Being Inbetween
There is something so so special about being in-between.
Being between ten and twelve,
The ages where you are neither small child nor even young adult.
I love this age
though I remember some painful things about it too.
Like the time at aged twelve on a balmy summers day, I spent the most part of the morning in my room plucking up the courage to go downstairs in a pair of shorts! I was only a small thing at that time, but incredibly self-conscious. Though I do remember those lime green shorts weren’t exactly subtle.
I remember walking slowly down the stairs to be met by a laughing parental comment
“Oh my goodness! Your legs look so chubby”
I ran upstairs mortified; feeling exposed, and I didn’t show my legs for years,
until a friend commented on her confusion about my attitude to my “chunky legs”. All those years covering up my stick legs thinking they were non-stick legs. Ridiculous and a little sad, it got me thinking about the being Inbetween age where one is so vulnerable.
It is a fascinating and interesting time. Whist you are being shaped in your soon be adult form, your opinions and believes, hopes and fears are emerging. There is a beauty to this age, one that is sometimes concealed in attitude, embarrassment and self-consciousness. But there is magic there too; that which comes with transformation and change, with learning and growth. Good and bad it is all contained within this age.
This age is the focus of my next photographic art work. An exhibition of portraits and accompanying sound installation entitled Being Inbetween.
If you know of a girl aged between ten and twelve who might be interested or would make a great subject, please do leave me a message.
If you can remember what it was like yourself please do leave a comment.
And whilst we berate our pre teens let us remember that within our adult selves, the small person we once were is still very much there and needs celebrating.
Carolyn x
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I love this Carolyn and it is so true. Having girls aged 10 and 12 I can really see this. Especially in the 12 year old X
Thanks Anna, it is such an amazing and odd time for them!
Hi Carolyn, I have spoken to Jolie and she is interested in Being In-between as she she is 11 and is on the journey of starting to become an adult!x
Great, I will be in contact really soon Joanne x
I remember too feeling so vulnerable at that age. And being the eldest child, I think my parents found it very hard dealing with my transition from small child to young adult. Beautiful portraits. x
I love the photos! Beautiful! Love the words too, it’s a fascinating stage the early teenage years. Oh, the possibilities seem endless, and the reasons to worry so insignificant. These are lovely years, for sure xox
Thanks so much Isabelle. They are lovely and sometimes tricky years too. A really beautiful time x
I remember those years too – feeling so awkward and unsure and alone- I couldn’t have survived without my girlfriends! I was so lucky to have several that are still friends to this day. I would tell myself to be gentle with me – my body, my soul. I have a 10 year old daughter who is going through this herself and sadly I feel ill equipped to help.
Dear Carolyn, my eldest daughter Leila is 10, 11 in November. She loves having her photograph taken. If you need any models let me know. She’s already hormonal, such a difficult age.
Regards
Tanif
I love the black and white images which have a timeless feel about them. You have really captured a serenity and these girls have such poise. Masterful.
Thank you Joan!
Hi there. I was told about this by my friend Rachel Slater. My daughter Claire is 11 and would be interested in taking part in your next project! Thanks very much. Sally
My daughter is 10, 11 next month and just beginning her journey into her teens and adulthood. Sometimes she’s a little girl, who likes to play with her toy horses, and next she’s walking around with her headphones in being “cool”!
I think she’d be fab for your project. Let me know if you would like some photos.
Cheers Emma x
Hi Emma, just sending you an email
I can really identify with your story. I was really pleased with my school photo but my mum told me I was all teeth and should have kept my mouth closed. I still struggle to smile properly in photographs!
Farah, thanks so much for responding. It is so poignant to look back and see how self-concious we become, because of a comment that was said without thought or intention, but it stays with us. I bet you have a great smile!
My daughter is 11 and she’s interested in taking part. Please can you email me a questionnaire? Thank you!
Hi Carolyn,
I have a daughter who is turning 11 in August and her hormones are all over the place at the moment, she can be body conscious at times even though she models and become very grumpy for know reason. I remember going through it to so try to help her get through it. She would love to help out if needed.
Thanks Mandy
Hi, my daughter Megan is 12 at the end of July and although generally confident in that she is very sporty and tends to be captain, she is becoming conscious of her height and the fact that a period of changes is looming. Very talkative and not shy. Hopefully she would make an interesting subject for you? Thanks, Carol
Hi Carol – So delighted to hear from you, and I am terribly sorry that I missed this message. Please can you send me an email on [email protected] and I can send a form for Megan to fill out. Thanks so much. Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
Emerging from the mood swings and the tantrums we can see signs of a caring, witty and fearless force to be reckoned with on the horizon. After losing an eye to the big C she’s now fully into the image conscious phase and battling to find the inner confidence to ride through the challenges that looking ‘different’ brings with it. She’d love to take part if you’re still looking. Thanks, Julie
Hi Julie, thanks so much for contacting me.
If your daughter is interested in being part of “Being Inbetween” than I would love to have her on board. There is a process first, and it may be while until the next shoot. Can you email me on [email protected] and I can send you a form for your daughter to fill out. Best regards Carolyn x