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MICHAEL BECK PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Unstuck Woman Project
  • Video
  • About
  • Portfolio
  • Recent Work

The Unstuck Woman" is a passion project that took root in my heart around four to five years ago. It began with a simple yet profound idea: to capture the essence of inspiring women through photography and intimate interviews, with the aim of guiding and connecting others on their own journeys.

Driven by a desire to spotlight the strength, resilience, and wisdom of women from diverse backgrounds, I embarked on a mission to seek out these remarkable individuals. What started as a personal endeavor soon blossomed into a community-driven movement, fueled by the empowering stories and experiences shared by the women I had the privilege to photograph and interview.

Word of mouth became the lifeblood of the project, as each woman I had the honor of capturing on film became a beacon, spreading the word to others who were equally deserving of recognition. Through this organic process, a network of support and empowerment began to take shape, weaving together the threads of shared experiences and aspirations.

Each photo shoot and interview became not only a celebration of individual triumphs but also a testament to the collective power of women supporting women. From artists and entrepreneurs to activists and everyday heroes, "The Unstuck Woman" has become a tapestry of inspiration, offering guidance and connection to all who encounter its stories.

As I continue to document the journeys of these incredible women, my hope remains steadfast: that their stories will serve as beacons of light for those navigating their own paths, reminding us all that resilience, courage, and determination know no bounds. Together, we rise, united in our strength and unwavering in our pursuit of a more empowered future.


Featured posts:

  • July 2024
    • Jul 2, 2024 Oriana Poindexter Jul 2, 2024
  • June 2024
    • Jun 18, 2024 Danielle Black Lyons Jun 18, 2024
    • Jun 4, 2024 Kassia Meador Jun 4, 2024
  • May 2024
    • May 24, 2024 Janina Casanova May 24, 2024
    • May 17, 2024 Heathyr Smyth May 17, 2024
  • July 2021
    • Jul 29, 2021 Becky Mendoza Jul 29, 2021
    • Jul 5, 2021 Meredith Ambruso Jul 5, 2021
  • June 2021
    • Jun 14, 2021 Isabella Manning Jun 14, 2021
    • Jun 14, 2021 Janina Casanova Jun 14, 2021
    • Jun 10, 2021 Heathyr Smyth Jun 10, 2021
  • February 2020
    • Feb 18, 2020 Brooke Kelley Feb 18, 2020
  • December 2019
    • Dec 31, 2019 Caylee Hawkins Dec 31, 2019
    • Dec 9, 2019 Erin Falconer Dec 9, 2019
    • Dec 3, 2019 Staci Hall Dec 3, 2019
  • November 2019
    • Nov 21, 2019 Miriam Brummel Nov 21, 2019
    • Nov 19, 2019 Courtney Coles Nov 19, 2019
    • Nov 11, 2019 Cierra Xavier Nov 11, 2019
    • Nov 4, 2019 Sara Lezama Nov 4, 2019
  • October 2019
    • Oct 29, 2019 Becca Kennelly Oct 29, 2019
    • Oct 14, 2019 Amanda Benson Oct 14, 2019
  • September 2019
    • Sep 16, 2019 Casey Schostag Sep 16, 2019
  • August 2019
    • Aug 19, 2019 Nicole Aug 19, 2019
    • Aug 12, 2019 Caity Watson Aug 12, 2019
    • Aug 5, 2019 Allegra Michelle Jones Aug 5, 2019
  • July 2019
    • Jul 22, 2019 Gemma Jimenez Jul 22, 2019
  • June 2019
    • Jun 24, 2019 Kari Jaffe Jun 24, 2019
  • May 2019
    • May 27, 2019 Lexy Bowman May 27, 2019
    • May 21, 2019 Mackenzie Howe May 21, 2019
    • May 21, 2019 Tracie Garacochea May 21, 2019
    • May 20, 2019 Laura Jean Anderson May 20, 2019
    • May 6, 2019 Lauren Kim May 6, 2019
    • May 1, 2019 Whitney Skauge May 1, 2019
  • March 2019
    • Mar 4, 2019 Vicki Tan Mar 4, 2019
  • February 2019
    • Feb 25, 2019 Christina Chi Craig Feb 25, 2019
  • January 2019
    • Jan 21, 2019 Corina Rose Jan 21, 2019
  • December 2018
    • Dec 16, 2018 Diandre Fuentes Dec 16, 2018
    • Dec 3, 2018 Ashleigh Johnson Dec 3, 2018
  • November 2018
    • Nov 26, 2018 Golden Shyne Nov 26, 2018
    • Nov 13, 2018 Adri Law Nov 13, 2018
    • Nov 5, 2018 Jenavieve Belair Nov 5, 2018
  • October 2018
    • Oct 30, 2018 Shannon O'Conner Oct 30, 2018
    • Oct 15, 2018 Sara Combs Oct 15, 2018
    • Oct 9, 2018 Jen Hood Oct 9, 2018
    • Oct 2, 2018 Laura Rubin Oct 2, 2018
  • September 2018
    • Sep 18, 2018 Alex Ta Sep 18, 2018
  • August 2018
    • Aug 27, 2018 Amy Hood Aug 27, 2018
    • Aug 20, 2018 Amanda Gilbert Aug 20, 2018
    • Aug 6, 2018 Kat Renyolds Aug 6, 2018
  • July 2018
    • Jul 23, 2018 Kat Jul 23, 2018
    • Jul 9, 2018 Brittney Wood Jul 9, 2018
  • June 2018
    • Jun 25, 2018 Marissa Rascon Jun 25, 2018
    • Jun 16, 2018 Lex Weinstein Jun 16, 2018
    • Jun 12, 2018 Kristen Flores Jun 12, 2018
    • Jun 4, 2018 Judith (Rose Cuts Clothing) Jun 4, 2018
  • May 2018
    • May 29, 2018 Jenn Sinclair May 29, 2018
    • May 22, 2018 Jessica Stone May 22, 2018
    • May 14, 2018 Ginger Caranto May 14, 2018
    • May 13, 2018 RY May 13, 2018
    • May 7, 2018 Velia De Iuliis May 7, 2018
    • May 1, 2018 Arielle Estoria May 1, 2018
  • April 2018
    • Apr 24, 2018 Natasha Nicole Apr 24, 2018
    • Apr 17, 2018 Genevieve Apr 17, 2018
    • Apr 10, 2018 Veronica Lowe Apr 10, 2018
    • Apr 3, 2018 Tanika hoffman Apr 3, 2018
  • March 2018
    • Mar 15, 2018 Johanna Swanson Mar 15, 2018
    • Mar 6, 2018 Wesley Bird Mar 6, 2018
    • Mar 1, 2018 Renee Mooi Mar 1, 2018
  • February 2018
    • Feb 27, 2018 Taylor Carrozza Feb 27, 2018
    • Feb 13, 2018 Kelly Yazdi Feb 13, 2018
  • January 2018
    • Jan 23, 2018 Torrey Jay Jan 23, 2018
    • Jan 20, 2018 Sarah Larson Jan 20, 2018
    • Jan 9, 2018 Elise Crigar Jan 9, 2018
  • December 2017
    • Dec 18, 2017 Bleu Archbold Dec 18, 2017
    • Dec 12, 2017 Kestrel Jenkins Dec 12, 2017
    • Dec 5, 2017 Kaitlin Mogentale Dec 5, 2017
  • November 2017
    • Nov 28, 2017 Lou Samantha Nov 28, 2017
    • Nov 13, 2017 Buckley Nov 13, 2017
    • Nov 6, 2017 Kinley Danger Winnaman Nov 6, 2017
  • October 2017
    • Oct 21, 2017 Natasha Zoë Garrett Oct 21, 2017
    • Oct 16, 2017 Amy Leverton Oct 16, 2017
    • Oct 9, 2017 Sloane Oct 9, 2017
    • Oct 2, 2017 Nice Turner Oct 2, 2017
  • September 2017
    • Sep 25, 2017 HEIDI ZUMBRUN Sep 25, 2017
    • Sep 21, 2017 Monica Reyes Sep 21, 2017
    • Sep 18, 2017 Joy Lewis Sep 18, 2017
    • Sep 11, 2017 Lucy Mae Sunday Sep 11, 2017
    • Sep 4, 2017 Madison Isbell Sep 4, 2017
  • August 2017
    • Aug 28, 2017 Juri Ko Aug 28, 2017
    • Aug 21, 2017 Lauren Lilly Aug 21, 2017
    • Aug 14, 2017 Nouel Riel Aug 14, 2017
    • Aug 7, 2017 Ashmore Ellis Aug 7, 2017
    • Aug 1, 2017 GLORIA J. NOTO Aug 1, 2017
  • July 2017
    • Jul 21, 2017 Blake Spencer Jul 21, 2017
    • Jul 21, 2017 Anya Jul 21, 2017
    • Jul 10, 2017 Farron Feiner Jul 10, 2017
  • June 2017
    • Jun 29, 2017 Genevieve Davis Jun 29, 2017
    • Jun 20, 2017 Amy Reda Jun 20, 2017
    • Jun 20, 2017 Michaela Eichenbaum Jun 20, 2017
    • Jun 17, 2017 Beckie Peralta Jun 17, 2017
    • Jun 14, 2017 Tamara Raye Jun 14, 2017
    • Jun 9, 2017 Ally Ferguson Jun 9, 2017
  • May 2017
    • May 31, 2017 𝕮𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖆 𝕻𝖑𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖘 May 31, 2017
    • May 10, 2017 Jaime Dempsey May 10, 2017
  • February 2017
    • Feb 13, 2017 Sara Lyons Feb 13, 2017

Mackenzie Howe

May 21, 2019

Hi friends. Meet @pet_dress_ she is a singer, songwriter, thrift store lover who loves roller skating, oh yeah she also plays in the amazing bands @thewildreeds. Follow along this week as we talk about life, music and spiritual growth.

What is Paradise?
It’s a thrift store of course! Oh and also here’s to hoping it’s some sort of karmic nirvana that we all get to achieve after one life or another.

Why is music important?
I wish I could truly understand why music is as important as it is. All I know is I’ve dedicated the better portion of my life to chasing the feeling that is provides both as a listener and an artist. It’s the spice cabinet to our lives. It always has been and always will be a language we can use when words don’t suffice.

How did you find the courage to sing?
I had sung my whole life at school and in my room, but never considered myself a singer and never really had a knack for it. It wasn’t until I wanted to write my own songs that I had to present my voice as an instrument and I was terrified. My friend Rosey convinced me that rawness and shakiness was not a flaw but rather a humbling human quality that I shouldn’t be ashamed of. I owe a lot of my courage to her. My band mates as well, taught me how to sing 3 part harmony and how to grow into my voice, they’ve always encouraged me when I’ve doubted my voice. I still don’t identify as a singer, it’s more-so something that’s necessary in the process of doing what I love.

What’s the most anxiety-inducing thing you do on a regular basis?
Sit down to write music. No joke I have to force myself and it’s like locking myself in the lion's den except I am also the lion. I battle a severe amount of resistance and self-doubt and it rears its ugly head the minute I start to write. Of course, there’s the occasional song that lands on you like a dove but that’s far less interesting.

What about the opposite sex confuses you the most?
Whether I can trust their motives. I’m referring to straight men here. It’s a shame because as women we were always taught that men are “so different” and all they care about is sex, so we grow up presenting ourselves in a way that caters to that notion, or assume that threat is constantly there. It’s been a beautiful journey unlearning the social constructs that come along with gender. I’m working on the ways in which I still subconsciously subscribe to them and recognize the ways in which even my most empathetic straight male friends subscribe to them as well. I’ve had the pleasure of some really great relationships that have defied those stereotypes. In the end, I think our only real differences are the ones they’ve taught us to have. I’m also confused by the fact that my BO is way worse than my boyfriend’s.

What life skills are rarely taught but extremely useful?
Sewing, listening to others, stain removal, kissing, cutting hair, jump-starting a car, dream interpretation, self-defense, healthy coping mechanisms.

What’s the worst thing you’ve eaten out of politeness?
Turtle. That’s gotta be illegal.

What’s about to get much better?
Hopefully the state of our country, and climate change, if we keep fighting for it.

What scientific discovery would change the course of humanity overnight if it was discovered?
Proof of a spiritual realm. If we had knowledge of reincarnation, or the health of our own souls, or if we had the ability to see how our actions have a ripple effect far beyond what’s visible, I think we would live much more responsibly and empathetically while we are here. Maybe we would take better care of ourselves if we knew for sure that our souls would be used again whether it be in nature or another person. I’m a huge fan of Rudolf Steiner who was a spiritual scientist. He melded the two seemingly opposite worlds into one, in a way that makes so much sense to me.

How do you keep yourself psychologically healthy?
My psychological health has always been something I’m aware of because I’m very sensitive. I am, for the first time, on anti-depressants and after years of stigmatizing it, I decided to try it and I’m so glad I did. It has truly helped me feel joyful and hopeful for the time being. Everyone’s path is their own, and I think you need to figure out what’s right for you. I do also take many natural supplements for my brain chemistry. I listen to things that calm me down, like Eckhart Tolle, or use the insight timer app (yes yes, I’m sure you rolled your eyes, but I was against meditation apps until I tried this one) if I’m really in a tizzy. Writing in my journal is a good place to organize my brain. Praying is a daily part of my life. Talking to my mom on the phone is a huge one for me. And the last one, which isn’t only my happy place but also a guilty pleasure, is digging through clothes at the goodwill bins. I liken it to fishing. If I’m having a hard day I know that will take my mind off of things.

Mantra of the moment?
“Keep the car running.” I’ve been hearing that phrase, probably subconsciously from that Arcade Fire song, and I feel like it’s a metaphorical way of reminding myself to just keep creating even if I don’t have an end goal or even a target to aim my projects toward. I get easily discouraged when I can only see 10 ft in front of me (in life that is), so my mind has somehow chosen that phrase as a reminder.

Favorite quote?
“Ain’t it funny how an old broken bottle, looks just like a diamond ring.” -John Prine

What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Take the best, fuck the rest.” A friend of mine always says that. It sounds harsh but it’s really just a way of looking at the glass half full, and reminding yourself not to dwell on others' perceptions of you.

How do you make yourself sleep when you can’t seem to get to sleep?
I’ve taken things to sleep in the past, mostly all-natural like CBD or melatonin. But when my mind is racing I try to get into a dreamlike state, the way I would as a child the day before the first day of school or Disneyland. I let my mind wander to positive places, though I have to keep redirecting it when it goes off course. Breathing exercises help as well.

What habit do you have now that you wish you started much earlier?
Taking vitamin C. Dog watching. Going commando.

What are things that bring you joy in the world?
Toddlers. Lattes. Coincidences. Antiques. Good songs. Playing shows. True crime docs. Vitamins. My boyfriend's chest hair. History. Glitter. Roller skating. Anthroposophy. Sleep. Los Angeles. Old pickup trucks. Camaraderie.

Is love all we need?
I think love is most of what we need. But I do know that salty people have the best advice for a reason. It’s our pain that elevates us (or stunts us depending on what we do with it). I’m not saying hardships are a good thing, but I do think they’re the closest thing to spiritual push-ups.

At karaoke what song do you pick?
If It Makes You Happy by Sheryl Crow. Or Complicated by Avril Lavigne.

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email: michaelbeckphoto@gmail.com

phone: 949-491-2074

What would you like for your next birthday?⁠
@allisonbroberts :⁠
I pretty much want the same thing for my birthday every year… A warm destination with a fun little wave & dreamy beaches! I’m pretty consistent in this category! Hahaha
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#womenwhosurf #skaka #surfgirl #californiasurf #ladieswhoshred #aloha #surf #surfing #lovesurfing #surfeveryday #dogood #surfsurfsurf #ilovesurfing #welovesurfing ⁠
What life skills are rarely taught but extremely useful?⁠
⁠@allisonbroberts :⁠
I think communication and expression are one of those life skills that could use more focus in the youth of our culture. We’re taught to think and live in a box, in
How do you keep yourself psychologically healthy?⁠
@allisonbroberts :⁠
I wish I could say I have this mastered… There’s times when my self-care game is on point & I feel really centered, and other times when I get swept up in the gri
What are things that bring you joy in the world?⁠
@allisonbroberts :⁠
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The things that bring me joy are really so simple… It’s warm morning air & birds singing in my backyard… sipping morning coffee… hearing my daughte
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#womenwhosurf #skaka #surfgirl #californiasurf #ladieswhoshred #aloha #surf #surfing #lovesurfing #surfeveryday #dogood #surfsurfsurf #ilovesurfing #welovesurfing ⁠
When do you know if it is the right time to change things up and why?⁠
@allisonbroberts :⁠
I think our intuition deserves heaps of credit for this one.  It really holds the key! I think if you listen to your gut…when it’s telling somethi
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#womenwhosurf #skaka #surfgirl #californiasurf #ladieswhoshred #aloha #surf #surfing #lovesurfing #surfeveryday #dogood #surfsurfsurf #ilovesurfing #welovesurfing ⁠
What does the perfect day look like?⁠
@allisonbroberts :⁠
Mmmm… A perfect day is waking up feeling healthy! It’s lighting a little incense while the coffee is brewing. It’s opening all the doors to let in some warm fresh air &
@allisonbroberts ⁠
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#womenwhosurf #skaka #surfgirl #californiasurf #ladieswhoshred #aloha #surf #surfing #lovesurfing #surfeveryday #dogood #surfsurfsurf #ilovesurfing #welovesurfing ⁠