While the models are most definitely the stars of the exhibition, the roster of photographers involved in the project is impressive. Browsing through their resumes you stumble upon many notable clients like Vogue, Levi’s, Sports Illustrated, former employees of Annie Liebovitz, even a Pulitzer prize winner.Advertisements

Behind The Scenes And On Location

I had a chance to catch up with Susan Solman, co-chair of the project, to answer a couple questions about the project’s beginnings and take a look at what’s next for The Raw Beauty Project, but first have a peek at this quick behind the scenes clip and learn about the project from the models perspective: http://youtu.be/7_3REkm-msY

It Takes A Village

The project was started over eight years ago when Wendy Crawford, whose modeling career came to an abrupt end when she was left a quadriplegic at the age of 19 after surviving a car accident. Since then, Crawford has grown Raw Beauty with the help of a dedicated group of individuals ranging from the models, the photographers, and the photographers assistants who dedicate their time to making a difference in the lives of these women, while inspiring others to change the way they perceive people. Raw Beauty Project has also found a partner in The Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation, with whom they were able to raise over $45,000 from the project proceeding an exhibition of the portraits at New York City’s ACA Galleries in late September of this year. Drawing from her own modeling experience, Crawford said in an earlier interview:

What’s Next

While Raw Beauty does intend to keep their focus on women at this time, they are hoping to expand the project in other ways. They are currently thinking about starting up a new session in a different city (Los Angeles is a contender) with an all new group of photographers and models. Susan Solman pointed out in an exchange of emails that there is a selection process involved for those wishing to participate in the project and to stay tuned to their website and Facebook page for an announcement once the idea of doing a second location solidifies up a bit more. While you’re there, you can also explore the profiles of all the models and photographers involved in the project. To learn more about the project and to see additional portraits from the series, you can also head over to The Reeves Foundation. [ The Raw Beauty Project | via YouTube ]