# Awareness-Raising Disney Photography Shannon Dermody Photographs Reinterpreted Disney Characters By Mishal Omar | Published 2017-05-06 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shannon-dermody References: [boredpanda](http://www.boredpanda.com/disney-princesses-real-world-problems-shannon-dermody/) & [shannondermodyphotography](https://www.shannondermodyphotography.com/pagepp/) Shannon Dermody is a Philadelphia-based photographer who uses her talent to make a point about many of the social issues that exist in the world today. In the series, Shannon Dermody photographs models who are dressed up as well-known Disney princesses. Rather than capturing the models in pristine photos, the photographer instead chooses to depict the characters in a way that makes the viewer reflect on world issues. One example in the series includes an image of Belle standing in front of the Beast with scars on her body – portraying [domestic abuse](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snowflake-exhibition). Another poignant example reveals Princess Tiana shot and bleeding on the ground while a police officer checks her pulse – a powerful image depicting police brutality in America. The use of [Disney Princesses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-wedding-dresses-1) was intentional in the series, as in their traditional form they are portrayed as attractive, perfect and pristine – a characterization that sugar coats the harsh realities of life that many women must face – drug addiction, assault, mental illness and institutionalized racism. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.7/10 - Popularity: 98% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Social Issue Portrayal Photography:** There is an opportunity for photographers to create impactful images that raise awareness about social issues using reinterpreted Disney characters as their subjects. - **Criticism of Traditional Character Portrayals:** There is an opportunity for media companies to create new characters that actively combat or raise awareness for social issues instead of portraying perfection and innocence. - **Dramatic Reinterpretation of Familiar Characters:** There is an opportunity for creators to reinvent beloved characters from popular media to reflect real-world issues and promote social awareness. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Photography:** Photographers can utilize this trend and incorporate impactful socio-political themes to bring awareness and create meaningful photographs. - **Media and Entertainment:** Media companies could create new characters for their audience, heroes that actively combat or raise awareness for social issues instead of portraying perfection and innocence. - **Advertising:** Advertisers can incorporate these socio-political themes into their messaging and promote awareness towards societal issues instead of portraying products through unrealistic and perfect characters. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dairytale Bridal Tributes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-wedding-dresses-1.md) - [Whimsical Character-Inspired Statement Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aldo-x-disney.md) - [Anti-Gender Violence Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antigender-violence-campaign.md) - [Body-Positive Disney Shorts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reflect.md) - [Inclusivity-Focused Media Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reimagine-tomorrow.md) - [Enchanting Classic-Animation-Inspired Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/girls-crew.md) - [Fairytale-Inspired Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-enchanting-collection.md) - [Mock Social Good Fashion Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/not-models-own.md) - [Soft-Colored Disney Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cinderella-capsule.md)