Whether she’s photographing a new mom, CEO or survivor, Dawn Gilmore’s goal is always the same: to capture women’s innate strength and beauty.
A professional photographer for over 16 years, Gilmore specializes in portraiture that empowers, elevates and celebrates.
“I was drawn to photography because I saw the way a beautiful portrait could shift the way a woman sees herself, and I knew I wanted to create that transformative experience for others,” says the South Florida native, who now lives in D’Iberville. “My background includes extensive training in posing and lighting the female form, and I’ve dedicated my career to helping women feel confident in front of the camera.”
Gilmore’s Unconventional Beauty Project may be her most ambitious effort yet, as she’s trying to challenge society’s definition of “beautiful.” The project features women of all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life — each one bold, resilient and unapologetically herself.
“The idea came to me after my own journey of transformation and healing,” she says. “As someone who has lost over 120 pounds and learned to embrace my body after bariatric surgery, I knew I wanted to create a platform for others to celebrate their stories and their strength.”
SHIFTING THE NARRATIVE
A session with Gilmore is more than just a photo shoot. She always starts with deep conversation to get to know each woman — who she is, what she’s been through and how she wants to be seen. Subjects are then treated to a luxurious, curated experience.
“During the shoot, I guide every movement so my client never feels lost or unsure,” Gilmore says. “My job is to create a safe space where her most authentic, empowered self can shine through.”
While the project has produced many striking images, Gilmore stresses that it’s about far more than pretty pictures.
“It’s about visibility, representation and shifting the narrative around worth and beauty,” she says. “My goal is to help women reclaim the lens — to see themselves with pride, not shame.”
EVERYDAY WOMEN, EXTRAORDINARY STORIES
Gilmore’s Unconventional Beauty portraits and stories are featured on her website, dawnvgilmorevipphoto.com, and highlighted across her social media platforms. Her subjects include a young woman living with vitiligo, a breast cancer survivor who had undergone a double mastectomy and a woman with alopecia “who wore her baldness with bold grace.”
“The women featured in the Unconventional Beauty series are everyday women with extraordinary stories” Gilmore says. “Some are clients who’ve overcome illness, loss, body-image struggles or major life transitions. Others are women I’ve met through networking, referrals and community outreach — each chosen because of the strength, vulnerability and authenticity she brings to the table.”
The community had an opportunity to see the portraits and meet the women behind them during a recent unveiling at Boho Biloxi Social House. Gilmore plans to hold similar events annually as the project grows.
“I’m preparing to photograph the next group of participants this fall,” she says. “Future subjects will be selected through personal outreach, community connections and submissions from women who resonate with the mission of the project.”
‘YOU DESERVE TO BE SEEN’
Above all, Gilmore wants viewers to feel moved, inspired and reminded that beauty is not one size or standard — but a quality that stems from a person’s experiences, scars, joy and power.
“The truth is, beauty lives in our imperfections, our confidence, our survival and our ability to stand tall despite the storms,” Gilmore says. “I hope people walk away feeling inspired, seen and maybe even a little more forgiving of themselves.”
The photographer adds that empowerment isn’t about living up to an ideal; it’s about owning who you are — right now.
“Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or celebrating how far you’ve come, you deserve to be seen in a way that reflects your strength, grace and resilience,” she says. “My studio is a space for that — a space where women are celebrated, uplifted and reminded of their worth. That’s what fuels everything I do.”