June is Pride Month, a time to honour identity, celebrate individuality, and create space for LGBTQAI+ voices to be heard and seen.
For many trans women, the journey to self-affirmation can be layered.
They may know exactly who they are, but the world doesn’t always reflect that back, not in the way it should.
When that recognition does come clearly, beautifully, and without question, it can be deeply empowering.
This month, I’m incredibly proud to share the story of one of my beautiful clients, Shae.
Shae reached out after seeing one of my Instagram posts.
She was searching for something more than photographs.
She wanted a way to affirm what she already knew to be true… that she is a woman, and her confidence deserves to shine.
Her words stayed with me, and I’d love you to read her full review…
“For a while I have been thinking about getting some professional photos done as I’ve struggled with confidence as a trans woman.
I wanted to have something to see and display that I could look at and see myself as how I feel, without looking back in the mirror and picking holes.
That this body part or that body part looks masculine or not quite right.
Then I saw an ad on Instagram for female empowerment photographs done by Jo and decided to reach out and enquire.
I was nervous about booking initially as I was worried if she would be willing to work with someone like me (in the current landscape surrounding trans women can you blame me?)
I discovered that all my worries were unnecessary, and I felt accepted and looked after from the initial consultation to walking in and getting my makeup done by Lucy.
Having my photos done by Jo was an immensely affirming and amazing experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
When I walked into my Reveal Session, I was blown away by how they came out.
I didn’t see myself as trans in the photos and just saw myself looking like the woman I feel like and have become.
So much so, that as we went through them to decide what ones would stay in the final collection I just wanted all of them.
I could not have asked for a better experience than the one I have received, and Jo and her team are so inclusive and amazing I cannot recommend them enough.”
Shae, thank you for trusting me.
Shae didn’t just walk away with beautiful photos, she left with something deeper… the feeling of being reflected exactly as she knows herself to be.
That is what this experience is all about.
It was a joy and an honour to photograph you Shae, to witness your confidence, and to give you something that felt so affirming and celebratory.
Everyone, if you’re planning on attending Portsmouth Pride this weekend, or would love to find out more… click here!
Keep an eye out for Shae too!
To every trans woman reading this, wondering if this is for you, yes, it is.
✨ You are already her. Now you deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and empowered too.
If you’re ready to take that step, I’d love to invite you to have a Luxury Boudoir & Beauty Photoshoot with me.
👉 Contact me here…
With love and pride,
Jo x
Related reading:
www.johannaelizabeth.com/lgbtqplus-friendly-photography/
