Survivor Portraits CT

survivor portraits CT

Survivor Portraits Experience

C.T. McGee

The human spirit has an amazing capacity to overcome adversity. 

Celebrating the everyday survivors that live amongst us. 

My name is CT and I survived a mental breakdown associated with suicidal ideation.

survivor portraits CT looking relaxed and confident

Aloha. Empowerment. Transformation

Powerful but relaxed portrait of a survivor

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

    1. My greatest challenges in life?

      My challenges in life stem from growing up mixed-race in a predominantly white community in Connecticut. Starting in childhood, I struggled with self-identity, self-acceptance, and belonging, which eroded my self-esteem, self-worth, and confidence by the time I was a teen. As a result, I also suffered from undiagnosed anxiety and depression. As I approached my forties, I realized that for my life to change, I had to change. And for this to happen, I had to strengthen my mindset and sense of self. I knew that real change started with changing any negative thoughts I had about myself, how I fit into this world, and what I had to offer to this world. However, even with all the work I did, an incident at 49 years old triggered my childhood trauma and personal struggles, resulting in a mental health crisis that nearly took my life.

      Describe my situation:

      One morning, three years ago, I woke up a different woman, and this woman wanted to kill herself. I planned to drive my Jeep over a cliff in San Diego and plunge into the Pacific Ocean. I knew it was possible because someone else had done it months earlier with their children in the back seat.

      What would drive me to these thoughts? One might blame the depression I experienced after losing my job two weeks before Christmas. Others would blame the ten emotional triggers I experienced afterward. These triggers stemmed from a lifetime of feeling unheard, misunderstood, and unloved, and especially feeling like I did not matter.

      I was born in Angeles City, Philippines, during the Vietnam War. My mother was a Filipino maid, and my father was an American Airman. We moved to Connecticut in the seventies when the Vietnam War ended. I knew from a young age that I did not belong here. And I learned this from witnessing my mother constantly complaining about her co-workers calling her “a stupid chink, Jap, and gook.” This anger brought fear and paranoia into our home and into my head, where a new war began. Feeling unwanted was reinforced by hearing neighbors yell about my brothers, “Get those monkeys outta my yard!” We were just kids who wanted to play outside and be like all the other kids.

      But it was hard to be like all the other kids when you looked so different. It was as if we fell into a cultural gap. There are five main race categories in the United States census, and there was not one box that captured how I felt – mestiza, meaning mixed-race or half and half, as the Filipinos call it. When you do not feel like you fit in with the people or in the place where you live, you can struggle with self-identity, self-acceptance, and belonging. These feelings eventually created a mindset of unworthiness and “not enough. I did not feel white enough, Asian enough, skinny enough, pretty enough, rich enough, or cool enough. This mindset infected every aspect of my life and destroyed all sense of self. Lacking self-esteem, self-worth, and confidence, I constantly sought approval from my parents and peers. As an adult, I sought validation from my boyfriends and bosses. As a result, I feared failure, success, and even commitment. I let people take advantage of me, take me for granted, or manipulate me into settling for less.

      By 40, I desperately wanted to change my life. I chose to start over by moving to San Diego to find love, follow my passions, find my purpose, and fulfill my dreams. Just when I thought I could blend in, again, I faced feelings of not being Filipino enough or white enough. Everyone thought I was Hawaiian! This struggle inspired me to discover the meaning of aloha, the Hawaiian philosophy of treating yourself and others with love, kindness, compassion, peace, mercy, and affection to create peace and harmony in your life. A DNA test also revealed I was part Hawaiian! Once I began living aloha, I made new friends, found a new job, got married, and overcame my struggles as a wife and stepmom in my new blended family. 

      Everything in my life improved until four years later when I lost my job at a senior living community. Despite my testimony, excellent employee record, accolades, and achievements, the management accused me of verbally abusing a resident and fired me. Losing my job over this false accusation destroyed me. 

      After seven months of sleep loss and several emotional triggers later, I woke up wanting to end my life because I did not feel heard, understood, or enough to matter to anyone. It was nine hours of pure torture and turmoil, but I eventually got through it by calling the crisis hotline and walking into a mental health facility. 

      I have spent three years regaining my mental fortitude and forgiving myself for the shame and guilt I felt about that day. Now, I am in trauma therapy and sharing my story to inspire others to overcome their struggles and to help them feel less alone. 

      Unless we share our struggles, we cannot normalize the conversation about mental health. And until we do, we cannot empower each other to survive and thrive. I have chosen to speak for those who have lost their voice, cannot find their voice, or do not know how to use their voice to stand up for themselves. We all deserve to be heard, understood, and loved. We are all enough. We all matter. And we should all be remembered now, not just when we are gone.

      What are you most proud of?

      I am most proud of myself for not giving up, having the courage to tell my story, and creating “The 6-3-1 Approach to Transformation,” a new life approach designed to help you transform your circumstances and change your life. When you feel like you don’t fit into this world, I believe you can create a world where you do!

      What brings you joy?

      I love sharing my struggles, experiences, and wisdom to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to cultivate aloha, celebrate inclusivity, and eradicate the stigma of mental health.

       

    2.  

The SURVIVOR PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE

Celebrating the strength and resilience of 23 Survivors

Each subject has a unique story to share.

You’ll share your story and we’ll plan your personalized portrait session in an initial consultation. I want you to feel confident so I have a professional make up artist at each shoot to make sure you look and feel your very best. Even top models need help with posing and my years of experience in the studio will guide you into the poses that will capture the very best version of you.

I’ll share your story and your favorite portrait in an exclusive coffee table book featuring 23 survivors for 2023. You will receive a beautiful heirloom quality fine art print to share with family and friends so that you will always remember this experience. Additional prints and products are available for purchase if you fall in love with more than one.

Resilience is essential for our survival and well-being, both as individuals and as a society. It helps us to bounce back from setbacks and learn from our mistakes, allowing us to become stronger and more adaptable. Sharing those feelings inspires others to continue their journey.

 

To those survivors of illness, loss, abuse, divorce or addiction - join me on this incredible and empowering portrait experience.

BOOK YOUR OWN
SURVIVOR
Portrait experience

Join me on a fun and incredible adventure

Capturing Stars Hollow: A Gilmore Girls-Inspired Senior Photoshoot

gilmore girls photoshoot New Milford CT

Capturing Stars Hollow: A Gilmore Girls-Inspired Senior Photoshoot

Styled Photo Shoot

Gilmore Girls Photoshoot Creator Tribe

Capturing Stars Hollow Magic: A Gilmore Girls Photoshoot in Charming New Milford, CT with the Planet Photo Creator Tribe

gilmore girls style photoshoot New Milford CT

As fans of the hit TV series Gilmore Girls will attest, the fictional town of Stars Hollow is an integral character in its own right. What many may not know is that Stars Hollow draws inspiration from the real-life charm and character of New Milford, Connecticut. Nestled in the scenic beauty of Litchfield County, New Milford played a pivotal role in shaping the iconic setting that became synonymous with Lorelai and Rory Gilmore’s adventures. Let’s delve into the connection between Gilmore Girls and the picturesque town of New Milford.

Gilmore girls photoshoot on Railroad St New Milford CT

Several landmarks in New Milford served as inspiration for key locations in Gilmore Girls. Theo’s Diner is source of inspiration for Stars Hollow’s Luke’s Diner. Fans with a keen eye can spot resemblances between New Milford’s iconic landmarks and the backdrop of many memorable scenes in the show.

Just as Stars Hollow boasts a variety of unique businesses, New Milford’s local establishments contribute to the town’s character. From charming bookstores to cozy diners, the real-life counterparts to Luke’s Diner and the Dragonfly Inn can be found scattered throughout Litchfield County. These establishments not only provide essential services to the community but also serve as a testament to the enduring charm that inspired the creators of Gilmore Girls. 

So next time you are craving a little Gilmore Girls then stroll down Bank St in New Milford. Pick up coffee and lunch at Theo’s Diner or River and Rail and then find a bench on the green. 

Coffee with the Gilmore girls photoshoot New Milford CT

The Planet Photo Creator Tribe is a group of high school girls and guys who really love having fun and being creative. We take the time to plan and style group and themed photo shoots. Our goals are to inspire and influence our community through our images. If you would like to join us for our next group shoot then let me know, I would love for you to be part of the Planet Photo Creator Tribe!