Androgynous Boudoir
androgynous
adjective
an·drog·y·nous
Definition of androgynous
1: having the characteristics or nature of both male and female
2a: neither specifically feminine nor masculine
b: suitable to or for either sex
3: having traditional male and female roles obscured or reversed
As a woman, I have been given a specific form to idealise and aspire to. Although they alter over time, they are ideals I have never completely matched and dare say never will. To be flat and sharp in places, but soft and curved in others – I have often felt mismatched and disproportionate.
In my late twenties, I found myself in a place of exploration. What would I look like with short hair? What would happen if I didn’t shave? What if I wore clothes which were not sold in my gender’s part of a store? What if I accessorised with items that were for both ends of the gender spectrum at the same time? What if I could play dress-ups whenever I wanted?
In my exploration, I found androgyny. A space of curiosity, comfort and at times, protection. I found an aesthetic to play with - one which confused, challenged, aroused and inspired people. An aesthetic that aligned with my authentic self and encouraged the display of both my flat and curved places. I have come to lovingly describe myself as a “handsome woman”.
Having the honour of being a brand ambassador for Marina in 2019 meant I was offered the extraordinary gift of not one but two boudoir photography sessions. The first felt like a warm welcome, an introduction into my sensual self. A time and place for acknowledging and expressing aspects of myself not frequently explored. There in photographs, my beautiful femininity was captured.
When the time came to choose a concept for our second session, I found myself curious about what sensuality may look like when gender identity is not so clear or obvious. How may sensuality be displayed across the gender spectrum? I tried to google “androgynous boudoir photography” and found almost nothing that resonated with the words or the idea in my head. I suggested the idea the best I could to Marina, who was considering the exact same concept. I am certain it was fate that we undertook this session together.
The day came for the boudoir photo shoot, I was in the company of an incredible photographer and now friend. Marina offers everyone she meets this amazing kindness, she is accepting and holds a safe space with gentle ease. Between the clicks of her camera, Marina and I shared our experiences in life as women who don’t always fit the perceptions of femininity, we laughed and danced. There were a quiet refection and a loud celebration. I think in those hours we both received confirmation and acceptance of who we are and how we present ourselves to the world. For which, I am incredibly grateful.
I’ve come to the notion that sensuality is part of humanity, and Marina’s approach to boudoir photography captures that.
