Cancer survivor

What is your story?

My story – I have always been an outgoing, active, loud person but something I never thought I would add to that list is – cancer survivor. When I was 20 I was diagnosed with lymphoma and needed immediate chemotherapy. Chemotherapy stripped me of everything I thought to be “womanly”, my boobs shrank, I lost curves, my complexion turned grey and all of my body hair, eyelashes, brows and hair on my head fell out. I recovered quickly and well but some of my pre-chemo body never returned, my boobs have always been smaller and my eyelashes are thinner than they were. However, I could. Not. Care. Less. I survived. I won.

Why did you want to do a boudoir shoot?

I wanted to experience a perception of my body that I hadn’t for a long time. Powerful, exposed, strong and still vulnerable. I needed to see that as for so long I wanted to ignore the past and keep moving forward but this made me want to stare it in the face and say “hey fucker (cancer), nice try but you lost. I’m still me and that’s never going anywhere”.

What was the location of your boudoir shoot and why did you choose it?

I chose the Fantauzzo hotel in Brisbane CBD. I wanted to feel right in the middle of the city connected to the hustle and bustle BUT still get naked and really into the shoot feeling like a Bond girl, Femme Fatale.

How did you feel preparing for the session?

I felt calm, in control and powerful. I loved the creative freedom Marina both gives but also the direction she takes the shoot.

What was it like to be naked/ half-naked in front of the camera?

It was honestly like a comfortable walk in the park. I’d seen Marina’s images and wanted to be open to all of those experiences. Also, it was important for me to show my skin, all of it! As my cancer was predominantly showing in my skin so it was a nice way to tie it up in my mind as an experience, being that you can change my skin but you can’t change how I love it and feel about it being my own.

How did you feel after the session? What have you thought when you saw your images for the first time?

I felt so excited and invigorated after the session. I needed a few days for it to sink in. My support network is also so open and malleable to changes of opinions so I found I wasn’t ever in a position where I needed to defend my need to be open and exposed. I loved every image they are a work of art!

Would you do it again?

YES! I would definitely do it again. I would definitely say yes to an invigorating, raw, open and vulnerable experience that leaves you more empowered than when you started.

Would you recommend a boudoir shoot to other women/men and why?

100% x 10. Because you need to shed your perception of yourself and step into a new understanding of yourself. Because discomfort and hurt are a part of the human experience but so is joy, acceptance and understanding. You’re the only one who has to walk your walk of life, so make it confident, full of belief and with lots of boobies/butts where you can.

Do you have any tips for women/men who are planning to do a boudoir shoot?

Be REAL. Having a weird day? Work with it. Having a great day? Work with it. This is not a reflection or flattening of your entire being into one neat little day. Be who you are at any given moment and then continue to love, live and run into the sunshine. I’m proud of you, so you be proud too.

by Casey