“The start of summer began much like the story of Her Studio itself, driven by the pursuit of showcasing women and queer voices through editorial photography. When we learned of the Women by Women PhotoVogue Open Call, we came together to produce a body of work rooted in strength, identity, and a fierce sense of determination. Over three days in Rockaway Beach, Brighton Beach, and Prospect Park, we set out to capture the resilience of women as muses, leaders, and storytellers both individually and together. Each woman stood strong on her own, yet when we united in groups of two, three, four, and beyond, something new emerged. A different angle, a fresh perspective, and a collective power that could only come from women standing side by side. Together our unique strengths and beautiful differences created a force even greater than the sum of its parts.

We’re proud to share it here as a celebration of the theme and a deeper reflection on what it means to be a woman in the creative industry. Each member of our 29 person team brought her own perspective, inspiration, and artistry to the project, reminding us that women themselves are works of art.”

— Stephanie Rommelt, Director & Producer

What does it mean to you to work in a women led creative space?

“In a world where most industries are male dominated, it’s refreshing to work in beauty, which is so often led by women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Being surrounded by women has made me feel safe to speak up, express myself, and bring my full self to the table. There’s a sense of collaboration, support, and shared understanding that makes the work feel intentional and inspiring. It’s not just about the final product, it’s about the energy and respect that goes into creating it together.”

— Emme George, Makeup Artist

“Working in a female-led creative space feels really special to me. I love how women often notice the small but important details—like the emotions of the model or the little dynamics happening in a scene. That kind of awareness makes the process feel smoother, more thoughtful, and more connected. On top of that, the support and understanding between women creates a space where collaboration feels natural and uplifting.”

— Xiaohhan Chang (Cici), Photo Assistant

“Working with female-led teams consistently makes me feel safer and more comfortable on set. There’s a special energy in those spaces—grounded in care, lightness, giggles, and playfulness—that opens up more room for creativity and connection! Within that kind of environment, I feel freer to express myself, take up space, and engage more openly with the folks around me.”

— Kazz Chang, Model

“Being a woman in the creative industry is really personal to me. As a first-generation Latina from a Hispanic family, and the first in my family to go to college and pursue fashion and art in New York City, I feel a lot of pride but also a deep sense of responsibility. It’s not always easy, but being in this space reminds me why representation matters—so the next generation can see themselves in spaces like this. For me, it’s about love, acceptance, and knowing that women thrive most when we lift each other up.”

— Nina Reyes, Production Assistant

“Working in a female-led team feels empowering because there’s an instant sense of understanding and shared drive. Everyone brings their own strengths, but there’s also a collective empathy that makes collaboration feel seamless rather than competitive. I love how ideas are heard, valued, and built on instead of dismissed. It feels less like just completing a project and more like creating something meaningful together. That energy reminds me that when women lead and support each other, we really can shift the creative space into something more inclusive and inspiring.”

— Dharavi Yegireddy, Production Assistant

“I think working in a female-led team feels empowering. It has honestly gives me so much more confidence and makes me feel more creative, it’s way easier when it comes to communicating. It has been one of the best experiences for me.”

— Jasmine Adan, Model

“Working in a female led team at this point in my journey felt empowering and affirming. As a 63-year- old Korean model, I was embraced not only for my image but also for my story, which made the experience deeply meaningful. Each woman’s creativity and passion created an atmosphere where difference became strengths, reminding me that when women uplift one another, our true beauty shines through.”

— Young Kim, Model

How has your identity shaped the way you create?

“Living as a female creative with a facial difference and disability has given me a perspective that deeply shapes how I see beauty and approach creativity. To me, every face is a canvas—unique, full of stories, and worthy of celebration. Our differences are what make us extraordinary, and I strive to honor that truth in every stage of the makeup process. I’m beyond grateful to have worked on this project alongside such kind, strong-willed, and like-minded creative women. There’s something so powerful about creating with people who truly get it.”

— Naomi Heather Hedar, Makeup Artist

“I think of myself as an assemblage of borrowed parts and evolving spirits who is one with our shared planetary homebody. All of my understandings of “me,” and anything like an identity, are inextricably linked to our cosmic collective, our complex bundle of interconnected ecosystems. Even my body is a bundle of ecosystems, a community of cells and microbes. I feel and experience myself as an abundant being perpetually engaging and communicating with endless beings. That shapes my art in countless ways. Mostly in the ways I approach creating generally. Concepts like “genre” and “field” and “discipline” aren’t rigid boundaries to me. They’re barely suggestions. When I approach creation or artistic praxis I pull from any and all sources that feel right. I mix mediums and materials, themes and modes of being while I create. I have an expansive and boundless way of creating. I don’t think outside of the box. I don’t think of the box at all. There is no box. I create from that place, with my “identity” as our shared planetary homebody grounding me in presence.”

— Jesi Taylor, Model

“My identity as a multiracial and multicultural woman has given me a wide range of perspectives that deeply shape my creative work. I’m drawn to projects that explore universal themes and resonate across different communities, whether through my modeling, filmmaking, or music. At the core, I want people—especially women—to feel connected and represented on a human level, because that’s what good art does. This shoot was empowering because it was created by an all-femme team and celebrated the many ways womanhood can be expressed—each uniquely and beautifully.”

— Summayya Wagenseil, Model

“As a queer person I feel much less bound to tradition, or doing things the way others do. I strive to deliver a purity of concept that is uninfluenced by the standards around me. I consider this authenticity a superpower. Lately I’ve been standing proudly in this queerness and doing my part to represent what queer art can be!”

— Tommy Tafoya, Makeup Artist

“I think identity has everything to do with how and what we create. Being a lesbian, plus sized, and Latina from Washington heights means I view the world in both an incredibly specific way and in a broader perspective. I look for the unheard in my work, I enjoy the ugly in the beautiful. My view and my art is shaped by paradox.”

— Sarah Hart, Model

How do you hope your work inspires the next generation of women creatives?
“I hope that my work as an artist lovingly guides people back to themselves. In my work as a singer, actress and model, my goal has always been to be so honest with myself that I can serve as a mirror through sharing my essence. I want women to feel like who they are is enough, just as they are!”

— Ms. Parker, Model

“I hope young women can understand that beauty has never been a single standard. The women who appear in my work are not limited to the traditional image of being tall and thin, but instead reflect diverse bodies and faces. Through these images, I want to convey that women should not feel pressured by appearance, body shape, or age, nor should they be defined by the male gaze. Society often places particularly harsh expectations on women, but we should not turn that pressure inward or let it fuel competition against one another. Instead, I hope women can build bonds of support and collaboration. If my work can inspire the next generation of women creatives to embrace inclusivity, diversity, and solidarity, that would be my proudest achievement.”

— Xiaohan Ma Chang (Lesley), Photographer

“I usually find my creative inspiration through music. Most times in music, there’s a song that I want to embody and I put that on when I show up in front of the camera. I sprinkle a bit of that with a bit of me.”

— Mahogany Wade, Model

Where do you usually find your creative inspiration, and how does that show up in your work?

“I usually find my creative inspiration from the ever changing world around me. Each day is filled with new opportunities that the last didn’t hold. I believe this kind of inspiration bleeds into my work through my emotions and movements. Every shot, every pose, every expression is like a new day.”

— Ciara Consiglio, Model

What advice would you share to other women?

“Leaning on each other makes us stronger.”

— Ogechi Egonu, Model

“Your past experiences- positive or negative do not define you. Take every experience as a new opportunity to express who you are and don’t worry about what others will think. Express with love, kindness, and most of all acceptance – it will shine back at you! Also… quality over quantity works every time all of the time.”

— Jane Brunelle, Model

Where do you usually find your creative inspiration, and how does that show up in your work?

“I usually find my creative inspiration from my dreams and nightmares. They are always a bit eccentric and I notice unusual things are some how flowing organically into the next. So when styling; I love to use layers and lots of colors, helping the story flow in a non conventional yet harmonious manner – sort of like a fever dream that leaves an impression on you when you wake up. “

— Treshara Franklin, Stylist

What do you think women supporting women in creative spaces looks like in action?

“Women supporting women in creative spaces to me looks like community. It’s lifting others up, sharing each other’s work, being excited for one another, booking each other, feeling inspired by one another and respecting every woman strong enough to share their creativity in a male dominated industry. I feel grateful in particular to be a part of the curve model community in New York. We all have this love and respect for one another that runs so deep- we see each other achieving what we would have never believed possible as young girls in this industry. We work hard to create representation for our bodies and our stories and we have this immense support from each other that is really something special. Often this industry is thought of as rather competitive, but within my community I’ve rarely ever felt that. We are just so happy for each and every woman given space to succeed.”

— Charlie Reynolds, Model

If someone viewed this series of images, what would you hope they take away?

“I’d hope they feel the strength, softness, and complexity of womanhood. Women are not just one thing by nature but many things at once: leaders, collaborators, visionaries, and storytellers. I’d also hope they recognize that these images were not only about women but created by women, which enhances the beauty of it all. Being part of this shoot was especially meaningful because I have often carried insecurities about how I show up in creative spaces. Having the privilege to witness and contribute to a team of women shaping something so bold and authentic gave me a new sense of confidence. It reminded me that embracing womanhood in all its forms can be both vulnerable and empowering.”

— Mary Zaki, Production Assistant

Photo Credits:

Photographer: @xiaohan_ma_

Direction & Production: @herstudiony @stephrommelt

Makeup Artists: @naomiheathermakeup @tommy_tafoya @emmemua @kyrstanbrandt @makeupbynalani

Stylists:  @cierra.howard @meggg.pdf @sharaafrank @daliadrake

Models: 

@janebrunelle Wearing: @bylivhandmade Earrings: @luiny & Vintage

@peachy.baby Wearing: Dress: @karinasywa Skirt: @6100world

@young_kim_nyc Wearing: Top & Skirt: @grace___gui

@ciara_consiglio Wearing Top Dress: @carolinezimbalist Bottom Dress: Synph Earrings: @luiny

@mahogany.amour Wearing Top Dress: @bylivhandmade Bottom Dress: @grace___gui

@kazzchangg Wearing Dress: @carolinezimbalist Necklace: @luiny

@freckledfanatic Wearing Top: @6100world Corset Top & Skirt: @minapiao

@aaliyah.booker Wearing Dress: @bylivhandmade

@moontwerk Wearing Dress & Pant: @karinasywa

@sarahhhhhart Wearing Dress & Skirt: @carolinezimbalist

@sumiisumi Wearing Dress: @mila_sullivan Swimsuit: @masten.ny Top & Skirt: @madeline__marie_ Earrings: @kenzaklay

@lezzie_mcguire Wearing Top: @madeline__marie_ Swim bottoms: @butterflyexchange Dress: @mila_sullivan Earrings: @celovisjewellery

@zotiiicdi Wearing White Skirt: @camilovilloria @showroomseven Necklace: @kenzaklay Crochet top: @butterflyexchange

Modeling Agencies: @iconicfocus @wespeakmodels @jagmodels

Photo Assistant: @xiaohhan_chang

Production Assistants: @nina.jenice @actual_brat @maryyzaki @dhara.yreddy