Natural, playful and sensual

What is your story?

2020/21 were and are challenging years. I already knew Marina's work via a friend and then I thought that I really want to do something just for myself, to cherish & celebrate my body. Why did I want to do a boudoir shoot? I'm a busy working mum of two young children and when I was younger I was never happy with my body. I was counting calories exercising a lot, but never content. It was only after having kids that I realised how amazing my body is: it created two perfect, tiny humans. I want to leave some pictures behind for my daughter and show her Marina's work, not only of myself but also of all the other beautiful women she's taken pictures of. I hope she's growing up loving her body whatever way it turns out.

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

I chose a boudoir shoot in nature with water as I wanted to combine the power of a woman's body with the power of nature. I especially find pictures with water involved so powerful and raw. Marina suggested a creek close to Caboolture and it was a magical location. It was the coldest day of the year and I ended up lying in the ice-cold creek, screaming. However, afterwards, I felt fresh, empowered and very proud of myself.

How did you feel preparing for the boudoir session?

Preparing was a way to look after myself which I don't always get the time for being a full-time working mum of two. But it felt good nourishing me in and outside, I drank plenty of water and moisturized a lot as Marina had suggested. It was a good way to care for myself. I did not have a lot of time to prepare mentally, but as soon as I stepped into the car to meet Marina, I felt very calm and looking forward to a mini-escape from my everyday craziness.

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

I did not mind at all. I grew up all life going to mixed-sex saunas naked in Germany which is not a big deal over there. I also learned from an early age that we're born naked and it's the most natural thing in the world. Also, Marina really made me feel comfortable. She's such a warm, calm person and made me feel like a queen of the creek. How did you feel after the session? After the session, I felt that I had re-discovered my sensual side which was buried away while caring for young children. I felt proud that I had done this for myself and I did celebrate my body that day.

What have you thought when you saw your boudoir images for the first time?

I was very excited when I went for my viewing. I am very confident in Marina's work and loved every single picture of hers I had previously seen. So I prepared to look at my pictures like they were not mine and to focus on the whole picture and not little details about myself. I was just amazed at how natural, playful and sensual they turned out.

Would you do it again?

Absolutely! It was such a deep and wonderful experience to celebrate my body. I am now 38 years old, had two kids and am still sensual and not only a mother. I'm thinking to do it again, maybe every 10 years to celebrate every decade, my age and to be proud of it.

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

Yes, just do it. Many people like myself are always waiting for the right moment, the right weight or level of fitness. The moment is now! We've been so conditioned to aim for unachievable goals for our bodies and at the end of the day, it's not our weight that makes us happy. My weight bounced in a range of 20 kilos up and down and I just started being happy when I stopped focussing on it.

Do you have a tip for men or women who are planning to do a boudoir shoot?

If you have decided to do a boudoir shoot, I'd suggest you fully embrace the whole experience and let Marina guide you through this, knowing she'll take good care of you and let her bring your natural, beautiful self to its full bloom.