A reason and a way to celebrate me!

Cat is one of the three winners of my International Women’s Day giveaway in 2020. Despite or because of all the adversities she has experienced in her young age she is very strong and positive person who follows her dreams. Cat’s theme for her boudoir shoot was ‘style & glamour’

“I’m only 22, but have managed to get a fair bit of life experience under my belt!

I lost my Mum to cancer in 2018 and she was one of my best friends. Seeing her so sick and losing her that was was excruciating

I also at the same time had some very limiting, undiagnosed health issues and injuries. It just felt like my whole life was imploding around me.

Over the last couple of years, I fought very hard and learnt how to advocate for myself.

I finally pushed and got a diagnosis to help with my health, which caused me to lose a lot of weight.

I sat through my grief and I although I still experience it, I’ve found things that make me feel close to Mum.

I left my office call-centre job and started my own business - now I freelance and do what I love!

So, when I won this experience with Marina it was exactly what I needed.

A reason and a way to celebrate me! Everything I’ve been through, everything I continue to go through.

Especially in the health area - my body has gone through so many changes; from weight to appearance and so much more.

These photos, and the experience, for me are a reminder of what I’ve been through, what I’m capable of and a way to love my body for carrying me through it.

I’ve always loved glamour. For as long as I can remember I’ve been in love with the vintage and pin-up styles.

I’ve had this fascination with old-time Hollywood looks and when Marina suggested Emporium hotel and said she had an opening, I just had to!

Not to mention the perfect excuse to glam-up and wear some of my favourite (but least worn) outfits!

I was so nervous! I do struggle with my self-image and weight perception and I was worried that I would be uncomfortable or ‘unnatural’ at posing.

I felt very self-conscious in my glamour look, but Marina was incredible and knew exactly what to say to boost my confidence!!!!!!!!

It was so much fun! It made me so nostalgic for the times I used to model for my Mum when she was a photographer.

It was such a confidence boost and it was so empowering being able to pose for myself - knowing that these photos were to celebrate me and not for social media or anybody else!

I was exhausted - but in that really good I’ve-just-had-an-amazing-day way. It was such a fun shoot and I didn’t want to leave.

I was so excited to see all of the images!

It took me right back to the shoot - I was so excited to see these beautiful images and couldn’t believe how they turned out!

To see the style of shoot come to life in the images was incredible - I felt like a glamour movie star!

Would you do it again?

100%! I almost think that the next few times would be even more fun now that I have an idea of the process and end product.

I would recommend it 100%. I think every woman needs to have images of herself that make her feel empowered and preserve a moment in time of her life.

You will never be exactly the same as you are in any particular moment. My images will be treasured and I will be able to look back on them and remember where I was and what I was doing.

I can look back and be proud of everything I’d achieved up until that moment.

I think that for any woman it’s important to have them. Especially in the timeless style Marina shoots in.

Do you have any tip for women who is planning to do a boudoir shoot?

Create a Pinterest board before your consultation session! Have some ideas and images ready to bring to planning with Marina. 

Even if you’re unsure of what you want, have some ideas and example images ready and Marina will tell you exactly what you’ll need to do to achieve that. 

And have a playlist ready! Collate some songs that make you feel empowered, relaxed and happy - or whatever the vibe you want your shoot to be!” Cat