f/stop Project aims to empower women through camera lens

In a collaborative effort to teach young women the importance of self-confidence, beauty and respect, a local photographer developed a nonprofit organization that makes women feel like models for a day.

Model and photographer and North Las Vegas resident Lisa Wright recognized the confidence that photo shoots bring out in her when she’s dressed up. A few years ago, she decided to share that experience with other women in her community through the f/stop Project, an organization that offers free professional photos.

The project’s name comes from the f/stop setting in a camera, which defines the amount of light that comes through a camera’s lens and hits the sensors, according to Wright.

“We’re trying to encourage and inspire all women,” Wright said. “I know what it’s like to be a model and have my hair and makeup done. I want to give women this experience so that they could feel confident and beautiful.”

The project began in 2011 when Wright decided she wanted to do something nice for girls who were attending prom. She has since collaborated with different organizations to offer women a professional photo shoot complete with hair and makeup to create an “unforgettable experience.”

In 2013, the f/stop Project became a nonprofit organization. Wright began to focus not only on capturing “beautiful” images but also on creating an open dialogue in which women could share personal stories and opinions.

During each photo shoot, Wright poses a question as it relates to beauty, confidence and self-esteem. She hopes to inspire women by sharing different perspectives.

“I think the media plays a large role in how we feel about ourselves,” Wright said. “We often compare ourselves to whoever is hot at the time, but all women are beautiful. Beauty is so much more than what is on the outside. So many women have awesome qualities that have nothing to do with what they look like.”

For the past two years, Wright has partnered with the Las Vegas Prom Closet and offered a select group of young women attending prom a professional photo shoot.

This year, 16 participants were asked to describe their life dreams and how they were achieving them. The organization held its photo shoot at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris Las Vegas.

Lisa Strawther, president of Making Up Las Vegas, has seen the difference these experiences have made in the lives of young women.

“I’ve had a few of the girls cry on their chair after getting their hair and makeup done,” Strawther said. “Knowing that they can look like that is very empowering for some women.”

“What we do is shine a light on women and allow them to tell their stories and show what true beauty is,” Wright said. “Beauty is more than a pretty face. It’s a beautiful heart, courageousness and going after your dreams.”

The organization also participates in Shield of Hope’s annual I am Unstoppable, a workshop that focuses on confidence, self-esteem and leadership for young women.

In December, Wright released her book, “50/50: Fifty Women, Fifty Stories A Collection of Beautiful Images and Word,” which is available at the Clark County Library.

The purpose of the book was to share a collection of portraits that feature diverse women with relatable stories to serve as art and inspiration by disclosing what beauty really is, Wright said.

Wright began modeling when she was 18 and has ventured into professional photography for the past six years.

She currently works as a red carpet photographer but is always on the lookout to partner with organizations that promote and encourage strong and powerful women.

“Women are so diverse, resilient and strong,” Wright said. “We have so many fantastic qualities about ourselves, yet we so often define ourselves by our relationships. We’re more than just mothers and wives. We’re strong, independent and beautiful people. Everyone has talents and gifts to share with the world.”

For more information, visit fstopproject.org or email info@fstopproject.org.

Contact North View reporter Sandy Lopez at slopez@viewnews.com or 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.