Let's talk about ππ ππͺ ππ ππππππππ and ππππππππ€ . . . β
β
Or should I better say self-doubt and insecurity?β
Let's face it, we are bombarded by those perfect model images on social media and flawless cover magazine photos all the time! And we feel we are not good enough, we don't deserve to have photos of ourselves because we are not like them. [By the way, those photos are heavily retouched, sometimes distorting completely the body shape]β
β
As a motherhood photographer, I hear all the time mums' comments about their weight and their body concerns. I'm talking about family sessions or baby sessions where the baby weight has pretty much gone. But there is still so much uncertainty and shame! And I'm so disappointed when a mum decides not to be in the photos with her child because she feels inadequate. I'll see it as a missed opportunity to be with your child. To show him how much you love him. To leave behind tangible proof of your joy together. But we hide because of a few extra kilos, that our children couldn't care less.β
β
With maternity photos is a bit different. Your body is transforming and creating something amazing. Gosh, our body is powerful! Yet, many women are still uncomfortable showing off their baby bump, which I completely acknowledge and respect. But to all of them, I ask how they would love to be photographed, how much of their body they want to expose. β
I worked with different types of clients throughout the years, from shy and conservative to super confident ones and all in between. But no matter what personality you have, I know you will all feel vulnerable in front of the camera. And I feel honoured that you trust me enough to be part of this raw experience.β
β
That's why I wanted to create a couple of self-portraits, to show my vulnerability too, to put myself in the shoes of who's in front of me, to set aside all prejudices . . . It was also an opportunity to represent how I felt over these crazy past few months of lockdown: unsafe, anxious, alone, exposed, downhearted, discourage, restrained and I could go on and on! β
Yes, it was like feeling naked with just a light cover on, looking for a beam of light somewhere in the distance.β
β
Me, vulnerable 360Β°! β
More info about my work: www.photographybyvalentina.com
