This past July I had the amazing pleasure to hang out in Salem, MA with my husby and a gaggle of bad ass boudoir bosses! I have always wanted to go see the historical Salem witchiness and it just so happened that the two babes who offered to host me, Caroline and Christen (who both had studios in the same building) were in the same area! Plus, this way I wasn’t responsible for navigating through the city of Boston. Despite the heat, this was one of my favorite travel destinations and I will definitely be back. I think the highlight for me was the fact that it was such a kitschy area with all the witchy vibes, but also everyone is so freakin’ nice!
As for the everyBODIES Boston workshop, it was amaaaaazing! Both Caroline & Christen upped their air conditioning for us which was definitely appreciated, but to be surrounded by so many boudy photogs wanting to take their work further, have a deeper impact on their clients, and challenge a lot of their own belief systems rooted in diet culture, WAS AMAZING. This was the first time I taught this particular style of workshop where there was 50% Body Image Bootcamp and 50% photography and I really think this is my sweet spot as an educator. I don’t think we as photographers realize how much our own shit gets in the way of us creating for our clients, so I am happy that I was able to help all of these amazing attendees break through some personal barriers.
The first day that we were there, we spent the majority of the time going through body image and psychology and all that good stuff, but we capped the day of photographing each other. I truly believe it’s so important for photographers to get vulnerable and put themselves out there just as we ask our clients to do, so this was their opportunity! Everyone did swimmingly! Some of them even participated in the RAW project, which is no hair styling, no makeup, no photoshop - a “come as you are” kinda photo experience! You can check those out below!
The following day was the photography portion where we had 3 glorious models (Keira, Constance, and Yaznil) who gave us their best! Keira is a big advocate for body positivity and came all the way from Florida to model for the workshop - and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better! She was incredible, charming, brilliant in front of and behind the camera, and spicy af. I can’t wait to work with her again!! (hint hint: florida 2020)
In any case, everyone was incredible, amazing, honest, vulnerable, beautiful, and the images they captured through the workshop are stunning. Take a peek below for some of my images: both behind the scenes and of the models! If you are interested in attending a future workshop with me, feel free to sign up for my photographer specific email list!
Behind the scenes of me teaching courtesy of Mitzie Gibson
