Body Story Sessions

I remember a time when I was so body conscious. Noticing a little bit of belly fat and the dimpling on the backs of my thighs and backside. As I age, I’m beginning to notice the age spots on my face, wrinkles around my eyes, and the slight peppering of gray hairs making their way through the part of my hair. Do I worry about these changes? Not nearly as much as I used to. It took a lot of healing and a shift in how I view my body. Instead of comparing myself to others, I began to take pride in the things my body has accomplished: 11 years as a distance runner, many years of rollercoaster weight changes, 4 babies later, and time has changed the looks of this body each year I walk past the mirror.

A few years ago, just after my third baby, I began to explore the changes in my body shape. I remember being about 2 weeks postpartum and the softness still remained in my belly area. I stood there and actually admired it. I even took a picture and wasn’t shy about posting it on social media. Why not? I just gave birth to a little human! What made it even better, I only received praise… not a single negative comment. That’s how it should always be, though. We should always be praising each other no matter what the societal beauty standards are. Besides, who creates those rules anyway? I would like to have a chat with them.

Honestly, as an artist, I’ve been exploring beauty more and more this past year. I’ve been pushing myself to be in front of the camera more instead of hiding behind it. Exploring the parts of my body I love the most. I have also started to see beauty in others. The beautiful curves, the changes as we age, the differences from one body to the next, and admiring each body for how different they all are. I’m not saying that we have to be ok with what we see as flaws, but rather know and understand that flaws are there and be able to sit comfortably with their existence. Sitting with yourself and really taking a moment to acknowledge, appreciate, be self-aware, find comfort, and show compassion towards ourselves rather than put down and show our bodies negativity and shame.

Hence, the start of Body Story Sessions. I should start by saying these sessions are NOT boudoir sessions. They are intended to tell the story of your body. Maybe, you have scars and have overcome trauma. Maybe, you just love the idea of exploring your body story in a new light and want to celebrate it. Maybe, you are a breastfeeding mom, wanting to explore your body more postpartum, or want to lean more into the moment of seeing your body while you are pregnant. Every body has it’s own story to tell.

Each session will be designed around your story. In order to create a comfortable and safe experience, a connection meeting will be included. This is a chance to take some time to know and understand your needs and work together in deciding the direction of your session. All bodies are welcome, and I would be honored to tell your story.