This Is Me - Jess

This blog is part of a series based on my This Is Me campaign. It’s a campaign that celebrates you, what has shaped you, and who you are NOW. I’ve spent the last year photographing the courageous women that signed up to be part of it.

Honestly? It’s the most important work I have ever done.

I was absolutely blown away by how much these amazing women opened up to me. I’m going to share their incredible stories and photographs here in the hope that they can inspire you as much as they inspired me!

A stunning brunette woman wears a sequinned dress and smiles

“When I saw Victoria’s This is Me campaign, I was instantly intrigued. Since the year we got married, I have wanted to do a boudoir shoot as a gift to my husband but never had the confidence in myself to make an appointment.

I used to believe that to be beautiful you have to be thin and perfect. Over the years I got to a point where I would always be the one behind the camera so I wouldn’t have to look too closely at my body.

A stunning brunette woman wears a lacey bodysuit and sits in front of a photography backdrop

It was a spur of the moment decision to email Victoria – that I nearly instantly regretted once I was booked in for my shoot. I was vulnerable, insecure, and flat out terrified. But at the same time, I knew that this was no longer a gift to my husband, but to myself.

I took weeks looking at sample photos of the ones I thought might suit, but the week before the shoot, I decided to look within instead. To the mirror, to the strong woman I project AND the one who cannot get out of bed some mornings because of post-natal depression.

A stunning brunette woman wears a lacey bodysuit and is framed by spring blooms

I realised what strength and beauty are to me. Not only putting on that brave face, but making the choice to get past my anxiety and put my family first. It’s about being vulnerable and being brave enough to ask for help. I am both strong and fragile in the same breath.

THIS IS ME!

A stunning brunette woman wears a lacey bodysuit and sits with her eyes closed. Petals are falling all around her.

Despite that I went back and forth on whether to cancel, I knew that this was about empowerment, accepting myself for who I am, not how I look. On the day of the shoot I was terrified. But as soon as I met Victoria all my nerves faded away.

A stunning brunette woman wears a lacey bodysuit and sheer skirt, she dances and smiles

In her I felt I had met a kindred spirit, while Annelise put me at ease while making me feel like a star as she did my hair and makeup. The shoot was an absolute blast, I don’t think I have laughed, danced, sang or opened up like that to anyone but my closest friends.

A stunning brunette woman wears a lacey bodysuit and holds a bunch of spring flowers

Victoria put so much of her beautiful energy into the shoot. She has an amazing ability to really see YOU, all the aspects that make you the beautiful person you are. I am so grateful for this wonderful experience. If you have ever considered doing anything like this, then do yourself a huge favour and GO DO IT! You are in safe capable hands!”

A stunning brunette woman is illuminated from one side, she runs one hand through her hair and the other traces her collarbone

Do you have the courage to take part in my This Is Me campaign? I currently have a small number of spots available so if you would like to be part of this campaign, I’d LOVE to hear from you! Get in touch and let’s chat.

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