Imagine

In October, these teens volunteered to help photographers
at the Marci & Christy Imagine 2 workshop in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Hear what they had to say about their experience.​

​Photography by Marci & Christy unless otherwise noted.

​1.)  Jacqui Long, 16: I loved volunteering to be a model for the workshop. Don’t get me wrong, Marci and Christy are amazing, but it’s always a great experience to work with new people and see the different techniques and personalities.

2.) Alexis Ervin, 18: The Imagine workshops aren’t just about getting a bunch of people together and taking pictures. It’s like a big family get together where we all enjoy one another, it’s amazing and so beautiful to be a part of. “I left being perfect for God, I’m just trying to be me.”

3.) Emily Raters, 18: Modeling for the workshop was great way to meet awesome photographers and have a great time. Whenever a photographer was telling me that I’m beautiful and amazing, it made me feel great. Volunteering was a good opportunity to focus on what I love, which is modeling. I came back to the second one because I had so much fun at MS: Imagine Vol 1!

4.) Jenna Underwood, 17: Volunteering the workshop was an amazing opportunity and experience. I loved meeting a variety of photographers from all over and seeing their different skills. I had to step out of my comfort zone when I spoke at the Senior Q&A Panel, but I am so glad that I did. I had so much fun & my confidence grew after this workshop with all of the other supportive models and photographers.

5.) Riley Leech, 18: It was an amazing experience to work with photographers from all over. I had so much fun at the last workshop in May so I was extremely excited to be given the chance to volunteer again. These workshops are not only fun for the photographers, but also give us a chance to meet new people and do different things! If I could do it again, I would in a heartbeat! 
Image by Chris Shabay Photography
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6.) Lucy Frey, 17: I loved modeling for the workshop because I met a lot of fun photographers who were excited to work with us with their own ideas and methods. I learned a lot from the workshop that I know will help me in the future, like how to work my angles and do different poses.

7.) Alethea Harnish, 17:  I loved being able to volunteer for the workshop because I learn right alongside the photographers. They were able to hear honest feedback from seniors, and we were able to learn new modeling techniques, since each photographer is different. I grew in my assertiveness, confidence and comfortability both in front of the camera and when interacting with adults in an unfamiliar environment.
Image by Jolene Broad Photography

8.) Meredith King, 17: What I loved the best about volunteering was helping all the photographers. All the photographers and other models were inspiring, and I enjoyed every minute of it! Everyone was so talented and kind. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience for me.

9.) Reagan Long, 16: I loved meeting all the photographers at the workshop and hearing their stories. Modeling was truly amazing because I got to see so many different ideas and creative processes. I learned that even though they are taking pictures of the same girls in the same outfits in the same place, they all see something a little different in her and they capture it their own unique way.

10.) Chase Cornelius, 17: What I enjoyed so much about the workshop is inclusion. It was my first time going to a photo shoot, but I was treated as if I were a veteran. None of us were treated as if anyone were more attractive than someone else because the truth is everyone has something that is attractive about them. I came out of my shell to come to this workshop because I have never been confident on my look. I've never thought I was attractive, but the photographers and the other models showed me why I should love the way I look. After the workshop was over, I left my shell behind and I'm not going back.

11.) Rhianna Mast, 16: Volunteering was a great experience to be able to model for a workshop with Marci and Christy. It was excited getting to work with many different photographers and seeing the difference in techniques and personalities. It’s always a great time with Marci and Christy and #MACMSImagine was an amazing experience!

12.) Morgan Ballard, 18: I love working with photographers at all stages of their careers. Each photographer has their own unique perspective. What they can capture displays a different story than the photographers. It’s amazing to see each one of their unique styles.

13.) Cooper Thomas, 17: Volunteering made me feel like a star. I loved being in front of the camera and I loved how energetic the photographers were. I learn mostly how to just sit and be pretty. 

14.) Sami Moylan, 16: Modeling is one of my favorite things to do! It’s the one thing that I can express myself in fully. Being around other models is just so amazing because we all love the same thing and we support each other! I'm so thankful for Marci and Christy for providing such an amazing environment where I can just be myself and do the thing I love! 

15.) Kacy Clegg, 18: Growing up, I never had much confidence; I would look at other girls and compare myself to their beauty. But this past year, being a part of the MAC Mod Squad has opened my eyes. I was given the chance to do something beautiful; I got to volunteer with so many amazing models and photographers for MS: Imagine Vol 2! Everyone was so welcoming and kind. I will never forget this experience that I was so lucky to have. 

This article was published in Issue 14.​

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