From Digital Camera World · · 1m 10s
Belgian Photographer Eva Verbeeck's American Girls Project
Belgian photographer Eva Verbeeck spent six years shooting 400+ real American girls on large-format film to challenge stereotypes.
In brief
Belgian photographer Eva Verbeeck spent six years shooting 400+ real American girls on large-format film to challenge stereotypes. Belgian photographer Eva Verbeeck created a photobook featuring 54 girls aged six to eighteen from 28 US states to redefine the 'American girl' image. Originally reported by Digital Camera…
Eva Verbeeck's American Dream
Belgian photographer Eva Verbeeck grew up dreaming of the 'American girl' and spent six years shooting 400+ real ones on large-format film.
“the idea of the 'american girl' existed in my imagination long before i ever came to the united states”
Finding Real American Girls
Verbeeck invited girls to bring something meaningful, ranging from tiaras to competition rifles and CPR training dummies.
“none ever choose a piece of technology”
Slow Film Process
Verbeeck used large-format cameras to slow the process, creating space for conversation and trust between her and the girls.
“the slowness of the process created space for conversation, vulnerability, and trust”
Real vs. Curated Identities
The photos differ from online self-presentation, as girls cared less about the image and more about the conversation.
“it is no longer special or valuable to have a photograph of yourself”
Girls' Stories
Through interviews and letters, girls shared friendship, family, bodies, ambitions, and fears.
“a fifteen-year-old waited until everyone else had gone home to show me an essay she'd written about sexism”
Photobook Release
54 images from 28 US states, aged six to eighteen, are in a photobook published by GOST, costing $60 / £45.
“america's girls, on the edge of a dream by eva verbeeck is published by gost”
The headline
Belgian photographer Eva Verbeeck created a photobook featuring 54 girls aged six to eighteen from 28 US states to redefine the 'American girl' image.
