To Be Girls Together: An Exploration Through Imagery
Images have the unique power of telling stories through capturing moments and ideas that go beyond what words can convey. Through capturing a single moment, images can evoke emotion, convey atmosphere, and highlight details that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. With the ability to communicate across cultures and languages, images draw viewers into a shared experience.
The next seven photos capture the heart of girlhood, showing the moments, feelings, and small adventures that make it special. Each photo tells a piece of a story, highlighting the friendships, dreams, and milestones that shape this unique piece of life. Together, they create a visual story about what it means to experience girlhood.
So let's take a look at images that are more than just images. They're stories of girlhood.
Photo by Gillian Gallo
This photo shows a fun moment between friends, with one girl doing the other’s makeup. It’s the kind of scene that captures the essence of girlhood. From the other items in frame such as hairspray, mirrors, and clothes, we can gather they're getting ready together. Moments like these are what make growing up together special, filled with little memories of helping each other, getting ready together, and bonding over the simple things. What helps images like this is their feeling of authenticity. A true moment that makes you feel and allows the photo to resonate with you.
This image from the Barbie movie beautifully represents girlhood as a journey through life. The older woman and Barbie stand, holding hands, symbolizing the connection across generations of women. Their contrasting looks hint at the passing of time, showing how girlhood and womanhood are connected. The soft lighting and open space create a feeling of warmth, encouraging the viewer to use this moment to feel and connect, just as the characters do. As Erica Santiago notes, "Your visual story must make your audience feel something that generates an emotional connection." And boy, does Barbie do just that. This scene (and the whole movie, frankly) captures the lasting impact of girlhood and the connections that tie women of the past and present together.
"Candy Toss" by Justine Kurland
This photo, taken as part of Justine Kurland's series, "Girl Pictures: 1997-2002" captures the carefree essence of girlhood. With the three standing on a grassy path, heads tilted back, throwing candy into their mouths. Their relaxed posture and casual clothes reflect a sense of freedom and comfort, as they enjoy something as simple as candy. The open field around them emphasizes the endless possibilities while creating a simple shared memory - something that is central to growing up.
"We Were Girls Together" by Delia Brandel
"We Were Girls Together" took the internet by storm in 2023, and helped coin the term itself, which has now become a way for many to express their experiences of girlhood with one another. While this image may not seem like a lot, it has so much to say. The plaque on the bench representing an permanent tribute to dear friends who experienced girlhood together is a continuous presence in the park, and now on the internet, for others to see and reflect upon for years to come.
“The Ballet Rehearsal” by Edgar Degas
While this may not be the first thing people think of when it comes to the joys of girlhood, it is a very true reality for many. Ballet is a staple in the lives of many, from little girls to grown women, and can be considered a quintessential part of growing up. Currently on display at the Yale Art Gallery, this piece is one that I always find myself circling back to. In this painting, we are placed in a ballet class and focused on the people. Four girls in the foreground seem to be distracted from the rest of the class. Fixing their shoes, pulling at their tights, fanning themselves, or just gossiping. "The human feel is one of the key components of a good story." And this piece providing such a true look into girlhood in a different, and what some consider more serious setting most certainly provides a true human feeling/experience.
This still from Little Women not only gives a glimpse into girlhood but also sisterhood. With Little Women being a story about the March sisters and their trials and tribulations growing up together, stills like this hit home for many. To be linked both literally and figuratively to the girls and women around you. With arms linked in this photo, they walk through town laughing, and each having their own very different reaction to what the other is saying, something that resonates with every friend/sister group.
A photo of a mother and daughter dancing together in the kitchen captures the warmth and joy of girlhood, something that many people know very well. Showing how simple moments can create lasting memories. This photo showcases their laughter while dancing in the kitchen at home, emphasizing the spontaneity of growing. This also reflects the idea that girlhood is shaped not only by friendships but also by moments with family. Through this moment of dance, we see how girlhood can be celebrated in everyday spaces.
Girlhood is so beautifully represented through imagery and visual storytelling, capturing the heart of growing in ways words often can’t describe. Through photos and visuals, we see the joys, emotions, and experiences that define life. Each image whether it’s friends laughing, a moment of reflection, or family bonds, tells a story about the experiences that shape girls into who they are. Visual storytelling captures these moments, celebrating girlhood and reminding us of its importance.