Kelly // Embodied

em.bod.y

1. be an expression of or give a tangible or visible form to (an idea, quality, or feeling).

2. include or contain (something) as a constituent part.

To be embodied is a connection to self. It’s permission to exist and lean into the fullness of you. These sessions are done with no makeup and edited in black and white. In an Embodied Session, clients are encouraged to wear what they feel good in and sometimes they choose to be nude for their session. This is part of the healing. Movement, stillness, laughter and tears.. this session will capture you in raw form.

Name: Kelly (she/her)

What made you book a session? After decades of consideration, I decided to undergo a bilateral breast reduction in early 2021. As my surgery date drew near I spent a great deal of time processing the upcoming change to my body. I soon realized that I wanted to document my body in its natural state one last time before the reduction. I felt a great deal of gratitude for my body and wanted a way to remember it honestly and lovingly for years to come. Having followed Sarah's work for a while, I knew that her studio would be the best fit for this project.

How did you feel before your session? I had a lot of feelings leading up to my session! I felt excited for the session itself, a little nervous about being photographed without clothes and makeup, anxious to see how the photos turned out, but mostly happy to have this time to show my body some love.

How did you feel during your session?

I felt very at ease during my session. We took a little time to chat and ease into things. Sarah did a great job encouraging me throughout the process - she played fun music and encouraged me with compliments of "yes ma'am!" and "love that!" as she helped me pose. Sarah shared what was being captured through her lens along the way, which helped me feel empowered and excited. I loved being able to see the finished photos only an hour or so after the end of the session.

How did you feel after your session? I left my session feeling generally like a badass! I took some time at home afterward to move my body gently and to honor whatever feelings or sensations arose. It was great to leave the session with a finished product in my inbox.

How did your relationship with your body change after your session? My body has been through a lot since my session and I'm still navigating those changes as they pertain to my relationship with my physical self. I am so, so glad that I had my session prior to my breast reduction. It helped me process the grief associated with modifying a part of my body. I went into surgery with no questions about if I was making the right choice for my body and well being. I'm looking forward to continuing to maintain the relationship with my body as it evolves over time and am so grateful to have the photos from this session to look back on.

Do you plan to book another session? Yes! I will book another session after my body has more fully healed from surgery. I'm looking forward to seeing how my scars appear through Sarah's lens.

What words of wisdom would you give others thinking of booking a session? Know that you are beautiful and worthy of documenting your body in all its glory. Take a deep breath and go for it!