This year, Fostering Media Connections (FMC) launched its first-ever Youth Voice photo essay contest sponsored by Walter S. Johnson Foundation and invited current and former foster youth between the ages of 18 and 24 to submit a collection of three photos that speak to their foster care experience along with a short written narrative explaining ‘Their Foster Care Experience’ photography.
Throughout this week, we will share the winning entries. The winning essays also appear in the September/October issue of Fostering Families Today, FMC’s magazine for foster parents.
Today we are sharing the work of 1st place contest winner, Victor Cantey. Click here to see our 2nd place and 3rd place entries.
Foster care has been a battleground for my health. I lost myself in the midst of it all. I struggled with self love, depression and finding my purpose. Through photography I truly found freedom. Which allowed for what I truly love to have the ability to find me. I will always be thankful for unforgiving beauty.
My relationship with beauty has grown beyond a word that has no limit. Every day when I share a step in the world, I see something beautiful in everyone. From aesthetics to the essence of their soul, I discovered beauty.
Victor Cantey entered the California foster care system at age 2.