I love for my clients to write guest posts. They share with me what womanhood means to them and ultimately, I may ask for them to “put it in writing” so that I can share it with the world. One thing that I’ve learned in this business is that women need each other. Although we haven’t been through the exact same struggles, we all desire to be seen and heard. For our strength to be recognized and our softness to be celebrated. That’s what boudoir photography, this intimate portrait experience, is all about. Here’s a take on womanhood from one of my gorgeous clients:

“Honoring my womanhood is an important aspect of my self-care. It involves recognizing and valuing the unique qualities, experiences, and strengths that come with being a woman.

This involves embracing my femininity in new ways. It may involve finding my own way of expressing my womanhood. My boudoir shoot was one way of doing that even though all my friends said it wouldn’t be classy or “what would my mother think?” I have to do what feels right and authentic and true to me.

Honoring my womanhood also means recognizing and acknowledging the struggles and challenges women face, both historically and present day. This includes acknowledging and working to dismantle systems of oppression and inequality that have held women back, such as patriarchy, racism, and sexism.

It’s important to remember that womanhood is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Every woman’s experience is unique and should be respected. When we start acknowledging and honoring the diversity within the female experience, including differences in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age and ability, we’ll all be much better for it. We can raise girls who turn into woman who do not feel stifled by who they think they should be.

Ultimately, honoring my womanhood means embracing and loving myself for who I am, and standing up for my beliefs and values. Women as sexy af and we deserve the right to say that about ourselves without shame instead of waiting for someone else to say it in an objectifying way.

Thank you, Veronica for being steadfast about recognizing and celebrating the power and strength that comes with being a woman. Thank you helping me to celebrate me.”