by Galina Semenova never dreamed her camera would be used as a healing tool when she relocated to San Diego from Russia twelve years ago.
Through her charity organization, the Womanity Portrait Foundation, the fine art portrait photographer now helps breast cancer patients rediscover their feeling of power and beauty by using what she refers to as visual medicine.
Semenova’s path to this vocation developed gradually. She spent years pursuing her artistic voice by photographing events and landscapes while attending the Moscow Academy of Photography.
She added, “I was looking for a subject that would be very motivating and inspiring to me.” When a friend asked her to take pictures for a calendar project in 2018, that was the turning point.
I discovered this was the missing piece as I was taking her picture. At last, I discovered my topic.
Semenova’s fascination with the female form’s combination of shapes, attractiveness, and raw emotional intensity was sparked by her portraiture.
When another friend received a breast cancer diagnosis and had to undergo chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and a mastectomy, this revelation led to a deeper purpose.
She only had one breast and no hair. According to Semenova, she didn’t like the image of herself in the mirror.
However, the time they spent together taking portraits changed their lives.
According to Semenova, she was able to recognize something significant about her path and feel attractive thanks to the pictures.
Semenova established the Womanity Portrait Foundation and the Portraits of Resilience initiative as a nonprofit organization eighteen months ago as a result of this experience. She is currently gathering money to give breast cancer survivors free, customized image sessions.
According to Semenova, “I realized through this work that I see something they don’t see about themselves.” They see themselves differently when I show them the pictures.
Sometimes we just need a small boost of confidence to take off. “I always have that as my goal in my work,” she stated.
According to Semenova, her clients view photos as they are taken during collaborative sessions. They become co-creators of their own empowerment as they progressively let go of inhibitions and embrace an increasing sense of freedom.
According to her, they are given license to be themselves, to play, and to feel wonderful. It’s stunning to see.
The Womanity Portrait Foundation does more than just tell stories and take pictures. In collaboration with groups like the Living Beauty Cancer Foundation in Los Angeles, Semenova created workshops that teach self-portraiture as a therapeutic tool for women negotiating body image and breast cancer survivors.
The lofty goal behind Semenova’s recent endeavors is evident. She intends to start a one-day retreat for breast cancer survivors in San Diego this autumn, which will combine her class on self-portraiture with mindfulness exercises facilitated by a certified wellness coach who has also survived the disease. In the meantime, the Hispanic community’s Stage 4 breast cancer survivors will be the focus of a year-long project supported by a city of Chula Vista Performing and Visual Arts Grant, which will culminate in an exhibition the following year.
Semenova’s concept of finding beauty in life’s most difficult circumstances is reflected in her decision to work with patients who have terminal cancer.
The intensity of suffering and the intensity of feeling She remarked, “I never shied away from it.” The tenacity and fortitude of the human spirit intrigue me.
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I observe how these survivors make the daily decision to press on, to battle, to maintain a positive outlook, and to have faith that all will work out. They have optimism despite the fact that it is frightening and that there is no guarantee.
Semenova emphasized the value of creating space for women to view themselves from many perspectives, saying that we learn from tales and find hope in the experiences and examples of others.
By asking herself, “How can I create a spark that will reignite the spirit of the fighter?” she aims to honor her subjects and reach those who might be struggling.
Semenova hopes to expand her work internationally as the Womanity Portrait Foundation expands, chronicling breast cancer experiences in many nations and cultures.
Her final objective is always the same: to use visual storytelling to empower women by capturing the variety of difficulties they encounter.
According to Semenova, “our challenges look different; for some, it’s health, and for others, it’s something else.” Just being here is a victory every day, so let’s celebrate that. Don’t give up and keep on going.
Visit www.womanityportrait.org to donate to the Womanity Portrait Foundation.
