Formerly known as The Queens Program, this experience has been thoughtfully reimagined.
The Muse Program shifts the focus from just being photographed to truly belonging. It’s about shared experiences, showing up for one another, creating memories, and building a community where women feel seen, supported, and celebrated beyond the camera.
The Muse Program
the skirt project
the team
This program is scheduled to run from
October 2025 through September 2026.
DIFFERENT?
WHAT MAKES THIS EXPERIENCE
Community First.
Photos Included.
You’ll have the opportunity to grow friendships, share encouragement,
participate in powerful photography experiences, tell your story,
and facilitate meaningful conversations throughout the experience.
What's included:
Monthly Gatherings
In-person and virtual experiences that get you out of the group chat and into real connection, laughter, and encouragement.
1.
Experience-Driven Moments
Thoughtfully planned meetups, outings, and creative experiences designed to feel fun, relaxed, and meaningful.
2.
Your Skirt, Your Story
Each Muse begins with a photographed moment wearing a skirt named in her honor. Additional photo opportunities happen naturally throughout gatherings and experiences.
3.
This six-month experience is intentionally limited to eight women who are ready to step into The Skirt Project’s mission, community, and shared experiences.
Community Space & Perks
A private group chat for connection and encouragement, plus Muse-only perks like priority access, special pricing, and surprise extras.
4.
The Queens of the Skirt Project are going to receive unique experiences to celebrate and appreciate themselves, encourage one another, receive beautiful artwork showcasing their personal story, and make new connections to last a lifetime.
Whether you've been with us since the beginning or recently discovered us, prepare to be amazed by what we can accomplish when we stand together!
I have a brand new opportunity for you!
I am inviting a select group of women to stand up to encourage, inspire, and lead our community
for eight months.
One group photo session featuring the Queens of the Skirt Project (valued at over $500)
A Self-Care Event with Wild & Free Holistic Spa (National Treat Yo' Self Day - 10.13.2023)
"Enjoy a relaxing experience with the goal of becoming more aware of oneself" (valued at over $100)
A unique portrait session of your choosing – highlighting your individual story (valued at over $700)
eight month program, you’ll receive:
Wait, there's more!
What you’ll
receive
Over the course of the
eight month program, you’ll receive...
receive!
what you'll
Wait, there's more!
One group photo session featuring
the Queens of the Skirt Project
(valued at over $500)
A Self-Care Event with
Wild & Free Holistic Spa (National
Treat Yo' Self Day - 10.13.2023) "Enjoy a relaxing experience with the goal of
becoming more aware of oneself"
(valued at over $100)
A unique portrait session
of your choosing – highlighting
your individual story
(valued at over $700)
Throughout the program,
we’ll have community zoom chats, social events, and online activities to continue to encourage one another.
When the program concludes,
you’ll receive an ALBUM featuring prints from your journey as a Skirt Project Queen as a token of my appreciation.
You will receive a one-of-a-kind illustration by Little Miss Pinkerbell (valued at over $50)- which involves another very special surprise - *wink, wink!
Throughout the program,
we’ll have monthly community
zoom chats, social events, and
continue to encourage one another.
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(total program valued at over $1,500)
You will receive a one-of-a-kind illustration by Little Miss Pinkerbell (valued at over $50) -
which involves another very special surprise.
previous |
next
(total program valued at over $1,500)
previous |
next
When the program concludes,
you’ll receive an ALBUM featuring
prints from your journey as a
Skirt Project Queen as a token
of my appreciation.
(total program valued at over $1,500)
(total program valued at over $1,500)
process
the
First, you’ll fill out an application by September 17th. I’ll review every single one, talk with The Skirt Project Associate Team, and schedule interviews with candidates that are a good fit. There’s no fee to apply!
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During our interview, we’ll talk about what the program commitment entails, what inspired you to apply, and a little more about your personal story.
The QUEENS of the Skirt Project will be sharing select details from their stories throughout the process. We’ll talk about what you’re comfortable with, and how your narrative may impact others!
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next
interview
the
commitment
the
After the interview, we will narrow down finalists and invite them to participate. We’ll send a contract outlining the commitment, benefits, and process. At this point, if you decide to sign the contract and join the Queens of the Skirt Project, there will be fee of $600 - paid monthly at only $75/month. This is to cover some event supplies, print materials, welcome packets, food and social events, etc. All photography services provided during the program are provided by Amanda Shrader Photography for free in exchange for the Queens stepping up to encourage the community. Amanda Shrader Photography does not profit from this program, and the expenses far outweigh the fee collected.
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next
Next, we’ll kick off our eight month program! I’ll bring you all together for a meet and greet. We’ll talk about what to expect, community guidelines, and start to plan some times for our events and sessions.
Here’s where the fun begins!
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next
begin
let's
community
the
From October to May, with the exception of our holiday break, you’ll be responsible for meeting the community engagement requirements outlined above and in your contract. While that seems serious, it is designed to be fun, uplifting, and enriching!
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QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED
the
process
First, you’ll fill out an application by September 17th. I’ll review every single one, talk with The Skirt Project Associate Team, and schedule interviews with candidates that are a good fit. There’s no fee to apply!
1.
During our interview, we’ll talk about what the program commitment entails, what inspired you to apply, and a little more about your personal story.
The QUEENS of the Skirt Project will be sharing select details from their stories throughout the process. We’ll talk about what you’re comfortable with, and how your narrative may impact others!
2.
First, you’ll fill out an application.
I’ll review every single one, talk with a committee of long time Skirt Project supporters and advisors, and schedule interviews with candidates that are a good fit. There’s no fee to apply!
1.
During our interview, we’ll talk about what the program commitment entails, what inspired you to apply, and a little more about your personal story.
The Queens of the Skirt Project will be sharing select details from their stories throughout the process. We’ll talk about what you’re comfortable with, and how your narrative may impact others!
PROCESS
THE
2.
After the interview, we will narrow down finalists and invite them to participate. We’ll send a contract outlining the commitment, benefits, and process. At this point, if you decide to sign the contract and join the Queens of the Skirt Project, there will be a small fee of $200. This is to cover some event supplies, print materials, welcome packets, food and social events, etc. All services provided during the program are provided by Amanda Shrader Photography for free in exchange for the Queens stepping up to encourage the community. If you are a great fit for the program but cannot afford the $200 program fee, please reach out to discuss.
I never want money to be the only barrier to joining the program!
Next, we’ll kick off our four month program! I’ll bring you all together for a meet and greet.
We’ll talk about what to expect, community guidelines, and start to plan some times for
our events and sessions.
Here’s where the fun begins!
After the interview, we will narrow down finalists and invite them to participate. We’ll send a contract outlining the commitment, benefits, and process. At this point, if you decide to sign the contract and join the Queens of the Skirt Project, there will be fee of $600 - paid monthly at only $75/month. This is to cover some event supplies, print materials, welcome packets, food and social events, etc. All photography services provided during the program are provided by Amanda Shrader Photography for free in exchange for the Queens stepping up to encourage the community. Amanda Shrader Photography does not profit from this program, and the expenses far outweigh the fee collected.
3.
Next, we’ll kick off our eight month program! I’ll bring you all together for a meet and greet. We’ll talk about what to expect, community guidelines, and start to plan some times for our events and sessions.
Here’s where the fun begins!
4.
3.
4.
From October to May, with the exception of our holiday break, you’ll be responsible for meeting the community engagement requirements outlined above and in your contract. While that seems serious, it is designed to be fun, uplifting, and enriching!
5.
i'm ready to apply!
ready to get
started?
STARTED?
READY TO GET
I'm ready to apply!
frequently asked
questions
Do I have to be local to Staunton/Augusta County?
Nope! It’s up to you to determine whether or not you can participate if you aren’t local. All photography experiences will be in person, likely within Augusta County or nearby. If you don’t believe you can commit to commuting to these, the program may not be a good fit for you. But otherwise, you’re welcome to apply if you’re out of town!
Do I need to be an extrovert/leader/loud personality?
NOT AT ALL! Our community embraces individuals of all backgrounds - diverse personalities, communication styles, and sizes. If you're open to being interviewed, photographed, sharing your story, and inspiring others, you fulfill the requirements!
Do I have to be on social media?
Due to the nature of the project, a Facebook and/or Instagram presence is necessary. The Skirt Project Community has grown largely on Facebook, and that is the community we are continuing to nourish through the program.
Do I have to wear a skirt?
Well friend, it’s the SKIRT project for a reason! Do you need to be a super girly, feminine woman who loves twirling in tulle? No. The skirt session experiences are more than putting on a skirt and spinning around. The skirt is a metaphor for embracing self love, your individuality, and your journey as a woman. We’re going to get personal during your skirt session. Which means, each one may look a little different. The nuances in mood, tone, setting, styling, and posing make all the difference. We can tailor this to
your personality.
Do I have to pay anything?
You do not have to pay to apply, interview, or be selected. If you are selected and are joining the program (valued at over $1,500), there is a $600 administrative fee (monthly payments of ONLY $75) that will cover food for events, some print costs, materials for themed shoots, and more consumables. Amanda Shrader Photography does not profit from this program, and the expenses far outweigh the fee collected.
Can I apply if I’ve already
had a skirt session?
YES!! I’d love to have you back in front of my camera! This is a unique opportunity. Your skirt session was likely VERY different from this experience. You can absolutely apply!
What happens if I’m selected but can’t participate anymore?
If the program has not begun yet when you realize this, please just let me know and I will select someone else from the finalists. If we have already begun, we will refer to your contract. If there have been services rendered or products given to you that you are no longer “paying” for with your volunteer time and support, then you may owe the cost of the products and services already provided.
Can I buy the experience
for myself?
There are several skirt session experiences that you can invest in for yourself outside of the group program. The group experiences cannot be replicated outside of the program and are a huge reason to apply! But, you can purchase a standalone skirt session experience for yourself or others any time throughout the year.
Do I have to be an existing
group member to apply?
No! If you aren’t already a member of the Facebook community, we’d love for you to join us there now. The community is for all women! But, this application is open to everyone. You don’t have to have previously been engaged with the Skirt Project to apply.
What dates are
the sessions & Events?
The events will be scheduled once the finalists are selected, based on the best possible times for the majority of the group.
What is required for the Annual Skirt Project Event?
You are required to attend, help set up before/clean up after, and participate in the Annual Skirt Project Event - including sharing your story at the event!
This is tentatively slated for March 2024.
i'm ready to apply!
If it’s not right for you in this season, this won’t be the last opportunity to get involved in
The Skirt Project.
commitment?
scared of the
BUT YOU CAN...
There are many more ways to be a
part of The Skirt Project and support/encourage/empower other women!
If it’s not right for you in this season, this won’t be the last opportunity
to get involved in The Skirt Project.
There are many more ways to be a part of The Skirt Project
and support/encourage/empower other women!