There is a multitude of reasons to have a boudoir photoshoot, but one of the most common is often to increase your confidence. Taking the time to appreciate your body in its current state is a wonderful way to celebrate, but also reflect on what has happened and is yet to come. My job is to capture this moment in time and show you how beautiful you are to others, truly showing you how you look through someone else’s eyes.
I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with Kristina multiple times, and recently we sat down and discussed what modelling and boudoir have done for her self perception and confidence.
Kristina
BA (Honors) Marketing,
Marketing and Events Executive
When did you first start caring how you looked, and do you remember why?
I have cared about how I looked for as long as I can remember, all the way through school I was obsessed (probably to an unhealthy amount) about looking like other girls, being pretty and skinny but with curves, as I was picked on quite a lot for not having any eyebrows, being quite spotty, and being completely flat and lanky.
How has your opinion of yourself changed over the years?
My opinion of myself has changed drastically, even in the last 5 years. I used to be obsessed with looking like a Victoria secret model, doing every ab and squat workout under the sun, and didn’t like how I looked at all. I would always wear makeup, even to bed, buy hair extensions and every product I could to make myself prettier.
I used to be obsessed with the idea of getting plastic surgery and my mental health wasn’t great, I was constantly plagued with the thought of not being good enough. I started working in a club whilst at university as a hostess and that amplified all my insecurities hugely, but it also opened me up to the world of modelling and started me on my journey to becoming accepting of myself.
After graduating I came into my own and I invested a lot of time into bettering my mental health and how I saw myself. I now think that I’m an amazing, resilient, intelligent and strong person.
How has your “dream” body changed over the years?
My dream body has remained pretty similar (flat stomach, toned legs, perky boobs, think Victoria Secret Model) up until very recently. I’ve learned to accept my body shape and love each part of it for what it is, I go to the gym regularly now to be strong and confident. I still have days where I wish some parts about me were different, but that’s all part of the journey and those feelings are never overwhelming anymore.
What has or has had the biggest impact on your self-perception?
Fitness and therapy (positively). A lot of my issues with my image were internalised, and taking the leap to put my health first unlocked the door to changing my perception of myself.
Has anything you’ve personally done helped with your own body image?
Modelling has hugely helped with my self-confidence, it’s made me see that I am beautiful and helped me grow a thick skin to comments made by other people.
What have others done that has helped?
My friends have really been the main support in getting me through my hardest times and helping me see what they see. They know that I’m an independent person and have to find my own way, even if it’s the hard way, and they have never stopped supporting me.
How have you dealt with judgemental people when taking and posting boudoir shots?
I tend to ignore them hahaha. I’m very open with the fact that I model at work so that it isn’t a particularly scandalous topic, and whenever my family comment or others I let myself rise above it. Any negative judgement is only a reflection of another’s insecurities, and it’s their own journey to stop that.
What do you focus on now?
I focus a lot on my career, fitness and mental health. I also put a lot of love and time into my relationship and family and am a firm believer of you get back what you put in (in healthy environments).
Why do you choose to model?
Quite simply because I enjoy it and it makes me feel great!
What advice would you give to others?
If you want to do it, do it. Nothing is ever truly stopping you, and it’s better to live a full life with lessons that reflect on opportunities you missed.
I have extreme admiration for Kristina for being so open and honest with me and allowing me to share this, so thank you, Kristina. I hope her words help guide anyone feeling lost in their journey to find confidence and self-love. You don’t have to go through this journey alone, if you want to reach out and see what a shoot would be like, just give me an email and get in touch!
Sessions start from £25 per hour so book your shoot today!
