The Sonoma Body Project 2026

On October 3rd, 2026, seven amazing women joined me at Soul Rituals in Petaluma for something that was so much more than a photoshoot. We laughed almost the whole time, we got vulnerable, and we connected in such a real way. Together, we created over 60 images that tell a story of strength, softness, and the raw beauty of showing up exactly as you are.

This wasn't about perfect poses or polished bodies. It was about presence. About saying, "I'm here. This is me." And because of this night, we also raised almost $50 for The Living Room, which I rounded up and sent their way, so the impact reached even further than just our little group that night.

Before we got into the shoot, we did something that ended up being the heart of the whole event. Everyone grabbed a piece of cardboard and wrote down a negative word they'd been told, or something they'd thought about themselves. The kind of words that stick around for years. Then we flipped the board over and wrote 1-2 positive words about ourselves instead. After that, we passed our boards around the room, and every woman added 1-2 positive words about each other too. Watching someone read what a room full of strangers wrote about her after knowing her for twenty minutes, that's not something I can fully put into words. But it's the whole project in one activity.

What we created together that night is hard to sum up. Nine women showed up, a little nervous but brave. Over 60 images captured the laughter, the quiet strength, and the beauty of community. And $50 went back into an organization that does so much good right here at home. But honestly, the most powerful parts can't be measured. It was the way someone's face softened after being photographed, the way the laughter filled that room, the way we each got to step back into ourselves for just a moment.

This was the second Sonoma Body Project, and it won't be the last. If you feel that little tug in your chest, that whisper of "maybe this could be for me," keep an eye out. There will be more opportunities to join in, whether through future group projects or private sessions that hold the same safe, empowering space.

For now, I just want to say thank you. To the women who showed up, to The Living Room for the work they do, and to everyone who cheered us on from the sidelines. You were part of this too.

— Summer