If you have followed my journey for the last several years, then you know how passionate I am about stopping human trafficking, and the devastation it causes for so many victims. I was incredibly humbled by a volunteer mission that I took to Central America where I was able to spend time with and photograph a group of sex trafficking survivors. Due to the Non-Disclosure agreement that I signed in order to protect the identity and location of these young women, their babies, and those who care for them, I am not able to share a lot of the details. However, I feel strongly that I should share what I can to spread awareness, and hopefully encourage others to join the fight to #endhumantrafficking.

“It’s estimated that there are currently 2 million children in the world today that are being trafficked.”

As a Los Angeles family photographer I get to capture images of people of all ages and backgrounds. I have a racks full of couture dresses on hand for my clients, and watching their faces light up when they see them brings me so much joy. As I was talking with my younger sister one afternoon, she asked me to think of one thing I would like to do if money and logistics were not an obstacle, and anything were possible. My answer was this:

“I would take my dresses with me to somewhere in the world where there were girls who had never had a chance to be a princess, innocent and carefree, and I would take pictures for them. Every girl deserves a chance to twirl.”

Because of this conversation, my mission to photograph human trafficking survivors was born. She connected me with an individual at Operation Underground Railroad, which is a non-profit that assists governments around the world in the rescue of sex trafficking victims, with a special focus on children. They agreed to allow me tag along as a volunteer on one of their trips, and I started my preparations to travel.

“Sex trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise worldwide, and is estimated to generate thirty billion dollars annually.”

When I arrived at the safe-house location, I got to spend time talking with the group of young survivors, most of which were between the ages of 12-17 years old.  A few had babies or young children which were a result of being trafficked, and a couple were currently pregnant.  I dusted off my rusty Spanish speaking skills, and I heard their heart wrenching stories. I listened as they told me of their dreams to become doctors, to go to university and study engineering, math, and dreams to study to become teachers. One of the girls had found a passion for helping others like her, and plans to work with law enforcement to rescue others enslaved like she was.

I was blown away by how much optimism and positivity they still seemed to have in spite of the tragedies life had dealt them so far.

One of the most horrifying facts that I learned during this experience was how many of these individuals are trafficked by their own families! I can not even begin to understand how someone who is supposed to provide protection and love could put a child in danger like that. One of the girls I photographed told me of how she could not leave the compound because it was her father who had trafficked her, and now that he was in jail her uncle had promised to kill her for testifying against his brother. These brave young women shared story after heartbreaking story about their experiences, and all I wanted to do was hug them tight, and take them far away from their pain.

“After somebody is rescued, if they do not have a livable income or vocational training program, it is estimated that 80% are sexually exploited again.”

 I couldn’t erase the terrible memories, but I could show them that no matter what they had been through they were just as worthy of love and kindness. I took each of the dresses and floral headpieces that I had brought and laid them out all over the room. At first they were scared to touch anything because they thought surely they weren’t worthy of wearing such nice things. After some reassurance, they took turns trying on different dresses and flowers, and giggled with each other while they looked in the mirror. My dear little sister who had travelled across the country with me helped with styling their hair, and also offered up some lipgloss and mascara for the older girls who wanted to give it a try.

I took them outside to the garden, safely surrounded by security walls, and took portraits of these incredibly brave young women. I would like to say it was all smiles and fun from there, but the truth is it was really hard. The young women who were currently pregnant refused to be in front of the camera.  They did not want any pictures taken showing their growing bellies, and did not want to dress up because they did not feel they were pretty anymore. Eventually the other girls convinced them to at least get a picture taken of just their faces, which I was glad for.

Then there was one young lady who brought me to tears. She stood in front of my camera for a moment, and then turned and walked away crying. She told me that she had never before worn such nice clothing, and was not worthy enough to have her picture taken looking so beautiful. She felt she did not deserve it, and I was left completely speachless. She truly believed that because of the things she had endured she was dirty, and less inheritantly valuable than the day she was born. THIS was why I had come!

As a survivor of childhood trauma myself, I have struggled all my life to feel worthy of good things. It is really difficult to separate yourself from the things that happen to you, and to learn that they do not in fact define who you are.  The guilt and shame at times is overpowering. There is a line in a song by artist Alessia Cara called “Scars to Your Beautiful” that has become a sort of mission statement for me. It says:

“So to all the girls that’s hurting, let me be your mirror, help you see a little bit clearer, the light that shines within.”

Every time I hear this song I feel a fire burning in my soul. It is my hope that through my photography I might be able to be that mirror for as many people as possible.

**I want to thank the designers who donated dresses for these young ladies to wear for their pictures. Anna Triant of Anna Triant Couture generously sent several items, as well as Amanda Folz of Alora Safari, and Whitney over at Little Dreamers Tutus. I am so grateful to you all for your part in making these young ladies feel special.