SKIP TO SECTION
A Client’s Story
“My name is Jessica, and I am a proud, plus size woman. For years, I struggled with my body image, feeling as though I never measured up.
Shopping for clothes was a nightmare. I avoided mirrors as much as possible.
That all changed when I decided to book a boudoir photography session.
I had been following Studio Newport on Instagram, and was mesmerized by the stunning, confident women she captured.
I saw women of all shapes and sizes looking absolutely radiant, and I wondered if I could ever feel that way about myself.
Taking the plunge and booking the session was one of the most nerve-wracking decisions I’ve ever made! I was filled with anxiety.
What if I didn’t like what I saw? What if the photographer couldn’t make me look as beautiful as her other clients?
During the session, I was amazed at how comfortable and confident I felt. They guided me through each pose, constantly reminding me of how beautiful I looked. I laughed in doubt, but they showed me a few images behind the camera and I was in shock! That was ME!
After the session, they showed me all the photos and I was speechless. The woman in those pictures was beautiful and confident.
The impact of that boudoir session has been life changing. I finally feel more comfortable in my own skin.
The experience taught me not to focus on what I don’t like about my body, but instead view what I actually DO like. I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin.
Boudoir is so much more than just a photo shoot.
The Myth of Beauty
Jessica’s experience is not unique.
One of the largest barriers to body confidence is that women believe beauty is synonymous with thinness. This is because a lifetime of movies, social media and magazines have convinced her that only thin women can be beautiful and desirable.
This is not news to any woman.
But, there is a way to challenge this myth of beauty standards and undo a lifetime of conditioning.
When a woman can see herself, in her current body, in a collection of beautiful photographs.
The Research
Just how important is body image to overall happiness and mental health?
Research shows there is a direct correlation:
- Body satisfaction is closely linked to higher self-esteem and lower rates of depression and anxiety, according to a 2008 study published in the Journal of Health Psychology.
- Studies show that engaging with body positivity content can lead to greater body satisfaction and overall well-being, according to a 2019 study (Cohen, Fardouly, Newton-John, & Slater).
- Many boudoir photographers report that clients, especially plus size women, experience a positive transformation in how they view themselves.
