Stepping up to be proud of my body

I am Adele and had seen a friend’s boudoir shoot and I desperately wanted one. I checked out Marina’s website, blog and Facebook page and she was having a competition. I was in!! This was my chance. What I love most about Marina’s style of photography is that it is body positive and not ageist. The boudoir shoots have a way of capturing the true essence of each person. Marina has an overwhelming skill to transform what I thought was my ordinary body into the beautiful and strong, to create something that is completely unique to me. There are so few chances we get in life to be our completely unique selves and Marina offers you this opportunity. Don’t let it be a regret that you never took that chance.

I chose a natural outdoor setting and it was very secluded. A gorgeous running creek to use all the aspects of nature to highlight the photography. It was amazing how quickly I got over the fact that I was naked and instead just listened to the calm, knowledgeable guidance given by Marina as she worked her magic. As time went on I felt more and more comfortable in front of the camera. Don’t get me wrong I had my thought’s beforehand about what am I doing? Was I going to be the worst person she had ever photographed? So, I emailed Marina and she was very quick to put me at ease about me and the process. Her philosophy of body beauty is unrivalled and so completely non-judgemental.

Every single body is beautiful and that is what a boudoir shoot shows you about yourself. I would not have said that about my body and everybody prior to having a boudoir photoshoot. I have recently lost some weight and I am turning 50 in a few months. It all just felt like this was the right time to do a shoot like this. Stepping up to be proud of my body and this photoshoot has only added to my self-esteem. I was on a complete high as the session went on, feeling more and more positive and I don’t think I have come down to earth yet. It is such a freeing experience to truly own my body that is mine and mine alone shaped through the years of my life. It deserves to be celebrated for the journey it has brought me on.

I waited in anticipation to see the shots that had been taken. One thing that surprised me was the level of excitement I had to see the shots. Marina was highly supportive during this process. Knowing through experience that I might focus on the less than ideal parts of my body instead of looking at the photos as the amazing piece of art that they are. The more I looked at the photos the more I loved them. The choosing process became harder and harder. Each photo presented a different aspect of my personality.

This is definitely something that every person should do. Single or as a couple. It truly sheds a light on your magnificent soul and boosts your self-esteem amazingly. I would do this again in a heartbeat.

For anyone planning on doing a boudoir shoot, let go of your inhibitions and do something that is not only the production of beautiful art but the celebration of all that is you! No photoshopping to ‘societal perfection’ here – you are perfect, and Marina can bring that out in you.