Real Client Journeys
Every woman who steps in front of our camera has a story to tell. A story of fear, courage, vulnerability, and transformation. These aren’t just photoshoots—they’re emotional journeys. And these are their stories, in their own words.
From Lifelong Insecurities to Self-Acceptance: Manda’s Journey
Background
"I’ve had body confidence issues for as long as I can remember, stemming from childhood/school and continuing into adulthood. I really wanted to try and dispel this view and, hopefully have some lovely images. I also wanted to do something special for my husband’s 60th."
Before the Shoot – Doubt and Fear "Can I really do this?"
"I’ve had body confidence issues for as long as I can remember"
"I was feeling very negative about my body. Concerns about how I looked in photos - blind in one eye, lack of boobs, not feeling very feminine as I had the perception that femininity was largely based on boobs."
"My confidence grew as the session progressed"
During the Shoot: Finding Confidence – One Step at a Time
"The session itself was all so relaxed. There was absolutely no pressure whatsoever and my confidence grew as the session progressed. Everyone was so welcoming too. We chatted, giggled and I had a blast!"
Manda's First Look: Seeing Herself Differently
"I was blown away!
As I entered the studio, I was ‘greeted’ by a large picture of a nude. My initial thought was ‘Wow’, that’s beautiful. It wasn’t until I looked at Anna, who had a wry smile on her face, I looked back at the picture and realised it was me! Looking at the images of me on display, I was beside myself and couldn’t really believe what I was seeing! I felt empowered and actually pretty proud of myself as I would never have thought I would pose nude. Maybe my body isn’t so bad after all. I can accept myself, imperfections and all. They’re what makes me, me."
"I wasn't sure I could do this."
"My confidence grew as the session progressed."
"I was blown away! I felt empowered and proud of myself."
Ready to See Yourself Differently?
“
I feel f*cking fabulous!!!
Turning 60 this year and having gone through the menopause I experienced a loss of confidence and lost sight of who I was as a woman.. I felt invisible and old and struggled to feel sexy, sassy and confident. I also had breast cancer ten years ago and had three operations to remove a lump from my left breast...it definitely affected how I felt about my body
I was nervous and excited before the session. I wanted to be able to make the most of it but wasn’t sure if I had the courage...
On the day I really loved it., I was made to feel special, comfortable and beautiful and more importantly incredibly safe which is the biggest compliment I could pay.. the photographs show this...
I was excited and nervous about coming back to see the photos. I really hoped they would capture some of the empowerment I felt on the day.
Has my body confidence changed, since seeing them?
YES, YES, YES! My friends have noticed I have a real spring in my step.. I feel f*cking fabulous!!!
Liz
“
I can do this, I’ve got this, I’m worth it.
I’ve never been able to accept how my body looks since my c-section 16 years ago. I used to love lingerie. But after my pregnancies I threw it all away. I would never look in the mirror when getting dressed.
Before the session I was apprehensive - because I can’t do “sexy”. And the same about coming back to see the photos - I didn’t think I would look attractive.
Seeing my images had a significant impact. I feel like a “Goddess”. I’m walking around with my head held high.
The images are like an “affirmation” - I can do this, I’ve got this, I’m worth it.
Clair
“
I now know I don’t need to be so hard on myself.
I’ve never been a particularly body confident person, but now as a 57 year old woman and about 5 years into the menopause, my body has changed in many ways. So unfortunately my confidence levels were pretty low.
Before the session I was terrified, couldn’t decide what to take to wear, wondering whether the result would be worth it! A definite self confidence failure!
But once we started it got easier and by the end I even opted to do some nude shots!
I was still dreading seeing the photos. I had convinced myself that I would be disappointed with them. But, I was thrilled with the images, so much better than I ever imagined. I’m staggered that I did it and love the images and the way they make me feel.
I now know I don’t need to be so hard on myself.
Sarah
“
It took a while to get my head around the fact that it was me and that I can look like that.
I’d wanted to do a boudoir photo shoot many years ago and my (now ex-) husband totally put me off.
It’s been a long process of divorce and rebuilding and finally, at 51, feeling like I’m growing into the person I always wanted to be.
I don’t love my body. I’m curvier than I want to be, my skin is less elastic, everything sags more than it used to. I was worried about how the lumps and bumps would spoil the photos.
I really enjoyed the session! And I was excited to see the photos, but also worried that I’d look like “mutton dressed as lamb” or I’d dislike the photos and would have let myself down.
When I saw them, I couldn’t believe how amazing the photos were. It took a while to get my head around the fact that it was me and that I can look like that.
Linden
Anna
Your new best friend.
I know this is a big step. But you’ve already come this far. Let’s chat, no pressure.
Call - 01993 210081
Email - anna@smartphotography.co.uk