Self-love, connection, freedom.
Self-love, connection, freedom.
In 2016 I was going through a very heavy inner process, in which I was getting to know myself again so that I could finally begin to accept myself as I was. Two years earlier I already had the idea of doing photos, because “daring to” appealed to me, but first I absolutely HAD to go through that process… Let me explain why.
When I met Pralad, I had recently done my first session with a photographer known in the scene for his nude work, which was quite good, by the way. I was very excited; however, it wasn’t comfortable. I could tell he felt uncomfortable having to photograph a belly full of post-pregnancy stretch marks, or a figure or face that didn’t fit the profile of his Instagram account. He wasn’t unkind, but there was never a connection, which I consider important in order, at least for me, to relax and flow. Even though some lovely photos came out of it, he never posted any, maybe for the reasons I mentioned.
A few days later Pralad and I headed to our first session, on Cerro San Cristóbal. Autumn was just beginning. I was very nervous because of the expectations vs. reality of my first experience, and because it had made me “take a step back” in the love and acceptance I was starting to feel for my body. But being able to do this, and feel good doing it, was so important to me that I couldn’t give up at the first try.
We walked and talked a lot, and I immediately noticed his humility and good vibes, which put me in a deep state of trust and relaxation.
When we started, I could feel the connection of my skin with the earth; despite the fear I was able to root myself in it, in the leaves, rocks and trees. I felt myself melting a little and at the same time forgetting this “imperfect body” amid so much magic and beauty.
And as I saw the images on the camera, a very low-key one, by the way, it became clearer and clearer that I was in the hands of a great professional. And a great person, for that matter.
Although it isn’t my favorite, I remember that session very fondly, for the change it created in me, for the confidence I gained, and because thanks to it I realized there is so much beauty in imperfection. The images came out beautiful; each one conveyed that unique connection and surrender I was telling you about.
After that we kept making photographs, of all kinds and in so many places, and they always captivate me as if it were the first time. From the time I lay naked on a tree, to when I got inside my bookcase, when we played with slides, or when other women and I got into the freezing water at the Quebrada de Macul. Connection level WOW! That was a great session too.
Anyway, the moments are endless and the sensations experienced in each photograph indescribable. Without a doubt it’s an experience I hope every woman can live someday: to shed every fear and insecurity and surrender to the camera’s lens, to the artist’s eye.
Always grateful for every experience,