Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Femme Fatal

I felt from a young age the desire to be seen as alluring and sexy, but there is a sense of shame associated with being overly sexualized. The influence of Hollywood and the media has played a significant role in amplifying this inner conflict concerning my sexuality. Drawing inspiration from the world of film noir, this image symbolizes the complex challenge of expressing my feminine essence through the male gaze and the profound impact it has on both my psyche and physical self.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Washington, DC, None, United States of America
Copyright: © Rachel Cara