Tuesday, November 29, 2011

who are you?

This week's RemembeRED prompt ... Everyone has a favorite photo of themself, whether it’s a childhood snapshot, a professional graduation or wedding photograph, or a close-up taken amongst friends. Some say a photograph steals the soul. This week, show us yours: take us into the moment that photograph was taken. Show us who you were then and what the photograph means–in 300 words.
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I don't recognise myself in this photo, 13 years in the making. I can remember the satin gliding over my skin. I can remember slowly relaxing into the comfort of the white cotton duvet on the bed. I can remember the reassuring, relax, encouraging voice of the photographer. But I don't actually recognise the long, strong, lean legs, or the direct, confident eyes. 

The first time I heard of 'boudoir photos' I was unhappily married, unhappily over-weight, and looking for something to make myself feel better about ... everything. When I mentioned it to my husband, his responses included key phrases such as (in no particular order) 'slutty' 'waste of money' 'I can see you anyday' and 'why would anyone want pictures of a fat cow.' I guess somehow the fact that I wanted the pictures for me was lost on him ... or perhaps that was encapsulated in 'waste of money.' Bygones ... I knew that at some point my money would be my own. Only when my money was my own, splurging on photos of myself, when there was barely enough for rent and food at times, was not an option. 

Thirteen years later, the dream came to life. I'm still over-weight, but loved and more frequently happy. I had one hour with the photographer, some coaching ahead of time, and a discrete hotel room. I was far more nervous than I expected. And far more pleased with the results. And, it turns out - those 200 photos - they really are for me. 

13 comments:

  1. This is gorgeous. I've thought about doing this and haven't because while I am happily married, I'm unhappily overweight. This is really a great picture and a great post to go with it. Go you!

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  2. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful - the writing, but especially the picture. Good for you.

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  3. M- the photographer was amazing. She coached me to minimize my trouble spots, but even the pictures that show them ... well ... they just don't matter. I highly recommend.

    Thanks, Kristina! :) Some of that felt great to get out into the light of the world, or at least the internet.

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  4. It's a beautiful picture, and I love how you see yourself in it. I'm glad you did something just for you.

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  5. 'Boudoir' photo conjures up the same for me too I'm afraid, but this is one really nice photo, classy. Sometimes we have a to reach beyond our comfort zone to grow, expand and learn. :)

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  6. Wow, look at your gorgeous self! Too bad for your husband thirteen years ago–what a jerk. Not getting to see a pic like this would be exactly what he deserved.

    Those confident eyes, those gorgeous legs didn't come from nowhere. Learn to recognize yourself, girl!

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  7. I love that this is defiant without being over the top. It's so matter-of-fact.

    One small thing: the last sentence should lose the "they" I think. (You know, just one of those edits we never catch for ourselves).

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  8. OH - good catch, Lime! Thanks. There's always something that sneaks past review.

    Thank you, Cheryl - it was hugely cathartic, as you can imagine.

    IE - perhaps we just need a new word for them, although I will admit not all 200 are this ... subtle. But that's why there are at home & this one is on my blog. HA

    Aelius, I try to remember that he has his own pain, mostly that wherever he goes there he is, whereas I was able to walk away.

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  9. So brave of you! So beautiful. And I can't believe someone would say the cow remark to another human being - so wrong. And so untrue.

    I'm not sure I could do these, but I say that now. Someday? Might put it on my "stuff that scares me but I should really do" list...oh wait, I don't have one of those! That sounds like something to start doesn't it? Something to blog about maybe too!

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  10. Thanks, Beth - a scared to but doing it anyway blog or post series would be great - would love to follow as you spread your wings. :)

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  11. Awesome photo! Sexy and elegant. It is inspirational that you went ahead and had the photos done despite the negative spouse. Thrilled to hear you moved on from him!

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  12. I would love to take a boudouir photo but I would definitely have to lose some poundage and at least find a REALLY good bra - me in that pose would turn into boobTV! So glad you ignored the negative input about the shoot and went for it anyway!

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  13. Thanks, @GiddySap & NayLahKnee - I think there's a lesson somewhere in there about not letting someone else's chains bind us ...

    BTW, NayLah, the photographer TOTALLY worked with me to hide my trouble spots (very scarred/flabby stomach) - if it's something that inspires you, I highly recommend. :)

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