Today is Indigenous Peoples Day, and I thought it was important to address a recurring issue in the photography community.

In recent years, it seems that “tipi sessions” have become increasingly popular. You know the ones. A chubby-cheeked cherub seated in front of a tipi-style tent, sometimes bedecked with flowers or lace or [insert cheesy decor item here].

We’ve also seen the rise in popularity of the feather headdress, both in the photography world and in the music festival circuit.

The trouble with both these elements is that they appropriate indigenous culture.

I know my platform is small, but I felt it necessary to share this information and these resources so that my fellow photographers and our clients can educate themselves on the harm that is caused by cultural appropriation in tipi sessions and by using feather headdresses in photo shoots.

Starglass Photography will not participate in any photoshoots depicting cultural appropriation. I will, however, strive to honor all cultures and capture their unique beauty on camera when called to do so.