I took this picture at the beginning of my junior year. I had this idea for a photoshoot where we would all dress up in gowns and heels to simply ruin them throughout the shoot. I didn't know entirely what the plan would be or how I would execute it, but I knew it was a concept I wanted to explore. The day before my best friend, Paige (pictured), and I had planned to shoot, I experienced my first break up. We still shot the next day despite the pain I was in. Upon reflection, the day we shot, and the photoshoot itself, means a lot to me because it was the first time I really used photography as a form of escapism. I learned to channel my pain into my art and it has given me my most efficient coping mechanism since. Now, in regards to my photo, I had my best friend Paige lie down in grass, jump in the pool, hike in 90 degree weather in heels, all to get the pictures I wanted. She went through hell and back to help me not only with this concept, but through my breakup. Nothing screams participation more to me than a willing best friend.