I got to do a very inspiring photo-shoot recently. A woman contacted me about putting together a “Body Positive” session. She’s given me permission to share the images from our time together – and here are just a few.
Over the past few years her body has changed a lot. She’s had a baby, experienced lots of other life challenges and her perspective on what is sexy and what she values in the world has shifted…along with clothing size, stretch marks, etc.
One goal of the photo shoot was to claim that who she is now is just as valuable, sexy and powerful as the person she was as a “size two”. We HIGHLIGHTED stretch marks because they are a proud sign that she grew the love of her life in her body. They are not something she felt ashamed of – and to witness this was beautiful.
It makes me sad when I photograph people who put themselves down throughout their entire session. I understand it – but it also makes me mad when I see a stunning soul standing before me, tearing themselves to pieces because they are not physically flawless.
To define ourselves by a false definition of beauty that is endlessly marketed to us by companies who want to make us feel bad about ourselves in order to sell their newest product is disheartening. And to have someone stand before me, with confidence in and love for themselves was really kick ass.
If you’re on a courageous journey of learning to love and accept yourself as is – documenting the moment with photographs may be a powerful elixir. I’d love to do more empowerment sessions like this…maybe with you.
Tania Palermo [Studio on Main] 