Transitions Global

Transitions Global is a non-profit organization funded in 2007 by James and Athena Pond.  Its mission is to provide new lives for survivors of sex trafficking, through a comprehensive program of aftercare services to girls between the ages of 13-19 years old who have been sexually trafficked, exploited, or abused.  Transitions Global has been extremely successful in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, creating environments, opportunities, programs and systems to empower girls and give them control of their own lives.

When James Pond contacted me to see if I would be available for a photo shoot of two of the Cambodian young ladies visiting the United States to share their stories and bring awareness to the issue of sex trafficking, I immediately started to envision what I could possibly do to help them feel beautiful, after years of abuse and a self-image that was so tied to heavy makeup and an adult lifestyle that really had nothing to do with Beauty.

I wanted to photograph them in a natural style, and try to capture their real essence.  I asked for privacy for each session, even though the language barrier was interesting to say the least - yet the moment I connected with these beautiful young girls, magic happened.  There was no need to translate any of the silent understanding of what I wanted to accomplish.  They knew.  The first awkward glances into the camera quickly dissipated into a peaceful moment where they simply shined.  Here are a few examples.

My gratitude to James and Athena for all the work with such a great organization and for trusting me to show these lovely ladies how beautiful they truly are.  I look forward to partnering up with Transitions Global in the future.