Teresa’s photoshoot changed how she sees herself and marks a new beginning
Teresa’s self esteem and body image had been torn down by her ex-husband; she saw herself as “fat and ugly” for many years and simply couldn’t believe her boyfriend or friends when they told her she was beautiful. Booking a boudoir shoot was something she didn’t think she could do, but the fabulous ladies in our Facebook group gave her the support and inspiration she needed and when she saw herself on camera for the first time Teresa was overwhelmed by emotion. For the first time she saw the beautiful, strong woman that we all see!
My body image took a nose-dive massively after having my 2 children. I never really felt good about myself and struggled to believe what anyone else told me. My self confidence was worn away by my ex-husband.
I was married for 15 years and was constantly put down at home and in front of people, but I never realised it until we divorced. Then everyone comes out of the woodwork and tells you! When you’re in it, it feels like the norm to you.
I joined the Vixens group on Facebook after being introduced by my friend Lauren who had a shoot and recommended it. A boudoir shoot is something I've always wanted to do, but never thought I'd be brave enough (I put a towel around me to go from bedroom to bathroom even if no-one else is home!)
I started reading reviews and looking at other people's photos, it all sounded amazing. I felt I would be safe and they were only an hour away from me, so I took the plunge and booked my shoot.
Preparing for the shoot was great, Danielle was always on hand with advice and ideas of what to bring. It was so exciting picking outfits out, choosing jewellery and thinking that my boyfriend Neil is going to love them. He’s always telling me how great I look and he is also the one who bought me all my underwear! Yet I was a little apprehensive when I packed my bags as I knew the next time I'd have them on would be for the shoot.
The morning of the shoot, OMG! I was shaking, super excited, anxious and nervous as never have I done anything like this before. When I arrived I was offered coffee, tea, bubbly or Jon’s special latte! I opted for “the Jon special” as it felt too early for fizz at 09:45am.
Then it was time for makeup with Charlotte who made me feel relaxed with just general chit chat, asking me what colours and styles I preferred for my makeup and consulting me all the way. After some hairstyling too, I thought I looked a million dollars and felt ready for the shoot.
As I walked into the studio with Danielle, the nerves ramped up. Jon kindly offered another drink and this time I accepted the fizz! It so helped in between outfit changes. Danielle and I emptied my case and chose three outfits and accessories for the shoot, hanging them up on the rail.
I went behind the curtain into the changing room and was asked if I felt comfy to walk out when I was ready, and my answer was no I didn’t! Danielle totally understood and got me a robe, but after the first few photos were taken I started to feel at ease and it never went back on.
It felt amazing posing for photos, I felt alive and buzzing and special. I thought, this is for me!
Jon showed me a sneak peek at a pic halfway through shoot and it took my breath away! I so didn’t believe it was me. In fact I said to him “that's not me… I'm not that skinny.. you’ve airbrushed it!” and I cried... After a few emotional minutes, the shoot continued and I just felt fab. I didn’t want it to end!
When I left the studio I was buzzing, needed to see someone but all my friends were at work. I met up with my daughter so that I could tell her all about it over glass of wine!
Then that evening I told my boyfriend where I'd been and how amazing it was. He wasn’t surprised as he knew it's what I wanted and he couldn’t wait to see the photos - especially after I told him a few of the bits I'd taken, but I wasn’t giving it all away.
My reaction to seeing my photos for the first time was shock! Who was that beautiful, stunning lady facing me?! I found myself crying again, it was very overwhelming and emotional for me. We had already decided what album we wanted, so ordering was easy but choosing my photos was extremely hard as they were all amazing. We got there in the end though.
Two of my favourite photos will be displayed on my bedside cabinet as a massive reminder of a fabulous shoot that has changed how I see myself and we’re planning a big framed print of one of the sexy silhouettes as they absolutely blow me away!
This is the beginning of my future me. My boyfriend loves me for me, and now I can see what he sees all the time when he looks at me.
After many years of believing you look fat and ugly, these things don’t change you immediately, but I hope that in time I will realise I'm a beautiful mum, stunning girlfriend and lots of other people too.
If anyone is ever in any doubt about yourself, please have this done. It’s an absolutely mind-blowing experience! I hope my story will inspire many more ladies to do what I've done, I would absolutely do this again in a heartbeat.
With love, Teresa
