“And though she be but little, she is fierce.”
~William Shakespeare
“I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.”
~ Maya Angelou
“Above all, be the heroine of your life. Not the victim.”
~ Nora Ephron
“It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.”
~Maya Angelou
International Women’s Day inspired me for this series.
I’d seen it before, it was already liked. Good to see it again. The little Vietnamese girl is grand as are many of your subjects. The fisher woman near the end? I still have the same fish trap from Cambodia. A relic of old times. It’s in a box in Paris. weird that they should still use it. Great post. Again.
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How cool that you have one of those fish traps. They are so interesting. Thanks for taking another look, Brian. 😊
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Pleasure. I actually made a mental note to spend more time on your blog. 🙏🏻
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Thanks, Brian.😊
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Hi Jane….beautifully portrayed the feminine spirit….
It is definitely a tribute to all the fabulous girls out there who inspire our lives and give meaning it…..
Thank u for becoming their voice. …I appreciate your work…
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Thank you very much, Shanaya, for your appreciation and thoughtful comment.
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Hi Jane, this post is amazing, your images are so authentic, creatively composed and expertly executed! You’ve beautifully captured the feminine spirit. I was moved by this post.
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Hi Sam, This is wonderful to read. I realized how many women and girls have inspired me to photograph them over the years. Undeniable spirit flowing. I’m very pleased you enjoyed this one- thank you so much.
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Hi Jane, What beautiful photos.Louise
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Thank you so much, Louise. Some inspiring females I’ve met along the way…
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Oh Jane, this is so wonderful. Bravo!
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Thank you so much, Cindy. Felt inspired… 🙂
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Lovely post. Great photos. X
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Thanks, Don. Much appreciated coming from your artistic eye.
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What beautiful shots. Your portrait captures the grace and resilience of women.
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Thanks so much, Imelda. That means a lot. Happy you enjoyed these portraits.
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Love it! You’ve beautifully captured the feminine spirit. It made me smile and stay hopeful. Thank you, Jane!
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Photos and words. Amazing and thank you for sharing.
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Thank you, John. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one. Much appreciated. 🙂
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You are welcome Jane.
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A fine post, delieverling something extra special for all those who deserve so much more!
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Thank you so much, Eddie. Well said. 🙂
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All wonderful!
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Thanks very much, Belinda. I loved thinking about all these moments when I put this together. Glad you enjoyed.
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This makes me feel good, Jane, thank you. You worked the subject well! 😉 It’s a fabulous tribute and an empowering series of images, and it shows that International Women’s Day is every.day.of.the.year!!
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Thank you so much, Lynn. Yes, every day. I loved revisiting these portraits and remembering the great connection I felt. I’m so glad you enjoyed this feminine energy. 🙂
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Jane, This is my favorite post ever!! I can’t choose a favorite photo because the expression and story behind each picture are so wonderful!
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Hi Susan, I’m so glad, thank you! I treasure each moment of connection when I made these portraits. Pleased you enjoyed. 🙂
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Beautiful series, Jane – well done! ❤
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Thanks so much, Eliza. I’m happy you enjoyed this- I loved putting it together. 💕
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Again, a wonderful collection of photos.
Excellent portraits, Jane.
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Thanks so much, Rabirius. Means a lot coming from your artistic eye. 😊
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A tremendous collection – thank you!
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Hi PC, Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed these portraits…all great memories of the feminine energy. 😊
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Yessss!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
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Glad you enjoyed this one, Traveller. Thanks so much! 😊
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inspiring expression
of women
in their places 🙂
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Thank you so much, David. I loved putting this one together remembering all these moments of feminine energy. 🙂
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Great portraits, Jane. I’m a bit shy about taking those sorts of pictures, it’s good that you are not.
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Hi Dave, Thanks so much and I’m happy you enjoyed them. I enjoy both posed and stealth portraiture, but I think posed is more challenging. 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by and for your follow.
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Jane, you have a wonderful gift and capturing magic within the moment.. I loved this selection of photos and its theme.. Maya Angelou was a wise and wonderful woman. Thank you for sharing some of her wisdom with us.
And I so thank you for your recent visit and comment to my blog..
Sending well wishes, love and Peace. 💚
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Hi Sue, I’m pleased that this post spoke to you- thank you very much. Each image is a special memory of a shared moment in time. Glad you enjoyed the quotes, too. Strong women. Thanks, also, for following me and I look forward to your posts, too. 🌈 Hope you have a great weekend!
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Likewise.. ❤
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Beautiful post. Great tribute to the feminine spirit.
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Thank you, Jane. I was thinking of you when creating it. I loved putting it together.
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Wow. What inspiration. Each photo (subject?) a gem. Compliments.
(Mental note, need to work on my people pix…)
(Easy: not doing any yet)
Thanks for sharing.
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Hi Brian, I’m so glad you enjoyed these portraits. Each one is a special memory. People pix are a challenge- believe me, I have hundreds that have never seen the light of day. 😉 Thanks so much for viewing- I really loved putting this homage to the feminine together.
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Yes I believe you. I seldom do people pix. (Shy?) 🙂 I feel uncomfortable, invading some sort of privacy. Then another blogger told me: “I just ask them”. So I do that now. From time to time. Most times it works. Sometimes, people “freeze”.
Be good.
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I’ve asked and people say no, which of course, I respect. That’s awkward and somewhat embarrassing.
These are a combo of portraiture (posing and/or they know I’m there) and travel and street photography (stealth). 😎
I did a post called “Caught” that’s pretty amusing with faces that saw me and their reaction. 🤣
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Yes I can imagine akward. 🙂
Just did one today, a charming young woman dressed as a “Catarina”, colourful dress, and death mask make-up. She was delighted, took of her glasses, and took a great pose. Will post it some day. I’ll try to find your “caught” post. Cheerioo.
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Beautiful series of portraits.
If you want to see the feminine spirit, you need not look further than an equestrian show ring. Men and women compete on the same level field of play, competing for the same ribbons, the same prize money (if any), the same everything. The girls can curse just as much, and just as loud, as the guys. The toughness factor is roughly the same also. To advance to the next level, requirements are the same. My equestrian daughters, very sweet but no doubting their toughness. 🙂
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Hi David, Yes! What a great example and your wonderful images attest to that spirit. Thanks so much and I’m happy you found these portraits of the feminine inspiring. 😊
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B R A V O !!
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Thank you, Michael! Happy you enjoyed this celebration of women and girls. 🙂
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So beautiful Jane and yes I can see “I love my job’….these portraits are cheerful and feel so alive …. always appreciate your beautiful posts …smiles Hedy ☺️💫
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Hi Hedy, Thank you very much. For me, the moment of clicking the shutter and freezing that moment of connection is one of the most rewarding aspects of photography. I’m pleased you enjoyed this series. 🙂
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Beautiful tribute, Jane.
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Thanks very much, Julie. It was inspiring to think about all these women and girls who captured my heart and my lens.
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Phenomenal post, Jane! Every single image I just LOVED. To celebrate being a woman is special and you captured our essence in each image so well. Thank you so much for this important post. And each quote as well, I absolutely LOVED. Your photography touches me. Bless you! 🦋
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Hi AmyRose, Thank you so much for your enthusiastic response. It means a lot. Here’s to celebrating women and their contributions and supporting girls to reach their dreams. 🌈Phenomenal women, indeed.
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🌈🦋🌈
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Absolutely gorgeous collection, Jane. I love the spirit of these women and the quotes you’ve selected. Here’s hoping we can honor women in all levels of our society and throughout the world. 🙂 🙂
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Hi Patti, I am happy these portraits spoke to you, thank you so much. They brought back many warm memories of the moment of interaction when I clicked the shutter. I hope, like you, that women and girls are given the chance to thrive and honored for their contributions and achievements.
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It astounds me that the genders are still not treated equally.
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Me too, and how slowly headway is made. So many culturally ingrained attitudes to shatter.
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Jane, this is THE MOST beautiful post
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Cornelia, I am delighted you enjoyed it. Inspired by the many wonderful posts for Int’l Women’s Day, started me thinking about all the wonderful women and girls I have found with my lens. Thanks so much for your appreciation. 🙂
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congratulations to your wonderful photos!
I love Photography and above all, portraits.
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Thank you very much, novecentomilaepiu. I appreciate your visit here and that you enjoyed the images. 🙂
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Inspiring quotes by Maya Angelou and thank you for the varied photos of the feminine spirit.
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Thank you, Atreyee. I loved looking back and thinking about making these portraits filled with feminine energy. Pleased you enjoyed them along with the quotes.
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The photos are stunning.
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Thank you, Andrew. I have wonderful memories of capturing these faces. Glad you enjoyed. 🙂
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Really beautiful set of images, Jane, and words too. Adrian 🙂
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Thank you, Adrian. I loved capturing these faces. Pleased you enjoyed the post- much appreciated. 🙂
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All wonderful and delightful Jane. Impossible to pick the top one. You’re the cause of a lot of smiles. Thank you.
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Thanks so much, Tim. Great memories and loads of smiles. Happy you enjoyed this series. 🙂
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What a beautiful collection Jane. That woman on her horse looks so proud and happy! I especially like the first 3 photos.
Alison
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Very happy you enjoyed these portraits, Alison, especially coming from your experienced eye. I loved remembering the moments as I put this together. Thanks so much. 😊
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What a melange of pictures of women and young girls who you captured in so many moods, etc. the little one in the tutu ready for the plunge was great!
Loved them all!
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Hi ML, Thank you so much. Happy you enjoyed these faces. That little tutu-wearer is a Kiawah friend’s granddaughter. 😊
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Simply beautiful. Your light shines through in these faces!
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Oh, thank you, Gunta. That means a lot to me. 😊
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thanks for sharing, Chuck. 🙂
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Jane. Always love your posts but was particularly taken by the ones today. Thanks. Your lens loves you!!! Anne
>
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Hi Anne, I’m so glad this spoke to you! I loved putting it together remember all the wonderful girls and women I’ve photographed. Thank you very much and it’s great to hear from you. 🙂
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🙂 Lovely images of beautiful people!
Thanks for sharing and a very HAPPY new week to you!
Claudia 🙂
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Thank you so much, Claudia. I am very happy you enjoyed these. The moments are very special to me.
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Some wonderful memories in this set Jane, as well as some that are new to me. Beautiful tribute
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Thanks, Tina. I love being inspired by an occurrence and developing a theme from there- fits my creative flow perfectly. Glad you enjoyed it.
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I love the splash of light on the woman’s forehead in your Night Market photo. Outstanding use of light.
Ω
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Thanks so much, Allan. That was a lucky occurrence. I only got one shot and it was drastically underexposed but it turned out to be a good thing. I believe there was a fire burning nearby which added to the glow on her face. One of my faves from that trip. Happy you like it.
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A joyous confluence of experience, preparation, and opportunity.
Ω
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Thank you. And also a little bit of luck…
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Wonderful post…. particularly drawn to “ Adventure Awaits”
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Thank you, friend! Happy you like this theme…I loved putting it together. That is the Stewart’s granddaughter running to the ocean. 😍
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These are all just great, and the way you got the kids & adults both to smile for you, says a lot. Just a fantastic dose of heart-warming, this literally has brought a smile to my face. Cheers, Jane, you’re great!
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Hi Robert, What a fabulous response which makes me smile. Making these portraits are high points in my photography life– I really enjoy it and the fact that you felt the interaction between me and the subject means a lot. Thank you very much! Hope you are having a great weekend, cheers!
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Very powerful storyboard, Jane. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you very much, Frank. It was uplifting to put it together– happy you enjoyed these portraits. 🙂
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wonderful portraits jane I like everyone very much, but the last one I liked a lot, I especially like the light and shadow play
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Thank you, Robert. That was a most memorable sunrise at Byron Bay, NSW, Australia. Glad you enjoyed this theme- much appreciated.
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So much to love here Jane. Powerhouses of every shape, age, and hue.
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Hi Bob, The feminine mystique shines through. Happy you like these– they were so rewarding to create. Thanks very much for all your support. 🙂
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Wonderful portraits.
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Thank you, Bruce. This collection brings back so many special memories.
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Fabulous images and a lovely presentation that captured the spirit, Jane! Seeing all those smiles was a great start to my day.
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Thank you, Ellen. I’m so glad this brightened your day- such a joy to photograph these special faces. Very nice of you to stop by. 🙂
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This is a wonderful collection of photos. I found them to be inspiring and moving.
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Hi Michael, Thank you so much. That means a lot. They all are great memories of making portraits of intriguing females. 🙂
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Very well done, Kudos.
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Thanks very much, Ted. Glad you enjoyed this theme.
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U GO GIRL😜 just fabulous shots…..a lot of girl power for sure……👍
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Thank you, April, for your appreciation and for being a great friend. Girl power.. 😀
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‘Joy’ is my favourite, but this is such a lovely collection of images. I love the Maya Angelou quotes and the ‘Phenomenally Me’ poem.
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Hi Ali, I’m so glad you enjoyed these. The little girl was an absolute Joy. Thank you very much.
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These are all incredible images Jane 🙂 Gorgeous work.
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Hi Joe, Thank you. I enjoyed putting this together- brought back many good memories of capturing these wonderful faces. Glad you enjoyed them. 🙂
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oh Bless you, Jane, you did it in style too…gorgeous shots you must have been thinking about for some time. Power to the girls will only improve the world.
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Thank you, dear Paula. It was a joy to make these portraits. We need to lift up our girls and celebrate women and their gifts. I’m pleased you enjoyed this post.
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Beautiful, Jane!
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Thank you, beautiful woman. Good to hear from you.
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Jane, this is a GREAT ONE!
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Thank you very much, Shauneen. So nice to hear from you and I hope you are doing great!
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What beautiful captures, Jane. Every one of those women are truly beautiful. I wonder if they realize it.
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Thank you so much, Lisa. I agree, their beauty and spirit shines through. I sure hope they know. Glad you enjoyed this one.
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Once again you capture the essence of life and in this case human females at all stages. Inspirational. Nothing in our world is more beautiful and dynamic as women right from the beginning and on through their lives. I can only hope, as we evolve that the world repects the power, the intelligence and the love women briing to the table.
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Beautifully said, Elliot. Every day is Women’s Day. 🙂 Thanks so much for your inspiring words and for viewing my work.
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Inspirational.
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Thanks so much, Susan. 🙂
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Great Pictures, dear Jane, from wonderful females!
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Thank you, Petra. Happy you enjoyed this celebration of the feminine. 🙂
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What a fine set! Fav. is Sisters.
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Thank you, Harrie. So glad you enjoyed. I photographed Sisters in Bangkok. A happy catch. 🙂
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The first quotation and picture are a good match. I see that the previous two lines from A Midsummer Night’s Dream were: “Oh, when she’s angry, she is keen and shrewd! / She was a vixen when she went to school.”
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Yes, good research on Midsummer. I thought it was perfect. Thanks, Steve.
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Fantastic photographs. I am glad to see women fighting (kick ass) for what is right.
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Hi Andy, Me,too! They were all an inspiration to photograph. Thank you for viewing and for your great comment.
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Stunning fotos
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Thank you so much, Vannie. It was a joy to make these portraits. Glad you enjoyed them.
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