Today I bring you another instalment in my new Boudoir Series, focusing on some of the INCREDIBLE journeys my clients have faced and are facing.
I aim to share, inspire and celebrate their strength and touch on how their boudoir photoshoot with me has had a positive impact on their journey.
So, here’s Josie and her inspirational journey. Josie, you’re amazing!
Josie’s story….
January 2019, I’d just turned 28, my girl was 8 months, my little boy was 19 months and my world came crashing down. My family split.
I lost myself and all that I knew. I became a shell, going through the motions for my kids. I lost so much weight it was scary, but I just couldn’t eat I felt so sick. I had no time to think until the kids went to bed and then I would be bombarded with self-loathing thoughts.
Was it me? It must have been me, I felt I wasn’t good enough. That sat with me for a few months. Until one night I couldn’t take it anymore, that was my limit. I tried to take my own life. I wanted out.
I was saved by my children’s father, but it wasn’t this that changed my mind. I started taking antidepressants, saw a counsellor and began to work on my self-esteem to try and beat the demon that shouted all those nasty things when I looked in the mirror.
There was no doubt I hated myself, I was scared I’d be alone forever, but also was not ready to meet anyone new.
One evening, after a few glasses of wine, I entered a competition on Facebook and I won. I got a photoshoot, a boudoir photoshoot. I’d always secretly wanted to do these, but never had the courage!
A confidence boost
With some kind, persuasive words over the phone and a confidence boost, I booked in. I had no idea what to expect.
The whole process built me more and more. Each time I got a new set of lingerie, new eyelashes, the bodysuits, I got that scared, but excited feeling! I started to feel like I would be able to get at least one photo I thought was alright.
I loved every minute of the photoshoot!
Come shoot day I was a trembling mess, but as soon as the girls got me talking during makeup, I was as cool as a cucumber.
Then I put my first outfit on. I had a huge rush. I caught myself in the mirror and I heard my demon shout “woaaaahhh! Go get it girl!” That was that. I put my all into it and I loved every single second of it! (I now see why models love their job!)
An emotional day!
To say my reveal was emotional would be an understatement. I couldn’t even step inside the room for a good few minutes. I just cried, but she took such good care of me – Thank you!
Never mind just having one that I thought was alright; I picked 12!! TWELVE pictures of me, half-naked, some fully (modestly covered I’ll add) and I just grew from thereon.
A brilliant reminder that I am enough!
Each time I change over a photo or see it in my box, I smile. I puff up my chest a little, I may even do a little dance, just because I am that bad boss lady in those pictures.
I am the one who overcame those demons. I am the one who is still here today and rocking it. I am enough.
Thank you ladies for helping me find my inner Beyoncé, my sexy, my fire. For helping me love me again and seeing that I am beautiful! It’s far from just a photoshoot. For me, it was life-changing and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat! You’re all just so amazing and you really do get it! I’m eternally grateful!”
Congratulations Josie
Thank you Josie for being brave and sharing your story. I am so pleased I’ve helped you find yourself again!
Read more from my incredible Boudoir Series
You can read other inspirational client stories here on the blog. Don’t miss these!
- Mikala’s path to freedom through photography
- Sara puts herself first and finds her strength
- Maggie’s boost after her dramatic breast cancer journey
To find out how a photoshoot experience can celebrate and honour where you are RIGHT now, click here.
Love from
Johanna
~x~
