The Texas women who carry their guns EVERYWHERE - and who all insist they'll pull the trigger in self defense
- Women, all of whom are from Texas, were captured by photographer Shelly Calton, 55, for her series, Concealed
- Most of them carry handguns, rifles and shotguns around with them for protection, while others collect firearms
- Ms Calton, who was taught how to shoot by her father as child, said subjects come 'from diverse backgrounds'
- Photos see women carry guns while embracing children, relaxing in homes, parking cars and going for walks
- Texas law allows public display of long guns, like rifles and shotguns; does not permit 'open carry' of handguns
From embracing their children in the comfort of their homes to parking their cars in lots, these women are pictured going about their daily lives.
But these everyday scenes have one striking thing in common - the female subjects are all carrying guns. And they are all willing to pull the trigger.
Most of the women, all of whom are from Texas, carry lethal weapons - including handguns, rifles and shotguns - around with them for protection.
Others, meanwhile, collect firearms like they might Wedgwood china, a music icon's merchandise or designer shoes.
Armed and ready: This image, captured by photographer Shelly Calton, 55, shows a woman named Megan posing with a handgun in Texas
Glamorous: Meanwhile, in this photo, a woman called Donna is pictured holding a firearm while standing beside her car in a parking lot
At home: The women were photographed by Ms Calton for her series, Concealed, which explores the lives of Texas women who carry guns
Lethal accessories: Most of the women, all of whom are from Texas, carry an array of weapons - including handguns, rifles and shotguns - around with them for protection. Above, a woman named Carrie is pictured carrying two firearms on her body while posing in a shop
Everyday scene with a deadly difference: Ms Calton, who was taught how to shoot as a child, said growing up in Houston was synonymous with an induction into the state's gun culture. Above, a woman named Amy relaxes with her dog on her bed, just inches away from a handgun
Moms with guns: Jennifer holds a gun as she embraces her young son in her kitchen (left), while Milliana clutches a firearm on her bed (right)
The women were photographed by Shelly Calton for her series, Concealed, which explores the lives of Texas women who have taken to carrying guns.
Ms Calton, who was taught how to shoot as a child, said growing up in Houston was synonymous with an induction into the state's gun culture.
'I like to photograph where I live. The majorities are from Houston and surrounding towns,' the 55-year-old said of her subjects. 'They come from diverse backgrounds, each with their own individual story and personal motivations.'Share
She said the armed women are often unassuming and unexpected: young mothers with their babies at supermarket checkout counters, grandmothers walking their dogs, or women pulling up outside shopping centers. 'My photographs showcase the diversity of this population,' she said.
She added: 'However, I found a commonality in their response to the question, "are you prepared to pull the trigger to protect yourself or your loved ones?" The answer from the women in this collection of portraits is a resounding "yes".'
Striking a pose: 'I like to photograph where I live. The majorities are from Houston and surrounding towns,' Ms Calton, 55, said of her subjects. 'They come from diverse backgrounds, each with their own individual story and personal motivations.' Above, Vianne poses with a gun
Unassuming: Ms Calton said the armed women are often unassuming and unexpected: young mothers with their babies at supermarket checkout counters or grandmothers walking their dogs. 'My photographs showcase the diversity of this population,' said the photographer
Willing to shoot: She added: 'However, I found a commonality in their response to the question, "are you prepared to pull the trigger to protect yourself or your loved ones?" The answer from the women in this collection of portraits is a resounding "yes".' Above, Mary Lou
In her bedroom: Ms Calton, who met her subjects through a network of friends, said that while it is a known fact that women own guns, they often do not openly discuss it openly. She said that her own experience with guns made the women feel comfortable to discuss their guns
Young women: Katie sits on a rocking chair while holding a gun in her right hand (left), while Lisa strikes a pose next to a leafy bush (right)
Ms Calton, who met her subjects through a network of friends, said that while it is a known fact that women own guns, they often do not openly discuss it openly. She said that her own experience with guns made the women feel comfortable to discuss the reasons they own firearms.
'A large percentage of the women that I photographed for "Concealed" have a license to carry concealed on their body,' she said. 'Some keep them in their homes locked in a safe or in their bedside table.
'Texas law allows a person to carry a gun concealed in your car without a license, many people do this for protection while traveling.'
Under Texas law, residents can publicly display long guns, such as rifles and shotguns. However, they cannot 'open carry' handguns. These guns must be kept within the owner's home or concealed in their vehicle, unless the owner is engaging in a sporting activity 'where the activity is conducted'.
Safety: 'A large percentage of the women that I photographed for Concealed have a license to carry concealed on their body,' said Ms Calton. 'Some keep them in their homes locked in a safe or in their bedside table.' Above, Casey keeps a gun under her mattress for protection
'Texas law allows a person to carry concealed in your car without a license, many people do this for protection while traveling,' she added
Aim and shoot: Ms Calton many women in Texas own rifles and shotguns for sport, while handguns are most purchased for protection
Ms Calton said that many people in the state own rifles and shotguns for sport, while handguns are mostly purchased for protection.
'Some receive guns passed on through their families. Others choose to own handguns due to their personal experiences, perhaps they have been threatened or attacked,' she said. 'A few of them because their loved ones want them to be able to defend themselves if needed.'
The photographer explained that as an adult, guns had become a smaller part of her life - at least, until she was inspired to create the photo series.
Photoshoot: 'Some receive guns passed on through their families. Others choose to own handguns due to their personal experiences, perhaps they have been threatened or attacked,' she said. 'A few of them because loved ones want them to be able to defend themselves if needed'
Nighttime: The photographer explained that as an adult, guns had become a smaller part of her life - at least, until she was inspired to create the photo series. Above, a woman called Pamela poses with a gun under a spotlight as she stands outside a warehouse in Texas
'Recently, the option of carrying a gun for protection began to present itself, showing up through the women I photographed for my book Hard Knocks, Tex Offender's Pistols and again in the body of work I called Nécessaire, Colt 44,' said Ms Calton, who learned to shoot as a child
'Recently, the option of carrying a gun for protection began to present itself, showing up through the women I photographed for my book Hard Knocks, Tex Offender's Pistols and again in the body of work I called Nécessaire, Colt 44,' she said.
'A friend's startling experience in a hair salon of a woman's handgun accidentally going off and the bullet ricocheting around the salon was a catalyst for my renewed interest in firearms in today's culture and specifically in women who carry concealed handguns.'
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