Un-Bee-table answers
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frequently asked questions
I know there is a distinct lack of representation in the beekeeping industry and autistic community of anyone who is perceived as not what society normalizes. I commit to re-defining normal as diverse and inclusive through my business as much as I can. What once started as a mission to represent non-traditional weddings as a photographer became one that believes you shouldn't have to put 'LGBTQ+' or 'same-sex' in front of the word wedding to find equality online. I believe Black Lives Matter. I believe I live in a country built with stolen labor and stolen land. I commit to prioritizing inclusion and racial justice both in business and outside of it.
Carrie Swails and Second Breakfast Honey & Soap are a business that commits to being a safe space and seeks to include and advocate for all identities and cultures within its services.
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the mission statement
Diversity, equity, & Inclusion are a priority.
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My 5 Core Values:
Media in the world, normalizes being young, white, thin, cisgender, able-bodied, and heterosexual. It considers anything else ‘other.’ As a lifelong photographer I believe that I have a unique power as an image creator to help redefine what’s considered normal by creating and representing people from all cultures and backgrounds in my work. Media does not accurately reflect the diverse people in our world and I hope to have the opportunity to change that narrative and ensure that everyone has representation and a voice through their experiences with me whether that be through photography, beekeeping, or the autism and ADHD communities.
1. Representation & Voice
I believe human beings have personal autonomy over their own bodies and therefore seek to celebrate all the unique ways people love and live in their own bodies. My commitment to bodily integrity extends into the way I process photographs, or interact with you upon meeting or in-person.
As a photographer I believe extensive retouching is unethical and that creating unrealistic physical changes to someone’s body is a projection of biases of how we think someone should look.
As a neurodiverse person I am also sensitive to the social anxieties and sensory processing struggles that physical touch can cause so I will always ask for permission before shaking a hand, hugging, or giving a high five - and I won’t take it personally if you decline.
Finally, I understand some populations may continue to be more vulnerable and susceptible to COVID-19 despite vaccinations. To ensure the comfort and safety of others in-person I am vaccinated and committed to continued vaccination and will wear a mask at your request.
2. Bodily Integrity
Cultural appropriation is best defined as a problematic power dynamic where members of a dominant group or culture (who have privilege) take or use elements from a culture of people who are marginalized or oppressed by the dominant culture. Often times these the dominant culture benefits from the use of these elements with a gain in power, influence, notoriety, or income. Cultural appropriation is widespread in photography, social media, and beyond. It does damage by letting us show love for a culture, but remaining prejudiced against its people. When members of a dominant culture utilize traditions, tools, and rituals from an oppressed culture at weddings, family events, conferences or anywhere else it furthers the problems of falsehoods, stereotyping, and systemic racism - especially when published online, where stories are often misunderstood. As such, I do not partake or photograph in events with teepees, dream catchers, jumping the broom, henna, or other cultural traditions unless the event is led by people from those cultures.By doing this, when a photograph, narrative, or event is published online - the true owner of a cultural tradition or ritual is the one whose voice is being heard and I’m prioritizing a commitment to justice for oppressed groups over my own dominant culture’s privilege.
3. Cultural Appropriation
Social media, blogging, and photography are about storytelling and one of my core values is to not manufacture narratives or photo opportunities for the sake of the opportunity. I want to tell stories about beekeeping, photography, or neurodiversity as if its unfolding in a documentary way. By doing this I focus on content that’s created with purpose instead of simply for the sake of creation.
4. Creating Content with Meaning
Autonomy is defined as being free from external control. Many events push narratives that make attendees feel as though they are doing something wrong. Whether I’m at a wedding, fundraiser, conference, or other event one of my core values is to support the autonomy of the event leadership to run an event that is inclusive, provides accessibility and equity, but also in a way that supports their narrative most. I’m happy to be an advocate at many events for many different populations and learn best when I listen rather than dictate how events go.
5. Event Autonomy
