Nude in nature

What is your story?

I was born and raised in Germany, but soon after school I followed my call for adventure and travelled to New York to study acting. I got stuck in the Big Apple, where my son was born, for 6 years. I did not love living in New York, it’s a very lonely concrete jungle, always loud, always dirty, very stressful. I think that the lack of nature (Central Park ain’t Lammington NP) really affected my wellbeing, and after 6 years I succumbed and moved back to Germany. The time in my birth country was limited as an adventure soon called again. This time the plane went 16,000km east, to the big island at the end of the world: Australia.

From day 1, Australia felt like home. I love the land, the people, the sunshine, the bluest sky in the world, the wide, open spaces. I don’t think I ever planned for my life to head in a certain direction, or to end up in the land of OZ. Rather I took opportunities as they presented themselves in my quest for contentment. Which I found here. I share my days and nights with an amazing person in the most stunning place located between the beach and ancient rainforest.

My life is abundant, I am content and grateful for every experience that I’ve encountered in my 45 years on this planet as they made me who I am today. I think the best thing about getting older, and perhaps wiser, is that I have learned to take responsibility for all my actions and feelings, I don’t take anything personally, I don’t get triggered. I face all challenges with a sense of curiosity and see an opportunity for growth in any roadblock.

When Marina advertised for the Brand Ambassador Gig, I jumped on it as I love her work and love to support her – it was just another one of those opportunities that I had to go for without hesitation.

Why did you want to do a boudoir shoot?

Every few years, I love to get new professional photos of myself. Our bodies and faces tell the story of our life. I think it’s a beautiful thing to witness the changes we go through, to have a visual statement of our growth as well as a memory of the times gone by.

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

I choose to do a “Boudoir in Nature” shoot. I really wanted to have photos of myself surrounded by Australian Bush. I love the forest, the trees, critters, shrubs and flowers. As soon as I find myself in the forest, my central nervous system calms down and I feel immediately at peace. I also felt the call to unleash my inner warrior woman who is one with nature, drawing strength from our amazing trees, boulders, rivers and streams.

Marina took me to a beautiful secluded spot amongst the trees, in a little stream on great rocks, not very far from the city, where we took most photos without seeing a single soul all day.

We then went back on the road as we had noticed a large tree trunk that had fallen over a river creating a “tree trunk” bridge. We wanted to use the spot on the tree trunk above the river in some photos. Getting to the tree was quite an adventure. I had to, half-naked, break into someone’s farmland to get to it. All I could think of was that there was a farmer somewhere, ready to run me off their property with guns blazing.

When I got to the tree bridge, I realised that it was quite high above the water which didn’t look very inviting – it was dark and dirty, who knows what was hiding under its surface. I had to take all my courage to crawl onto the tree trunk. Standing up with shaky legs, I tried my best to follow Marina’s instructions: “Stand on your toes, push your booty out” whilst keeping my balance as to not fall off the trunk and into the water below me.

It was hilarious! Especially since the location was clearly visible from the street where people were getting lots of entertainment from watching us.

The adventure was worth it – the photo’s on the tree bridge are very candid and super fun!

How did you feel preparing for the session?

My shoot took place in December, the busiest time of year in both, my professional as well as personal life. However, the moments I stole to prepare for the session was a welcome distraction from the daily grind.

I found inspiration by looking through Maria’s portfolio, searching for boudoir in nature photographs online, putting together the vision board.

Leading up to the session, my excitement grew. I had a lot of fun rummaging through my wardrobe, finding suitable costumes, I loved the fact that Marina contributed a heap of great clothing as well. I felt great going into the session, although, in hindsight, I think I could have put a little more focus on preparing my physical body. I had neglected my yoga practice and not been very disciplined regarding my nutrition, hence was not in the best shape I could have been.

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

Well, I am German, we run around naked ALL THE TIME. So, being naked in nature in front of a camera wasn’t taxing at all. Over the years, I learned to love my body for its strength and resilience. Years of Yoga practice taught me that my body is so much stronger than my mind tries to tell me.

Being nude in front of Marina’s camera is a very safe space. She has a gift of holding you in the right pose, it’s where the mind can go still, and the body has nothing else to do than to follow Marina’s instructions. “Push your booty out” may feel uncomfortable, but you know that the pain is worth it.

Being captured on film nude, playful and wild in nature is exhilarating, liberating and powerful!

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

I felt accomplished and happy after the session. I knew that Marina would have captured some amazing images of me.

It was exciting to see them on her screen. I was blown away by many of the images. Their raw beauty was absolutely stunning! I also noticed a lot of dimples on my bottom and legs, but I think that we are all very critical of ourselves, especially when seeing the pictures for the first time. However,

it did motivate me to be more mindful of the food I put into my body and to join a Yoga challenge to get myself back in shape.

I love seeing my prints on the wall. Being taken in nature they have an amazing texture that can be explored for hours, yet they also elude tranquillity and peace.

Would you do it again?

YES! For sure! I do want to do it again… and again… and again.

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

I’d definitely recommend a boudoir shoot with Marina to other people. Especially to those friends who feel negatively about their appearances.

Marina has the gift of capturing any BODY in its best, most beautiful light. Embracing ourselves in front of a camera is such a powerful experience, it’s liberating, empowering, and a simple act of self-love. Marina’s photos will make anyone feel amazing, it’s such a boost for self-confidence to see the beauty in oneself. It’s self-care at its best.

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

Go for it! Embrace the excitement, the rush. Get creative in your preparation. Come with an open heart and willing to be guided by Marina.

It’s ok to not listen to the negative, monkey-mind chatter.

It’s ok to want to be seen.

It’s ok to feel beautiful.

It’s ok to be you.