next step to push my comfort zone

What is your story?

I think my story is very similar to many women, I have struggled with body image and trying to conform to this perceived ideal of perfect. I have jumped from diet to diet and at times become obsessive about exercise and counting calories in order to achieve the “ideal” body. Over time, I realised that even when I found myself feeling okay with the results I was seeing in the mirror that something was still missing, my own sense of self-worth and value, something that doesn’t rely on approval, attention or likes of others.

Why did you want to do a boudoir shoot?

I was fortunate to be connected with Marina through a friend that encouraged me to attend one of the Every Body is a Beach Body events on the Sunshine Coast and that was the beginning of this part of my self-love journey. Boudoir with Marina seemed like a great next step to push my comfort zone and confront my feelings of self-worth and body acceptance, or lack of.

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

I had originally pictured my shoot as something more heels and lace and probably in a more traditional boudoir setting of a bedroom, but once I started compiling inspiration for my mood board from Marina’s previous work it became apparent it was not at all the setting I wanted and needed deep down. In the end, Marina suggested a beautiful location at Coolum beach that had the mixture of rocks, sand and water that I was drawn to.

How did you feel preparing for the session?

I had a mixture of emotions from excited to nervous and then of course my old friend, self-doubt, joined the party a few times making me question what I had done to deserve to have this experience. As the day approached I was physically prepared with my wardrobe options and hair and makeup booked but not emotionally or mentally. I spent a fair bit of time internally trying to convince myself to be able to just relax and enjoy the shoot when the day arrived.

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

Any of the doubts and fears I had during my prep and drive to the location were eased pretty quickly as Marina chatted away to me, working her magic and making me feel comfortable and connected with her. We both knew going into the shoot that I was very undecided about any nudity and as we worked through the shoot and approached my last outfit it seemed right that I dip my toes into both the water and with baring a little more skin. As I made my last outfit change into a sheer white top, sans bra, there was no change in the mood or focus of the shoot which to me was more comfortable than if attention was drawn to my choice to be more vulnerable with the amount of my body on display.

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

After the session I felt content and empowered, I had been the focus of Marina's lens for hours, I felt worthy and proud of myself for making the decision to pursue a boudoir experience. As the days got closer to my photo viewing I was trying to not put expectations on what I would see and how I should feel when I saw myself there in black and white. I had made a promise to myself before viewing the photos that I would almost take a step back from seeing myself in the images and try to view them as I would a work of art or images of one of my friends. I was not surprised by what Marina had captured, I know she is capable of bringing the beauty out of things, I was just surprised I so willingly saw it in me.

Would you do it again?

I would definitely do it again, this process has really complimented my self-love journey and I would love to come back and do another boudoir at some stage to document myself and the changes I am going through along this journey.

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

Absolutely! Marina was able to help me create and style a shoot that met my vision but also made me feel safe to be vulnerable while doing it. I recommend it for someone wanting to see their own beauty or anyone that has already embraced it and wants to revel in it and have it captured as art.

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

Be open to the experience, don’t place expectations on yourself, Marina will find your beauty and allow you to see it. More importantly, hydrate and moisturise leading into the shoot, you will feel smooth and glowy!

by Imogene