As artists, we are often told to be bold, to push the boundaries of what feels comfortable. Leading up to a recent photography competition, I kept hearing the judges say, “Be BRAVE, be COURAGEOUS.” And this year, I decided to take that to heart in a way I never had before. I stepped far outside my comfort zone and entered something deeply personal—a nude self-portrait.

This wasn’t just about creating a beautiful image; it was an extension of a journey I’ve been on for some time, a journey about body image, vulnerability, and self-acceptance. Not too long ago, I gave a talk on body image, where I opened up about the awkwardness and discomfort so many of us feel in our own skin. That talk planted a seed, and the self-portrait became a natural extension of the message I was exploring—ME vs. ME.

The portrait itself was simple yet powerful. I portrayed myself as a statue, standing tall in the face of life’s many challenges: a changing body, the onset of peri-menopause, the reality of aging, and the acceptance of my grey hair. Each of these elements represents a battle many of us fight, sometimes silently. But instead of seeing them as something to hide or be ashamed of, I wanted to depict them as symbols of beauty, strength, and resilience.

This image was my way of claiming that power for myself, of standing firm in the idea that we can still be beautiful as we age, as our bodies change, as life shifts around us. It was deeply personal, raw, and authentic.

But as with all art, there’s always a risk. The judges didn’t quite connect with the story I was trying to tell. Perhaps the vulnerability didn’t land the way I hoped, or maybe the message I saw so clearly in the image didn’t resonate with them. And that’s okay. That’s the thing about art—it’s subjective. Sometimes it speaks to people in profound ways, and other times, it doesn’t quite hit the mark (for them).

Yet, for me, this portrait wasn’t about winning. It was about expressing myself, about having the courage to show up for myself in the way I ask my clients to show up for their own portraits. I ask them to be vulnerable, to step into their stories, and embrace who they are, wherever they are in their lives. This was my chance to do the same, to fully embody what I teach.

The act of creating this image, of pushing through the fear and discomfort, was empowering. It reminded me that being brave isn’t always about winning or getting approval—it’s about taking the leap, trusting the process, and honouring your own voice.

So, while the judges may not have connected with the image, I did. And that, to me, is the true win.

If there’s one takeaway from this experience, it’s this: art is about self-expression, and sometimes the greatest reward comes from having the courage to create something honest, raw, and true to yourself, regardless of the outcome.

I have included a blurred version here, if you would like to see the real thing or chat about putting yourself on the pedestal and being captured like this.

LET ME KNOW.

Vic x

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The Story Behind My Nude Self-Portrait