How My Cancer Diagnosis Led Me to Boudoir Photography
"For a future where everyone with breast cancer lives we will wear it pink"
Cancer and Body Image…
Something that a lot of people may not realise is that a lot of ladies who come to us have experience with Cancer. In fact, although it may not be obvious, a lot of women are motivated to come to us because of their experience with cancer.
And they’re are different reasons for that too. Sometimes their boudoir photoshoot celebrates the fact that they’ve been given the all clear, and sometimes it’s because they feel in need of some self-care and a self-esteem boost after losing the love towards their body. Whatever the purpose, there’s not much we love more than delivering some much needed pampering and support.
Two of our past clients, Kay and Melanie, explain the part that boudoir shoot played in their experiences with the disease.
Kay
What motivated you to book a boudoir photo shoot?
A friend asked me if I would do it if she did and I didn't hesitate. I was diagnosed in 2015 with breast cancer and so have gone through a lot in three years - I lost my hair, gained weight, had odd sized breasts and have emotional and physical scars but since having reconstruction surgery and turning 50 this year I feel like a new woman and am living life to the full!
How did you first become aware of Divine Divas?
Via a friend who, unbeknownst to me, had been thinking about Divine Divas for 2 years!!
How long was it from when you knew about us to when you booked?
A couple of weeks.
How did you feel when you arrived at the studio?
Excited but maybe a little apprehensive.
What was the makeover like?
Amazing! The lipstick colour was to die for!
Who was your photographer? Neill, Jesse or Emilie or Vanessa?
Emilie!
How would you describe the photo-shoot?
Fun and empowering!
How did you feel when you came back for your Design Consultation?
Nervous that I would be disappointed...
How did you feel when you saw your photos?
I was absolutely gob-smacked, delighted and on cloud 9 for days after!!
Do you feel any different about yourself since having your boudoir shoot?
Hell yeah; I feel confident, beautiful and sexy
What would you say to other women considering a boudoir session?
Do it!!
Melanie
What motivated you to book a boudoir photo shoot?
I had had a really bad few years, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and consequently had a mastectomy. Whilst going through the process of reconstruction my mum passed away. 9 months later my brother dies in a motorbike crash, then the following year my dad died. I'm a pretty positive person but I did feel pretty low for a few years. After being given the all clear I decided to give my self esteem a boost.
How did you first become aware of Divine Divas?
I'd seen advertisements on Facebook and googled you to have a look.
How long was it from when you knew about us to when you booked?
It took a while. I postponed a couple of times as I was really nervous. It was probably about 6 months.
What inspired you to get in touch and book?
I just decided that I needed to give myself a treat. And I quite fancied surprising my husband.
How did you feel before the session?
So nervous. I think I had cold sweats and the shakes but I was also quite excited.
How did you feel when you arrived at the studio?
Very nervous, but as soon as I walked through the door I was made to feel at home. I had a coffee because I was driving but it was so lovely, being pampered and having my hair and make up done. Such a treat.
What was the makeover like?
Fabulous! I've never had my make up done before, it was lovely.
Who was your photographer? Neill, Jesse or Emile or Vanessa?
Neill.
What was the photo-shoot like?
It was a real buzz. Neill put me at ease, he talked me through the process and gave me ideas on what to wear. The posing was really fun. Neill kept me laughing through the whole session.
How did you feel when you came back for your Design Consultation?
Nervous, I didn't know how they would turn out.
How did you feel when you saw your photos?
So happy. They were much better than I expected. I was only going to get the single image but I loved them so much I bought lots more.
If you have your portraits already, how does it feel looking at them now?
Sexy and confident!
Do you feel any different about yourself since having your boudoir shoot?
I'm much more confident about my body!
What would you say to other women considering a boudoir session?
Go for it! It's something every woman needs to do just for herself.
These women are not alone in their experiences. Over 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK, including around 4,700 in Scotland. Wear It Pink day, and the stories of these women, highlight how crucial awareness and research is. So, let’s not forget to keep checking ourselves Divas! Find out more about the symptoms here.