We built forts, made campfires, trespassed in abandoned buildings, explored highway underpasses and found swimming holes nestled between shady trees and pillowy patches of moss.

The girls performed scenes of caretaking that became actual caretaking: feeding each other, brushing each other’s hair, walking arm in arm. I intended for them to playact a state of communal bliss. As it turned out, the girls were enthralled just by being together and making pictures. They jumped and half-skipped around each other every time we... See more