Once upon a time I decided to become a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters and I was matched with a beautiful eight year old little girl named Brittany. The original commitment was for a year, but we ended up being official “sisters” for over 10 years and that was 19 years ago now. I became a part of her family, spending time with her mum, aunts and uncles, grandmother and cousins. We had sleepovers, did lots of baking and cooking, crafts and painting and gardening. And spent afternoons listening to Ella Fitzgerald talking about what Brittany would like to do WHEN she went to college. My friends and family adopted Brittany into their hearts too and both of our circles widened. There were ups and downs, challenges and triumphs but through it all we loved each other just like blood sisters.
I was inspired to shoot this personal project based on my relationship with Brittany after spending time with my mentor Joyce Tenneson. I had been in intern in Joyce’s New York studio when I studied photography. Years later I had the privilege of hosting Joyce while she was in town to speak at a conference. I told her I wanted to work on a project and after talking with her it seemed so obvious. And the Bigs & Littles Project was born.
Our wonderful BBBS caseworker Jessie Jessen, helped me to locate some special matches to photograph - some who were new to the program and some who had been together for years. With the help of my studio manager Maria Arce, we photographed the matches in my studio. We laughed and played and the beauty of all the relationships came to life before our eyes. The power of someone believing in you is apparent but so too is the bond that gives rewards both ways. Love conquers all.
Don’t miss Brittany and I down at the bottom! I am so grateful to Maria for photographing us so we could be a part of this project too - even Simon, my soulmate vizsla, joined in the fun. Brittany and her three little ones live in my city and we still call each other sister. Now I am an auntie to Kai’Lease, Se’Kairi & Keyvon.
~Stacey
Sean & Mauriek
“When I grow up I want to be a judge”
Diane & Brooklyn
“My big sister is really nice and we get to spend lots of time together”
Jacob & Devondre
“I want to be a bank teller or fly airplanes and visit China”
Katherine + Kaitlyn
“Katherine makes me feel happy”
Tammie & Merle
“She is my best friend”
Scott & Travis
“Scott taught me never to give up as long as you have air in your body, it’s never the end”
Kaye & Christian
“The most important thing that Kaye taught me is that one friend is enough.”
Kim & Tyneshia
“My favorite think about Kim is that she is fun and outgoing and loves pets like I do.”
Paul & Zack
“Now I have someone to hang out with.”
Ryan & Sequavia
“I love having alone time with Ryan. I feel like I can be a kid.”
David & Arron
“He likes to spend time with me.”
Stan & Matt
“He is always cheering for me.”
Susan & Joanna
“I want to be everything I can possibly be!”
Tami & Dalaysha
“We just got matched a week ago and yesterday we went to Art Quest and made friendship bracelets.”
Stacey & Brittany
“Stacey makes me feel like I have a real sister, like she came from the same mom as me.”