From photo project to podcast, this series amplifies the diverse voices of women in fandom.
The Origin Story:
“Portrait of a Fangirl” began as a simple photo project in 2018. Monica Duarte, the creator, wanted to capture authentic portrayals of women embracing their geeky personalities. At that time, things like Disneybounding and social media influencers were relatively new, and online searches for "geeky photoshoot" or "geek portraits" yielded mainly engagement shoots, newborn photoshoots with geeky themes, or occasionally, provocative photos with a nerdy twist. While there's nothing wrong with these types of photography, they weren't what Monica envisioned. She wanted to showcase women being themselves and celebrating their geeky side, but she lacked inspiration.
In late 2018, she reached out to her friend Tiffany Cagle, whose geeky fashion style had caught Monica's eye at a Doctor Who-themed convention in 2017. Monica asked Tiffany to model for her project. During their discussion, Tiffany spoke about her geeky tattoos and their significance to her identity. They started planning a photoshoot around these tattoos, but it became clear that photos alone wouldn't fully capture Tiffany's essence and her relationship with fandom.
In early 2019, Monica shared her conversations with Tiffany with her husband Nate, and her friend Emily Schuck. Inspired by Tiffany, Monica wanted to go beyond a photoshoot. Perhaps an article, but even that didn't seem enough. That night, the three brainstormed ideas, and the concept of turning "Portrait of a Fangirl" into a web series was born. Despite having zero experience, Emily and Monica spent the next few months teaching themselves how to create a web series. With support from Nate and the team at Temple of Geek, the "Portrait of a Fangirl" web series debuted in late 2019.
Challenges and Adaptation:
Everything came to a halt in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The series took a hiatus until 2021, but it was never the same. Social distancing, masking protocols, and life changes made filming difficult. Emily left the project due to personal reasons, and things stalled.
Monica was unsure about the project's direction. Budget constraints limited filming to Southern California, and she worried about showcasing the full scope of fangirls worldwide. In 2022, the decision was made to convert "Portrait of a Fangirl" into a podcast, with Jenna Wrenn as the host. Jenna's passion for fandom, engaging interview style, and cheerful personality made her the perfect fit. She recognized the project's potential and became the voice of "Portrait of a Fangirl." The first episode of the podcast was released in early 2023 and has been thriving ever since.
Redefining "Fangirl"
The project strives to redefine the term "fangirl," moving beyond the stereotypical image of a screaming teenage girl. It seeks to showcase the diverse ways in which women express their passion and find empowerment through their fandoms.
Expanding the Definition of Fandom
"Portrait of a Fangirl" challenges the notion that fandom is limited to geek culture. The podcast plans to feature women whose passions span various fields, including sports, music, travel, and more. It aims to celebrate the power of loving something deeply, regardless of what that "something" might be.
The Podcast: A New Chapter
The podcast format allows for a deeper exploration of the diverse stories of women in fandom, unconstrained by the limitations of video production. It aims to foster a space where marginalized voices are heard and gatekeeping is discouraged.
"Portrait of a Fangirl" is more than just a series or podcast; it's a testament to the power of fandom in shaping identity and fostering community. It serves as a reminder that embracing our passions, whatever they may be, can lead to personal growth, empowerment, and connection.
