Neighbors at the lake: Lake Wylie photographer shares beauty of others

A Lake Wylie photographer has found inspiration in capturing the beauty of others and sharing it.

Colleen McFiggins of Colleen M Photography decided to share the strengths and achievements of York County residents by submitting photos for Beauty Revived, a publication created by Michelle Gifford that hosts monthly campaigns. With submissions from across the U.S., photographs and stories of individuals exemplify qualities of strength or community giving. A panel chooses one story and photography set to represent each state. Stories are published in a quarterly magazine.

“I am honored to have three of my subjects chosen to represent South Carolina,” McFiggins said. “I found the campaign on social media and immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it.”

Photographers are challenged to identify subjects in their state who demonstrate the true meaning of beauty with different campaign themes.

“The most recent campaign was 50 Most Beautiful High School Seniors, both male and female,” McFiggins said. “Both my male and female sessions were chosen for the quarterly magazine, which also made them eligible for a scholarship associated with the campaign.”

Several touching nominations came in.

“Every story was inspirational,” she said. “I chose the students who I felt were taking their struggles and turning them into something positive.”

James Johns of Fort Mill, chosen to represent South Carolina in the 50 Most Beautiful High School Seniors Guy campaign, was abandoned by his mother at a young age. He and his little brother were raised at the poverty level by their father, often relying on grandparents for help. James also endured an abusive stepmother and a fierce custody battle during the divorce of that marriage. Despite the hardship, he sees the blessings that came from the struggle.

“We lived in a little house with beautiful woods behind it. I still remember all of the fun my brother and I had playing in those woods,” Johns said. “Also, we love the new brother and sister from our dad’s marriage. My family has been my foundation through all of this, and I’m very lucky to have them in my life.”

He recently made Eagle Scout and is a member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society. He works as an assistant scout master, is a Webelos den leader and a Boy Scout troop guide. He also is co-captain of the JROTC Rifle and has placed in Nationals two years in a row.

Tatiana Washington of Rock Hill, representing her state in the 50 Most Beautiful High School Senior Girls campaign, was raised with her younger sister by a single mother. A trip to the emergency room last spring revealed she had Crohn’s Disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract.

Tatiana was hospitalized for weeks and has had five procedures, two of which were major surgeries. She continues to be a cheerleader and has been in honors classes since the fifth grade.

“Being a part of this campaign helped me see the more beautiful side of working through something so tough. It inspires me to talk more of my journey. It definitely strengthened my mindset and gave me more faith in who I can be,” she said.

McFiggins wanted to capture who they really are.

“I wanted to capture them at their most natural state, so I allowed them to choose their costumes and locations for the shoot,” she said. “The ideas and creativity they brought to their sessions was refreshing and delightful.”

A previous campaign, America’s 50 Most Beautiful Women, included McFiggins subject, Elaine Brauch of Lake Wylie and her “Keep Calm and Sparkle On” motto while receiving treatment for ovarian cancer.

“Elaine is somewhat of a celebrity in the Lake Wylie area,” McFiggins said. “Her story is so inspiring and people know her story, spirit and strength. She was an obvious choice for me.”

When Brauch received the call, she was at her worst physically, recuperating from a seven-day hospital stay and three-week recovery at home. At first she refused, but after encouragement from her husband and daughter, she agreed.

“I had never had a photo shoot and didn’t know what to expect. Plus, at the timing of the session, I was so weak, just getting dressed was almost my limit for a day,” she said. “Colleen sent a make-up artist over, and she made me the most beautiful I had ever seen myself.

“When the photo shoot began, Colleen was so natural, she made me forget there was a camera at all,” Brauch said. “When I saw the photos in the magazine, they were beautiful, so much so that I cried. Colleen captured me – the normal, not filled with cancer me,” she said. “Those photos, this campaign and what Colleen did for me reminded me of who I am and revived my will to fight.”

Brauch is still battling cancer, which she refers to as “the monster,” largely by chemotherapy, which she calls her “sparkle juice.” Her numbers are significantly down and her breathing is being restored. She is planning to return to her YMCA routine of Zumba and yoga classes.

“Each subject is truly an inspiration to me,” McFiggins said. “More than the excitement of having my work published, it feels great to honor such amazing and strong women and men through this campaign. They may talk of what I did for them, but the reality is what they gave me was so much more.”

McFiiggins is accepting nominations for the next Beauty Revived campaign: America’s 50 Most Beautiful Mothers in celebration of Mother’s Day through March 16 at colleenmphotography.com.

This story was originally published February 8, 2016 at 12:20 PM with the headline "Neighbors at the lake: Lake Wylie photographer shares beauty of others."