Texas and guns go hand-in-hand. As a young girl I was taught about guns and learned to shoot. My father kept a pistol in his nightstand and rifles for hunting. Until recently I have maintained an apprehensive distance from guns except for through the lens of my camera. Firearms have interestingly integrated into my work, i.e. Hard Knocks, “Tex Offender’s Pistols” and Necessaire, “Colt 44.” In Licensed to Carry, I decided to explore the private lives of women who arm themselves.

Several recent stories of women and guns have caught my attention. One incident occurred in a beauty salon, when a woman patron dropped her purse accidentally setting off her handgun. The bullet ricocheted around the salon narrowly missing several stylists and customers. Women who carry guns are unassuming; it may be the mother in the line next to you at the grocery checkout counter, the grandmother that is out walking her dog, or the woman parking next to you at the shopping mall. This is not an exclusive club and is open to anyone, except a convicted felon.

While owning and/or carrying a gun is not always kept a secret, it is seldom boasted or talked about. I have discovered most of the women that I have photographed through word of mouth and they have all agreed to reveal themselves and their guns. In order to be licensed to carry my subjects have been tested, fingerprinted, and schooled to use a firearm effectively. To better understand this process I have also become a member of the growing trend of women gun owners.

These women are licensed concealed handgun carriers and are empowered with a peace of mind that if needed they can protect themselves.