I AM…

PORTRAITS OF SURVIVORS

Authentic Portraits of Strength, Resilience, and Fortitude

I AM ____ is a personal, 2026 portrait project by Seattle portrait photographer Shannon Beauclair of Beauclair Photography. This series is dedicated to people who identify as survivors—not defined by what they endured, but empowered by who they are becoming.

This project centers on authentic portrait photography paired with personal stories that reflect resilience, confidence, growth, and forward momentum. It is not about reliving trauma. It is about honoring strength, reclaiming identity, and being seen in the present.

APPLY TO THE I AM PORTRAIT Series
Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with her hands on her cheeks, wearing a dark ribbed long-sleeve top.
A black and white portrait of a middle-aged woman with light-colored hair, wearing a dark turtleneck, seated against a dark background, with her hands clasped together and an expression of calm confidence.
Black and white portrait of a woman with short hair, resting her chin on her hand, wearing a light-colored sweater, necklace, and earrings, with a neutral expression against a dark background.
Black and white portrait of a woman with long, wavy hair, smiling softly, resting her chin on her hands, with a plain light background.
Black and white photo of a woman sitting on a dark box, with one foot on the floor, wearing a long black dress, with her hand on her cheek and her head slightly tilted, with flowing hair and a neutral expression.

Meet the Photographer, Shannon Beauclair

I AM Resilient

As I approach 59, the last three years have tested my ability to remain hopeful while feeling physically unwell, receiving difficult news, and facing an uncertain future. I was diagnosed with a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), a rare sarcoma cancer. During my diagnosis and recovery from surgery, I also learned that I have Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)—a progressive condition with its own set of ongoing health challenges.

Despite it all, I choose to move forward. I work daily to resist dwelling in self-pity and instead remain grounded in gratitude—for my family, my friends, and the simple gift of sunny days.

So many of my incredible clients are survivors as well. Survival takes many forms: illness, loss, broken relationships, abuse, trauma, and quiet battles no one else sees. Meeting these individuals and being in their presence has been deeply inspiring and profoundly meaningful.

That inspiration led me to create a personal portrait project for 2026:
I AM… (fill in the blank)

A visual tribute to resilience, strength, and the stories we carry—and continue to rise from.

If YOU or someone you know want to be a part of this personal portrait project, please forward them to my website or a link to this page.

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