How A Boudoir Photoshoot Positively Changed My Relationship With My Body

Editor’s note: Rascal Honey is excited to welcome our first contributor, Mayra Mejia! Her perspective and experience at her first plus size boudoir photoshoot is precisely the kind of body-positive, sex-positive narrative that we love to publish. Do you have a story you want to share? Email us at [email protected].

My favorite thing to do after school was to go online and discover fatshion bloggers and learn about body positivity. I’m still in awe of how this community continues to challenge itself and continuously evolve, and it inspired me to challenge myself and tackle more of the things that made me feel uncomfortable. I wanted to be more comfortable with having my picture taken, and stepping forward instead of always stepping back.

When I realized I had a chance to step forward and work with one of the leading voices of fat positivity and fat visibility, I practically jumped at the chance. Carina, or UnskinnyShero, is a model, burlesque performer, and professional photographer and was open for bookings the same weekend I would be in Chicago (where she’s based) on vacation.

I decided I wanted this photoshoot to truly represent me. Romantic, soft, and delicate, with a dramatic flair. I went with a sheer pink and black lingerie set from Torrid (currently unavailable), and a gorgeous Chubby Cartwheels pink vinyl bodysuit. My hair and makeup would be done at the shoot location by the lovely Laura, also known as @beautybyweetzie on Instagram. Everything was set, and the shoot day was finally here!

I walked into her home studio and instantly felt comfortable. The 3 of us talked like old friends while I was in hair and makeup, and any nervousness I felt just melted away. I was taken by surprise at the level of comfort I felt in my skin. I truly have never felt more beautiful than I did that day. It was so intensely freeing. Feeling sexy, and more importantly, ALLOWING myself to be sexy, is something that doesn’t come incredibly natural to me. I am extremely comfortable in my “cute”  distinction. But for the first time, I didn’t rely on my cuteness, and as silly as it sounds… it gave me a brand new level of confidence. Facing my fears, looking at pictures of my body unedited, under the bright lights, and LOVING what I saw? Next level.

Whether it be a sexy boudoir photo shoot (which I completely recommend Gold Frame Photography) or a fun solo selfie session in your full-length mirror at home, I want everyone to feel as worthy, sexy and confident as I did that day! What are some challenges that you managed to tackle?

Has anyone else done a boudoir photo shoot or know of great body positive/fat positive photographers? Let me know in the comments!