Happy International Women’s Day!

Today, inspired by all the smart, powerful, fantastic girls in my life and the wonderful women they will no doubt become, I’m pleased to bring you the photos of Kate Parker. A portrait photographer by trade, Parker of course takes many pictures of her children, both girls. But she breaks far, far away from the traditional, pretty, “girly” poses usually seen in girl child photographs. Instead, she photographs her kids the way they are – the way she herself was. Active, independent, strong, curious, athletic, and thoroughly themselves.

The bio on Parker’s website makes her sound like the iconic 2017 mother:

Kate Parker is a mother, wife, former collegiate soccer player, Ironman, and professional photographer who shoots both fine-art projects and commercial work for clients across North America. Her Strong Is the New Pretty photo series has led to collaborations with brands like Athleta, Kellogg’s, and Oxygen. The project has also inspired Kate to launch a philanthropic arm of Strong Is the New Pretty, partnering with organizations like Girls on the Run and The Bully Project that invests in girls’ health and education. When she’s not photographing, Kate can be found coaching her daughters’ soccer teams.

Parker’s girls (and their friends) are perfectly captured in all their goofy, grimy, real glory. I am so enchanted, I may actually buy the book!

All images property of Kate T. Parker.