Experience to remember and document my changing body

What is your story? I have always been a curvy girl, concerned with my weight, and society's expectations of beauty. I have had outward confidence, but deep insecurities. As I get older, I have tried to shift my perspective to focus on health and function for my body, but it is a work in progress. Now that I am a Mum, it is more important than ever to shift these limiting beliefs and self-esteem issues, so I do not pass them on to my children.

Why did you want to do a boudoir shoot? pregnancy is a time of massive change to a woman's mind and body. I wanted an experience to remember and document my changing body, embracing it's glory. It's also a time where many women feel shame about the changes in their body, and I wanted to embrace mine with open arms and share this with others.

What was location of your shoot and why did you choose it? A waterfall  and forest at Mt Glorious. I had already done a budoir shoot indoors previously. I wanted to explore the themes of nature and returning to our natural form. I wanted to feel like an Earth mother goddess, preparing to bring a new soul down to this Earth.

How did you feel preparing for the session? I was excited.

What was it like to be naked/ half-naked in front of the camera? At times it was nerve-wracking (especially when our secluded spot suddenly became the most popular lookout in Brisbane haha), but after I had warmed up it felt completely natural, beautiful and glorious. Overall the session was really empowering.

How did you feel after the session? What have you thought when you saw your images for the first time? Marina did an amazing job during and after the session. She really knows how to pose the body, use the environment and lighting to create beautiful art. Just from the preview, I knew the photos would turn out great, but I wass blown away by how stunning the final images truly were. It was so difficult to just choose a few favourites. 

Would you do it again? Yes definitely. More more more.

Would you recommend a boudoir shoot to other women/men and why? Yes. I think absolutely everybody deserves to feel beautiful and to love the skin they are in. To see your body from a totally different and unique perspective, as art, as the gift that it truly is, can be life changing.

Do you have any tip for women/men who is planning to do a boudoir shoot? Try to relax, enjoy the experience and trust the photographer. They have your best interests at heart and know what they are doing.