and self-worth through their own Fearless Spirit portrait session and six monthly model crew sessions.” said Scalf.

By giving Casey a few months of their time, she shows them the negative image they have of themselves is wrong.

“Throughout the process, I take photos of them and prove to them, ‘See this is how beautiful you are. There’s no denying that. It’s truly you.” said Scalf.

“I just cannot say enough about how Caroline’s time with you has transformed her. You have captured her beauty, confidence, sass, innocence and that precious stage of becoming – between little girl and young woman. Through your artistry, she has seen herself in a way that she never has before. When she saw her portraits, she saw a confident, beautiful girl and then believed that about herself. No matter how much we have tried to help her see that, she didn’t until she saw herself through the lens of your camera and it has had such a positive impact on her self-esteem. As a result, you have positively affected every aspect of her life. Her confidence has led to believing in herself, taking chances, setting goals, and reaching them. I am in awe.” Brooke Henderson (Mother of a Fearless Spirit Model)

Learn more about the Fearless Spirit Project here:
http://www.story-book-studios.com/the-fearless-spirit-project

See 13 News Now Feature Story here:
https://www.13newsnow.com/article/features/fearless-spirit-fighting-bullying-one-photo-at-a-time/291-37cb0af7-e800-4678-92ad-66d797bb3f9d?fbclid=IwAR1SwhJ29SaXXc_3_qfQkiwoVqHLtFyaladwOwmLdAG8xlzaQswXSyJ7FKE

Upcoming Event:
The First Annual Fearless Spirit Fashion Show and Charity Event at Storybook Studios in Chesapeake on October 26th at 6:00 p.m. This event will be the final photo session and graduation of the Fearless Spirit Model Crew. They will be modeling fearless fashions created by Casey Scalf, owner and photographer of Storybook Studios. This will be the culmination of a 6 month process of building the self-esteem of 9 middle school and high school teen girls who have been bullied and who have been struggling with their self-esteem. With this last photo session, they are challenged to be truly fearless and walk the runway! We want them to be proud and celebrate their unique quirks and all the little things that make them who they are. Ticket sales will go to help support the charity To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness for people who are struggling with mental health issues like depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.