Local woman organizes photo shoot to promote positive body image

Posted: Aug 25, 2016 10:55 AM PDT
Updated: Aug 25, 2016 10:56 AM PDT
Posted by Crystal GarciaCONNECT

Kennewick, WA - Scrolling through Facebook, it's easy to come across all kinds of events, and an event going on today (August 25th, 2016) has over 300 people interested in it.  The event is the first annual "Body Positive Photo Shoot" organized by local woman, Rae Lawrence.

"I just want each of the participants to come away with such a positive experience from the photo shoot and feeling really good about themselves, complete with themselves, because we all come in different sizes, shapes, and colors.  Beauty is not a one-all, it doesn't look the same to everyone, and I want each participant to know that, and know that they are beautiful," said Lawrence.

Having dealt with her own body image issues and an eating disorder for 10 years, Lawrence says it was the support from her family that helped her get through it, and now she wants to help other people.

Lawrence founded 'Rae Across America' three years ago to help raise eating disorder awareness.

"Sometimes it's hard to afford the help that people need, and in this area there isn't a lot of help, I want to help others, and help make it easier to get the treatment that they need, to feel the good that I feel now," said Lawrence.

The event is free to attend, and everyone is invited; men and women. The event is all about self-love and acceptance.  The photo shoot is meant to be a fun way to celebrate everyone's uniqueness.

Nearly 100 people have RSVP'd that they will attend the event, including local women, Brittany Jancovic and Caitlin Lee, who both came across it online.

"I was bullied growing up, about being overweight, and this is so important, for Rae to open up something like this for people, to show that we love ourselves, its important," said Jancovic.

"I'm so excited for the event because people are going to get to know each other and know that we all have the same struggles, and it's ok, we are all beautiful," said Lee.

Lawrence says that 100% of the proceeds will go to Eating Disorder Recovery Support, Inc. to help fund eating disorder treatment scholarships for those in need. 

The photo shoot starts at 6 p.m. and everyone is set to meet at the Columbia Park Duck Pond, people are encouraged to wear black workout clothing, or really anything they are comfortable in, for more information on the event, click here.