When a creative, gentle, and kind hearted gymnast graced my studio, I knew I was in for a beautiful evening. We played with tulle, tea stained flowers, and the soft glow of lantern light.

My favorite portrait was an idea that the gymnast herself brought to the table. I asked about her favorite poses and things she likes to do in gymnastic that are more static in nature (my studio has a concrete floor that is not meant for tumbling routines). 

She went back into this beautiful backbend and then stretched out her arm and leg in a single graceful, elegant movement.

I love this portrait because right now there is so much emphasis on telling girls they are strong. It is almost like we are trying to replace beautiful with strong. I don't believe strong is the new beautiful. Strong and beautiful work together and both are true. This portrait exemplifies that notion.

You can have the bold strength of a mountain or the quiet strength of a river. You can have the classic, timelessly beauty of a gymnast dressed in tulle or the casual beauty of a girl in a t-shirt and blue jeans or anything in between.

There are so many variations of strength and beauty. They are all valid, they are all real, and they are all exquisitely amazing. Let's appreciate the strength and the beauty in ourselves and in every person we meet. Let's especially appreciate both strength and beauty in our daughters.