Congratulations to Sharon Axtell whose incredible love story about her own body, Throw Caution to the Wind, earned her top spot as the winner for Love Stories for Every Body. "I was so excited when I first learned of this months brief, as it aligns with my 'Why.' My desire to encourage others to express themselves freely and without inhibitions. I used photoshop to create my stellar environment with stock images of the moon, starry night sky and a nebula or two. I then added a self portrait I took a few weeks back, just waiting for the right moment to create something special. I wanted my image to portray confidence, poise and fearlessness. The waning crescent moon reflects the later years in a woman's life (The Wild Woman Archetype). The vastness of space around her to represent all the possibilities that await us if only we let go of fears and societal stereotypes. And lastly the loose flowing fabric, which feels like freedom to me. As a maturing, curvier woman I hav

Rare Earth is pleased as punch to have (and maybe a little punch drunk in love with) the incredible team behind 2Mann joining The Shooting Range for its March 2023 Challenge. We can't reveal details of the Brief until March 1, so today you'll just have to settle with the always relatable, funny, and irreverent Erika & Lanny Mann, who have mentored, inspired, and schooled over 1000 students from 47 different countries with their honest, no bullsh*t approach to the matter of photography. This dynamic duo is passionate about is addressing isms. Erika says, "One of the things that's particular relevant to the wedding field would be the idea of gendered language. Something we're trying to get better at is using more gender neutral language..." Rare Earth couldn't agree more. Transitioning to inclusive language ("couples" and "partners" and even "spousal unit" and "emotional support human") takes conscious effort, but

Love Stories for Every Body  with Guest Judge Teri Hofford “No one wants to see curvy [people].” ~Karl Lagerfeld “It can feel like we are drowning in self hatred because of our bodies, but it's not our bodies that are the problem. It’s what and how we have been TAUGHT about bodies that is the issue.” ~Teri Hofford ENTER NOW