A sense of triumph and achievement

‘A boudoir photoshoot is something I’ve been thinking about doing for some time as another step in my journey of self-love and self-acceptance. When I saw Marina’s International Women’s Day giveaway, I thought it could be the perfect opportunity to do something out of my comfort zone, embracing my body just the way it is.

I originally opted for a hotel room shoot in the giveaway questionnaire, figuring I was already challenging myself to do a boudoir shoot in the first place. After discussing the session with Marina, we decided to do a nature photoshoot as that resonated more with me than a hotel room. I love being in nature, it’s somewhere I feel most grounded and at peace, and I really wanted to push myself to do something that is totally out of my comfort zone.

Marina was amazing leading up to the boudoir session, providing so much encouragement and reassurance. In preparation for the photoshoot, I focused on being in a positive mindset, holding space for my body without the negative self-talk, instead of focusing on making physical changes.

As someone who has only started to wear swimmers without covering up with shorts and tops, stripping down out in the open was definitely challenging for me. I hadn’t made up my mind prior to the photoshoot as to how little I was going to wear, I just went into the boudoir session with an open mind and went with the flow of the photoshoot. Marina created a very safe and supportive environment and by the end of the boudoir session, I was amazed at how at ease I felt in such a vulnerable state.

After the photoshoot, I felt a sense of triumph and achievement, that I had successfully challenged myself and stepped out of my comfort zone. When I saw my photos for the first time I tried to mute my self-critical inner voice and viewed them as a stranger would. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face! I was thrilled with the images, it was like my inner goddess had come to life. I am so glad we did an outdoor photoshoot, the way the black and white brings out the smaller details of the environment is amazing.

I would 100% do a boudoir session again and would recommend the experience to anyone, no matter how they feel about their body, it is such an empowering experience!

To anyone thinking about a boudoir shoot I say ‘do it’! Don’t wait for the perfect time, perfect body or perfect mindset, this experience will teach you to embrace your body just the way it is.’

- Monica

Monica was one of the three winners of the International Women’s Day giveaway in 2021