Becoming a Goddess

Jenn is one of the brave women who has applied for my “Lady Godiva” project. I am half way through the project and I have learned so much about horses and humans. This project has attracted incredible women who I had the honour meeting and photographing and most of all sharing their stories.

Here is Jenn’s ‘Lady Godiva’ moment:

“A couple of months ago, I would never have thought I would do something as brave as this.

My past includes many different forms of abuse in different types of relationships, I was insecure about my body, shy and unsure at times, had self-doubt, would look at my body and be quite negative in what I saw, I would also analyse my outfits in how others would judge me and my body in them.

I caught a glimpse at a post a friend shared from Marina requesting a model call out with horses for her Lady Godiva project. At the time I thought why not (2020 has been a year of acknowledging the fear I feel and stepping into it anyway) because I wouldn't be good enough to be picked to do it anyway.

But I got a call a couple of days later and after talking with Marina about how the shoot would go, her expectations of what she is looking for her project, I was so excited to give it a go, even just semi-naked.

Leading up to the shoot, I was so excited to be able to explore the feeling of being a model, to create pieces of art in the forest with my treasured ponies, I hadn't thought that it was something I would experience in my lifetime. I enjoyed sourcing a theme that showed me as an individual and my uniqueness that I offer to the world. That was a healing session on its own, to go deep and ask myself who am I.

As soon as Marina started taking photos, I found my confidence grow with each shot. Her direction was clear, hearing her enthusiasm and joy was empowering and was super supportive, you knew she was helping you look your best in the lens. Clothes came away quite easily which was quite surprising for me, as I was quite insecure about my pear-shaped mismatched body.

When she asked if it was time to be fully nude, I hesitated for a brief moment of shyness and then took a breath and let the last piece fall. That moment will stay with me forever I think, there was more than just a piece of material that was removed.

To this day, I feel confident about my shape, I'm thinking more positively about my body naked and in clothes, I'm not questioning what I look like any more and I see myself in the mirror and smile.

I was so anxious going to see my photos, I wasn't sure what I was going to see or how I was going to feel about them. From the first photo on the screen, my jaw hit the ground in amazement that it was me I was looking at. I was shocked to see this strong, beautiful, empowered queen in the photos with her horses. I must have hidden her under my layers of insecurities for all these years without knowing my true self.

This is a must for every woman out there to do at least once. For those that have suffered abuse (in its many forms), those that have self-doubt, those women who do know their worth- show it as a wall print in your own home. Give to yourself, a healing session, find the goddess you are and have stunning pieces of art in your home to remind you of who you are.