How Disney Is Redefining The Word ‘Princess’ And Daring Girls To Dream Big

Once upon a time, your basic, average storybook princess was the emblem of every little girl’s dreams. She wore pretty dresses. She spoke sweetly. Then she fell into Danger’s hands, and was saved by a brave prince, who made all her dreams come true.

Today, Disney is evolving the image of the princess, and inspiring girls to do more through the #DreamBigPrincess campaign, showcasing the work of 20 female photographers from around the world, who have created photos of young women and girls who inspire them to make their dreams come to fruition in their own unique way.

Four of the photographers who participated in the initiative shared with me what they’ve learned from the girls they photographed, and how they push forward to reach their own personal and creative goals. Here’s what they had to say:

Disregard Societal Limits 

Award-winning American photojournalist Paula Bronstein photographed 23-year old Zakia Mohammadhi , the leader of her own local women’s cycling team in Afghanistan, who was inspired to teach other younger women in her village to cycle when she saw them without public transportation to get to school.

“I was so impressed by the passion and determination and pure stamina that Zakia and her team have to reach their goals in the sporting world as Afghan women,” says Bronstein. “Zakia doesn’t let anything get in her way to follow her dreams. We can all learn from that.”

When asked what drives her to tell stories about women across the globe, Bronstein said she’s always “a fan of telling stories about individuals that challenge or redefine the status quo.”

“Whether it’s characters like Princess Merida, who went against all the norms to venture out on her own or real-life heroes like Zakia, who don’t let society define or limit them, there is something special about showcasing stories that prove that anything is possible ,” she says.

Lead with Optimism and Consistency  

Chinese photographer Lulu Liao captured this stunning shot of Rong Jing, a member of China’s wheelchair fencing team.

“Despite her physical imperfection, Rong didn’t give up her dream, and she never missed a single training in 12 years,” shares Liao. “Her optimism, hard work, perseverance, and efforts have won her several world championships.”

In 2015, Rong won two gold medals at the United Arab Emirates World Cup wheelchair fencing competition. The following year, she represented China in the Rio Paralympics, serving as the country’s flag bearer in the Opening Ceremony. In Rio, in the Paralympic Women’s Foil A-level individual tournament finals, Rong Jing triumphed over China Hong Kong players Yu Cui-yi by a score of 15 to 8.

“China is a country with a huge population, and women compose a big part of it,” says Lio. “As a female photographer myself, I put a lot of attention to the problems and solutions for women in life. I hope the voice of this group is heard and many of the issues can be addressed. “

Look How Far You’ve Come, And Have Gratitude

Cristina Mittermeir, photographed Ta’Kaiya Blaney, the youngest person to ever speak at the United Nations. At 15, Ta’Kaiya, a student at First Nation on Vancouver Island, in BC, Canada has performed and spoken at grass-roots, indigenous events across the globe.

“As a photographer, a writer, a mother of three, and a marine biologist I believe that dreaming big is the only way to dream,” says Mittermeir. “I’m inspired to share stories from girls that have an innate calling to decide for themselves who they want to be.”

She adds that the biggest lesson she’s learned from the women and girls she photographs is gratitude.

“I am so grateful to have been born in a place where I could aspire to an education, safety, happiness; to make my own choices and to be able to dream as big as I dared,” she shares. “I am also grateful to be strong enough to accept the enormous responsibility that comes from having had these privileges; to make sure that girls with lesser opportunities also have a chance to dream as big as they can.”

Remember to Play 

Luisa Dorr of Brazil photographed 11-year-old surfer Sol Silva.

“I was so impressed by Sol, who dream about becoming the first female world-champion surfer from Brazil,” says Dorr. “Throughout our time together as part of the Disney #DreamBigPrincess campaign, Sol radiated determination and dedication to her sport and her strength and sense of self-awareness were inspiring.”

When asked what she does to achieve her own aspirations, Bronstein said: “Whenever I want to reach something, I try to see it not as a dream but as a challenge. To me, the best way to fulfill dreams is to see them as fun games that you play in life.”

The #DreamBigPrincess campaign kicked off August 15, and is running until October 11 to raise funds for The United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up Campaign, which promotes leadership in girls. 

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