Yekaterina is a wonderful example of a woman who doesn't fit the mainstream media ideals ,

 but has embraced her body, her beauty, in a bold and honest and playful way.

She says: Distracting oneself from the reality of that whom you've become is a common practice. Yet, to truly see oneself is to embrace all that you have become as a person.
 
My life has been a whirlwind and I can’t remember the last time I looked in the mirror to actually see myself.

For Lily, what started as an engagement present for her fiance, became a soulful journey for herself...

"I've always secretly wanted to do this but was too shy or felt silly if it was just for myself. So getting married presented the perfect 'excuse'...

Jean and I have worked together twice. According to her, the photography explorations we've done have played a major role in her coming into herself, as a powerful, sensual woman. Recently she agreed to have lunch with me, and tell me about it's impact so that I could understand how these experiences have factored into her journey and transformation.

Recently, I set myself up for a photo shoot again. It had been about six years since I was photographed in this 'self-expressive' way - which actually inspired what is now Lolo's Boudoir - and I felt it was time. Having photographed hundreds of women, I wanted to experience what it would now be like, to be in front of the camera, and not safely hidden behind it.

My mother came to visit recently, and it was wonderful to show her more of my world and be creative together. We got messy with oil paints in my kitchen, she did figure drawings of me, and I photographed her.

Isn't she beautiful? This first one, reminds me of the way she looked in her wedding photos, some 40 years ago.

Pamela came to me with the intent of celebrating her 50th birthday. She'd never had professional, let alone, artistic photos done before, but thought this was the perfect time to celebrate who she'd become as a woman. If not now, when?

Gillian shares a great example of what self-love feels and looks like: "In Sept. I challenged myself by setting several big goals to get done by the end of last year. One of them was to drop 20 lbs of weight. It became a much bigger exploration of my sexuality and claiming every aspect of it. First, I'd set up an appointment with Lone to give myself a goal for my workouts, and as a way to see and own my body for what it looks like now.