The women featured in this year's Gallery Celebration all participated in my 40 Over 40 photoshoot experience.

As a woman and a photographer in my 40s, I grew frustrated as I realized that as a culture women start to disappear in their 40s. One of the ways we mark and celebrate the most important memories of our lives is through photos, and as a photographer I have had the honor to help families celebrate milestones like engagements, weddings, graduations, and new families.

But after that, women disappear. Often, we are behind the camera taking the photos of our families, or we just don't feel comfortable in front of the camera. If you are a woman who never got married, it's possible you were never celebrated in this way. 

I wanted a way to show the women that I knew and loved just how beautiful, strong and inspiring they were at every age. I wanted to celebrate the many journeys we travel in life that are often unmarked, even though they are just as significant if not more than the ones we traditionally celebrate.

It has been my honor to work with the women we are celebrating this year, all who have taught me so much and inspired me to love myself just as I am, at any age.