Women struggle with body confidence every-day. Learning how to embrace the wonders of your own body can be really challenging and also very rewarding.
This is why I was so pleased to meet and have the honour of photographing the beautiful Antonia. She came to me to appreciate and celebrate her body after being diagnosed with the BRCA2 gene. This wonderful woman wanted to remember her breasts before she went for an elective prophylactic bilateral mastectomy.
Tell us your story! Why did you want to do a boudoir session?
I wanted to do a Boudoir session with Jessie, as in January I was found to be a BRCA2 mutation carrier (this is similar to Angelina Jolie). So prior to having an elective prophylactic bilateral mastectomy, I wanted to preserve my breasts in print forever.
What made you choose Love Me True?
I had seen Jessie’s beautiful work on my instagram page when she did a shoot for my friend Nina ages ago. I fell in love with the images (this was before I had my diagnosis), and then remembered the imagery when I was thinking about booking a shoot.
What did you do to prepare for your session? How were you feeling about the upcoming experience?
I did nothing special to prepare. Jessie took care of EVERYTHING. I just found a few images in the style I wished to achieve and brought along a few fav lingers sets and a pearl necklace that I wanted to feature.
What advice would you offer to other women who are considering doing a boudoir shoot?
DO IT
What does it mean to love yourself?
To me it means embrace every inch of your body, mind and soul. For years I struggled with PCOS and subsequent body image issues (as have always been a “bigger” girl), but a few years ago decided I had to fully love myself otherwise no one else would.
How did you feel during the experience?
I felt completely taken care of. Jessie was there every step of the way. I felt embowered, beautiful, sexy and important!
How did your boudoir experience impact you? Have you noticed any changes in yourself, be it your self-confidence or anything else since your session?
It has made me appreciate my beautiful body even more. I have a selection of my photos on my wall and I take pleasure in looking at them every day. I see a strong, empowered and radiant lady in them.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I will be eternally grateful to Jessie for helping me preserve my born breasts in photo format for me to cherish in years to come.