A is for Authenticity

A came to me because she wanted to be captured as her authentic self.  This is 100% my jam.  It’s what I live for.  I firmly believe that in order to really break away from the crushing societal burden of unattainable perfection, we have to start BELIEVING that everyone is beautiful.  And in order to believe it, we have to  be willing to be our own authentic selves so others can see it (and have permission to believe it too).  

We need to see authenticity everywhere.  Not just on the occasional ad using a “plus size” or “older” model.  Not based on some sort of gender binary. Everywhere.  You are not too old.  You do not have too many stretch marks.  Your body is not too big, too small, too flat, too curvy.  Your proportions are not wrong.  Your skin does not have too many stretch marks or too much cellulite.  

You are perfect.  

My passion with this work I do is to show everyone they are beautiful.   And every step towards breaking the narrative of “ideal” is a good one.  It’s why this work is so important to me.  

Here is what A had to say about her shoot:

“Melissa I want thank you very much for the wonderful day!  It was such a freeing experience and I cannot wait to work the photos into my daily self love journey.  I now know what a true boudoir experience feels like.  I am passionate about representation and I think it’s great people are loving these pictures.  I am very happy with what we created together and I cannot wait to get the photos!” 

Thanks A, for trusting me with your authentic self.  You are beautiful and perfect.