A Gift of Soulful Purpose

Your vibe attracts your tribe…

Susan contacted me with an idea of collaboration and I felt instantly connected to her even through the emails. When we met for the first time it became clear to me that I really want to work with Susan. But before any collaborations and project, I wanted to photograph Susan. I wanted her to have a boudoir experience with me first.

I received Susan’s email next day after her photo shoot. It gave me goosebumps and happy tears…

“I am forty five years old. I have birthed four children. My breasts hang lower than they used to. My bum is not as tight. My belly is slack. My body wears the markings of many years of giving and nurturing my babies. But I love it more than ever before.

 Today, clothes removed, I allowed myself to be seen…deeply. I invited the celebration of all of my life’s journeys and expressed them in exquisite form. Behind the lens of the camera, I was witnessed, celebrated, appreciated and honoured.

 I met Marina twice before our photo session. I experienced her gentleness and humility as we shared our dreams and possibilities across a cappuccino. I felt her stirring enthusiasm and willingness to venture, explore and create. It was contagious.   I got to see a Woman who follows her heart and with compassion and generosity captures and shares some of life’s most painful and challenging journeys.   Marina embraces life and all it brings…. and it shows.

We met in my home and together decided what we wanted to create. Marina’s experienced eyes sought uniqueness and expression…and just the right light. She understood me and what I wanted to create. She got what I said….and most of all, what I didn’t.   I watched her transform, disappear, merge and become her work.  She stood, lay and sat behind the camera until it was no longer there. We entered a space of exploration, possibility and creative magic. Marina said to me that she leaves a little part of herself in every photo….and that is what she did. She gave her all.

 Today, I got to be me. To express my pure self, my sensuality, my desires, my longings and my realness. I moved my body, created shapes, found expression and form for my sexual self. I felt safe, supported and witnessed with confidence and wonder. For me, my session was another un-layering. A dare to go deeper.   To allow and share the fullness of myself.   To disentangle the cultural façade and reclaim the power and beauty of my true essence.

We laughed, ate and played. We created shapes and form with my body…and at other times relaxed, breathed out and allowed. We dressed up…and down. We were curious and gave things a go. We were structured and chased an image we wanted to achieve.   All of it was beauty-full. 

I haven’t seen the images yet. In some ways, they don’t really matter. The experience of being captured and celebrated is cherished enough. But I do wonder what I look like in someone else’s eyes.   What she see that I don’t.   At times in the session, I really wanted to know. But for now, I will savour what it feels like to allow myself to be seen. To share my sexual and sensual self. To celebrate me and my precious body. To be in my beauty and uniqueness.

 Marina, thank you. What you bring is a treasured gift that goes far beyond your talent and experience.   It is a gift of soulful purpose. Of deep love and honouringof our sensual sacred selves and bringing the expression of that into the world.   Thank you for your courage and willingness.   For your gentleness and strength. May many, many others know and experience your precious offerings.   Warmly Susan “