The Pain That Became My Stumbling Block

I created my tween empowerment course for photographers because I believe this work can change lives — for both the girls and the photographers behind the camera. The Launch Price right now is $300 off – only $499 for a comprehensive (28 lessons) course!

When I think back to the girl I once was, I see a little Debbie who spent years looking in the mirror and not recognizing her own beauty. A girl who doubted her worth, questioned if she was enough, and felt like she had to shrink herself just to belong.

That belief — that I wasn’t good enough — didn’t just stay in front of the mirror. It became a stumbling block in every part of my life. It shaped how I showed up in friendships, in love, in business, and even in my biggest dreams.

It wasn’t until these last few years that I finally began to feel comfortable in my own skin — fully me, finally letting that inner light shine, the light I spent over 50 years hiding. It doesn’t matter anymore what other people think because I am finally following what God tells me. And that freedom has changed everything. I knew I had to help others so they wouldn’t go through years like I did and that is why I It wasn’t until these last few years that I finally began to feel comfortable in my own skin — fully me, finally letting that inner light shine, the light I spent over 50 years hiding. It doesn’t matter anymore what other people think because I am finally following what God tells me. And that freedom has changed everything. I knew I had to help others so they wouldn’t go through years like I did and that is when I knew I had to do something and developed this photo experience for young girls and now the tween empowerment course for photographers.

Why Our Girls Need Empowerment More Than Ever

Today’s girls are growing up in a world that is so much different than when I was young.

They’re surrounded by endless comparison — likes, comments, filters, and highlight reels that make them feel like they’re never enough. The pressure to be perfect is crushing: always pretty, always funny, always smart, always “on.”

They face social media pressure, bullying, unrealistic beauty standards, and the silent expectation to be flawless at all times. It’s no wonder so many girls struggle with self-doubt, anxiety, and loneliness at such a young age.

These delicate tween years — ages 9 to 13 — are often overlooked, left undocumented and uncelebrated. Yet, this is the exact moment when they need to be reminded of their worth more than ever.

Why I Created My Tween Empowerment Course for Photographers

As photographers, we have a rare and powerful gift: the ability to show people how beautiful and worthy they truly are.

I have developed an entire empowerment aspect so we can really pour into these girls and show them how admired they are for their incredible inner qualities too, which is so much more important than outer beauty.

Over the years, through my own tween empowerment photo experiences, I’ve seen how transformational these sessions can be. I’ve watched girls arrive shy and unsure, hiding behind their hair and their hands. And I’ve watched them leave standing taller, eyes shining brighter, feeling seen and celebrated for exactly who they are. See my Tween galleries here: https://cedarhillstudios.com/2024-tweens

This work is too important to keep to myself.

I created my tween empowerment course for photographers because I believe we need an army of photographers helping girls feel strong, seen, and deeply loved.

There are photographers everywhere who feel uninspired, who long to create something meaningful, and who want to make a true impact. This course is for them.

My tween empowerment course for photographers isn’t just about adding another session type to your menu. It’s about creating life-changing experiences — for the girls you photograph and for yourself as an artist and human being.

It’s about helping you step into your purpose, using your gift to rewrite the stories girls believe about themselves, and showing them their worth beyond what the world tries to tell them.

The Ripple Effect We Can Create Together

When we empower a girl, we don’t just change her life. We change her family. We change her friendships. We change her community. And, eventually, we help change the world.

Imagine the ripple effect if more photographers all over the country — and the world — started offering these empowering sessions. Imagine a generation of girls growing up with walls of images reminding them every day that they are strong, beautiful, and enough.

How My Tween Empowerment Course for Photographers Can Transform Your Work

My tween empowerment course for photographers is my heart on paper. It’s my love letter to the girl I once was and to every photographer who wants to use their gift to do something bigger than themselves.

If you’re searching for more meaning in your work, if you feel called to leave a legacy of love and confidence, if you want to help girls see themselves the way God sees them — I invite you to join me as our girls really need this, more than ever. You can get more help about this crisis here: https://www.dove.com/us/en/dove-self-esteem-project/help-for-parents.html

Together, we can create a movement of kindness, confidence, and true beauty — one girl, one photographer, one powerful session at a time. It is sooo much more than photos. It celebrates their inner qualities too. Find out more at https://cedarhillstudios.com/bloom-beyond

Photographers, I created this tween empowerment course for photographers because I know what it feels like to want more meaning and purpose in your work. If you feel that pull too, I invite you to join me. Together, we can create a movement that changes lives. [Join me here!]

https://cedarhillstudios.thrivecart.com/bloom-beyond-the-lens/

With all my heart,
Debbie 💖