Katie learnt that how you see yourself isn’t how others see you

Katie’s self confidence and body image had been up and down, she was struggling to love herself when she found the courage to book her photoshoot. Despite her nerves and worries about being judged, she really went for it and discovered a new side of herself! Now her favourite photos are on her bedroom wall as a constant reminder of the beautiful and courageous woman she really is.

My self confidence was always up and down. Sometimes it’s great, others not so much. I think it changes the older you get because you change as a person. My body image isn’t the best, I’ve probably looked in the mirror and said “pull yourself together” more than I’ve told myself “you look good today”.

If I’m honest, I have no idea what made me book my boudoir photoshoot! It was something different and totally out of my comfort zone. I’d seen Foxlow a few times over social media and I loved watching how they made the photoshoots happen, with Danielle talking you through the positions. It was like watching women becoming empowered by actually loving themselves again and making them shine.

I had done some research about Foxlow by reading their reviews, watching their videos and messaging Danielle. I sat there one night and thought “bugger it” - in that instant I felt I could do it, so I booked myself an appointment.

Preparing for the shoot blew my brains! Trying to find the right pieces in the right colour and with the right cut. It’s hard when you think low of yourself, believing I shouldn’t wear that and perhaps they would judge me for wearing this… but it was the complete opposite.

Before my shoot… pffftttt! Talk about sweat!! I was so nervous. I didn’t know what to do, or where to be. It took a few minutes to calm the nerves, but I managed to get it into my head that this was their job. They aren’t doing it to judge, they are doing this job to improve women’s views of themselves in such a judgemental world. 

My makeup and hair was lush! I really wanted to take the lovely Charlotte home with me. She was amazingly calming and made everything so natural rather than being caked in layers. When I saw the end result, I thought “Shit, I can actually do this!”.

Once in the studio, there was a bit of banter and just generally talking through what’s going to happen. Putting a plan of action together of what you feel comfortable with and what you don’t. Once all that was mapped out, behind the curtain I went and discovered a lovely personalised “Welcome to your photoshoot Katie” sign.

So after awkwardly clambering into the first outfit, I had a stern word with myself get out to the other side of the curtain. With some supportive words from Danielle and Jon, I finally made it out there and once you get into the swing of things it was so easy. There’s was a lot of laughing and joking and telling them off for how cold the floor was - so be warned! 

The feeling after the shoot was weird. Walking back to the car thinking “I’ve just had pictures in my underwear!” but the smile on your face is big knowing you’ve just stepped out your comfort zone and won! 

Seeing the photos on the screen the next day was like wow… She’s beautiful, but who is she cause that ain’t me! But they were me. Now my favourite pictures are on the wall in my bedroom - I look at them every day and smile because they’re not just pictures, they carry the memories of creating the pictures. Basically you take home more than a print out!

Since the photoshoot I’ve learnt that how you see yourself isn’t how others see you. Life is too short to keep putting yourself down and putting things off. Stop putting pressure on yourself! Foxlow are showing you who you are now and you should love yourself.

It feels like everybody is working on themselves, and if you are then this is a damned good place to start. Be brave, be empowered, be you.