Photography has the power to tell a story, and for Karen Kwong, it’s a tool for inspiring confidence in young girls. As the owner of Photography by MuSen, LLC, Kwong is on a mission to help girls find their voices through creative expression. One of her recent projects with our Publishers Daughters, a Taylor Swift-inspired photo shoot, was part of a national effort to celebrate individuality and empowerment.
The project, part of the “Tween Dream Program” in collaboration with Fairy Godmother Couture, featured custom-designed dresses inspired by Swift’s various musical eras. The couture dresses traveled among 24 photographers across the country, allowing young girls to participate in a one-of-a-kind photo shoot. Kwong’s session coincided with the final weekend of Swift’s record-breaking tour, adding a serendipitous layer of meaning to the project.
A Vision for Tween Empowerment
As a mother of three daughters, Kwong has witnessed firsthand the shifts in confidence that young girls experience as they transition from childhood to adolescence. Research supports her observations, showing that between ages 8 and 14, girls’ confidence levels can drop by as much as 30%.
“This is a pivotal time when girls begin defining their interests, making independent choices, and forming their identities,” Kwong says. “I want them to feel heard, supported, and empowered to express themselves.”
She notes that many young girls participate in activities chosen by their parents, such as dance or piano lessons, but the tween years often mark a turning point. “They start to say, ‘Maybe this isn’t for me,’ and I want them to know that’s okay. They should have the confidence to explore their passions.”
The Power of Photography
Initially skeptical about the impact photography could have on self-esteem, Kwong quickly became a believer after witnessing the transformations during her shoots.
“The girls radiated joy and confidence in front of the camera,” she explains. “It was a beautiful reminder that art and photography can play a role in shaping how they see themselves.”
The Taylor Swift-inspired shoot provided a unique opportunity for participants to embody strength, creativity, and individuality—traits the pop icon herself represents. Kwong’s 12 young subjects embraced the experience, many expressing how special and empowered they felt throughout the process.
Looking Ahead
Following the success of this project, Kwong plans to continue her work in confidence-building photography. Another one of her recent shoots focused on a “Wicked” and “Wizard of Oz”-themed shoot, once again merging fashion, fantasy, and self-expression.
“I want to keep creating spaces where girls can shine, explore, and most importantly, believe in themselves,” she shares.
With each click of the shutter, Kwong is doing more than taking pictures—she’s capturing the essence of confidence and empowerment, one girl at a time.
Inspired by the impact of these experiences, Kwong hopes to make this program an annual tradition, giving more girls the opportunity to step in front of the camera and embrace their inner strength year after year.
Photography by MuSen, LLC
Website: musenphotos.com
Phone & Text: (732) 993-9728
Email: Karen@MuSenPhotos.com
Address: 109 White Oak Lane, Unit 200P, Old Bridge