"A liberating way to shed toxic diet culture" -- a boudoir session for S

S brought incredible intentions into her boudoir session - she wanted to use her photoshoot experience as a ‘liberating way to shed toxic diet culture’ and to document and appreciate her body.   She wanted her portraits to feel natural, romantic and confident.

S shared some really powerful reflections after her photoshoot, and I want to share her words here.

A little content warning: she reflects on her relationship with her body, diet culture, mental health, and she talks about her weight. If you’d prefer not to read about any of that, you can just skip ahead to the photos! 

“My feelings about myself and my body are always a work in progress. Lately, I have been contemplating how toxic diet culture has shaped my attitude toward bodies, health, and privilege, and how that had led to actions toward myself and others that I deeply regret. I've been reworking and unlearning a lot but the roots run deep. 

I came into this session knowing my body doesn't look like it did when I was twenty. But my mind doesn't look the same either. Sure, I was thinner then, but I was also more confused, depressed, and anxious. Today, I'm happier, healthier, and in control of my body, actions, and emotions. So, with all that in mind, it's almost silly that I wouldn't be able to find self-acceptance in a happier body that has more folds and curves than it used to. 

And at the end of this day, I did find myself staring at my belly folds in a photo while thinking I looked hot as hell. That was a small but significant moment.

Meeting Alyssa was like meeting an old friend. It felt like I'd known her for years. She made me feel safe, intentional, and worthy of being seen throughout the entire shoot. I remained grounded and in my body throughout the session, which was really important to me. Plus, it was just fun! Alyssa is a creative and a collaborator. I trusted her vision and expertise throughout the entire process, yet she continuously asked for my ideas as well. During the photo reveal, I was so proud of the art we created.”