We shot this in between the lockdowns when most of us were feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and just not our own selves. After 6 months of school at home and running around taking care of everyone, it may be hard to feel on the top of the world. But I am so proud of Sophie for taking it all in stride, embracing, growing and expanding as a beautiful human that she is. Not only that, but also holding the space for others.

This level of vulnerability can feel overwhelming and baring, but it can also be empowering.

“Daring greatly is not about winning or losing. In a world where scarcity and shame dominate and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive. Uncomfortable. It’s even a little dangerous at times. And, without question, putting ourselves out there means there’s a far greater risk of feeling hurt. But as I look back at my own life and what Daring Greatly has meant to me, I can honestly say that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous  and hurtful as believing that I’m standing on the outside of my life looking in and wondering what it would be like if I had the courage to show up and let myself be seen.”

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown.

We hear a lot about self-love being prerequisite to loving others, and it can be so much easier to love others and accept their quirks than to practice self-love around what we may see as our deep flaws. But anyone practicing self-love will tell you how much it deepens the relationship with others and how much courage it gives to show up.

Another aspect we rarely consider with sensual women portraits is that our perception of ourselves vary greatly from that of other people. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying witnessing the most amazing discoveries women have about themselves following their boudoir photography sessions and really value the trust put it me. 

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xx

Yana Klein is a Melbourne based lifestyle and portrait photographer with love for natural light and women portraits.