I felt powerful

My story. I am 25 and in a career, I didn't dream of. I studied Criminology and thought I'd be out solving crimes. Instead, I gained a passion for helping those affected by domestic violence and that is where I ended up. I met incredible people in my work (and outside) who fast-tracked my self-love journey by accepting me as I was instead of trying to change me. I came to understand femininity and feminism more holistically and through a more empowering and 'unique-to-the-individual' type lens. Previously, I had had friends who weren't as accepting of people 'other' to them or didn't see much more than inside themselves and their friendship group. I grew into myself and became more confident with my body, my morals and my choices. I have a partner who loved me, even when my body got larger and a family who only cared if I was happy and healthy. I am very lucky to have had so many positive influences. Not all days are good days, but I am content with having more good days than bad.

I wanted to do a boudoir as something for myself. To have a memory of this self-love, to celebrate it. Though I wasn't hugely interested in what may be considered a 'traditional' boudoir shoot, I was interested in the self-love and confidence that seemed to emanate from such an experience.

Marina suggest Mt Coolum to me- I would have gone anywhere that was in nature! So long as it was outdoors, I was in. And what a beautiful location it was! We live in a stunning part of the world and it would feel like a missed opportunity to me if it wasn't embraced.

Preparing for the session was sometimes overwhelming. I did put a bit of pressure on myself to make sure everything would be perfect. But getting closer to the day, I remembered that if I forgot to moisturise one day, or I ate carbs the morning of, that was still me. I am the body and personality, which I love and none of those things would make a difference. Once I realised that I was very excited! I listened to my favourite podcasts and music on the drive there which for me, is always time well spent.

For me, being half naked was a bit anxiety-provoking. Marina made me feel very comfortable and never made me feel that it was anything but my choice. My main concern on the day was not exposing myself to others who may have been around! I am a bit more reserved when it comes to nudity and intimate photography, however, I am pleased I gave it a go! Marina makes it easy to feel safe and supported.

After the session I was feeling very uplifted- I had done something I may never have considered in the past. I always looked at people's images after a boudoir shoot and wished I could do that- and now I had! It was very self-affirming and the nature and environment were also calming and beautiful. I felt inner warmth and happiness.

I loved my images! Though, as habit does, there were a few I saw and instantly did not like. For the majority though, I loved them and didn't see the usual flaws I would nitpick at. I felt powerful looking at them- that I had the control to take on that I didn't like an image, but not internalise it. There were some images I was instantly drawn to, that I loved so much! I wanted to share them all and show people the power of self-acceptance!

I do believe I would do it again. It was a great way to celebrate myself, my personality, my body, my flaws and my strengths. What's not to enjoy about that?

I would recommend a boudoir shoot to others. No matter where you are on your self-love journey, there is great power in being yourself and memorialising yourself. Whether you keep your images private or share them with others, it is important to take time to commemorate the person you are- inside and out.

My hot tip- just be you! Don't change anything about your or your routine for the shoot- it may not be as liberating if you know you changed something about you just for the benefit of the camera. Be confident in what you want from your shoot- if something isn't your style, then speak up. It is your shoot- make it reflect you.