The girl with an awkward smile, Framingham MA. Portrait photograph by Michele Floria, finalist in the Shoot The Frame Portrait photography award, August 2024

Finalist Portrait · August 2024

"The girl with an awkward smile"

My best friend Merri avoided having her picture taken for years, stating "I'm always the girl with an awkward smile." On a hot summer's day she called me crying, because someone had broken her heart. I told her to come by so I could show her something. I pulled out my camera, switched it to silent & told her I was going to tell her a story. The story was about 2 women who met at a crossroad & helped each other see their beauty & self worth. During the photo shoot we laughed, cried & at one point she jumped up & down on my sofa in excitement! When we reviewed the photos Merri was in awe, she humbly asked "is that really me?" I replied "of course it's you, just the way I've experienced you since the day we met." Pushing through hysterical tears she simply said "thank you."