# 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.
- Title: Belgian Photographer Eva Verbeeck's American Girls Project
- Summary: Belgian photographer Eva Verbeeck spent six years shooting 400+ real American girls on large-format film to challenge stereotypes. Belgian photographer Eva…
- Keywords: eva verbeeck, american girl, large format film, photobook, gost, photography, belgian photographer, us girls, Belgian, Photographer, Eva, Verbeeck's
- Source: Digital Camera World — https://digitalcameraworld.com/photography/portrait-photography/belgian-photographer-eva-verbeeck-grew-up-dreaming-of-the-american-girl-then-she-spent-six-years-shooting-400-real-ones-on-large-format-film-and-the-results-are-extraordinary
- Published: 2026-10-26T10:30:23+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: eva verbeeck, american girl, large format film, photobook, gost, photography, belgian photographer, us girls
## 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
## Key takeaway

Belgian photographer Eva Verbeeck created a photobook featuring 54 girls aged six to eighteen from 28 US states to redefine the 'American girl' image.