Why women feel the need to share half naked photos

One of my guy friends asked me why women want to share their boudoir photos publicly. He said he understands the part about how it builds confidence to go through a shoot, but why share them?

He had good intentions and I think it was a fair question.

It got me thinking that a lot of folks probably have this same thought. Are we doing it purely for attention? My first answer to that question would be, who the f*ck cares if we are? It feels good to receive attention and I shouldn’t have to explain any further. However, that’s a little aggressive and after giving it some more thought, here’s what I came up with:

As women, our bodies have been subjected to scrutiny externally and by ourselves. Little comments and teasing over the years add up, resulting in unhealthy complexes. I have so many memories of comments by FAMILY members regarding my body. At the time I didn’t realize how much they impacted me, but the fact that I still think about and remember them speaks volumes. Every woman you know has gone through this, some MUCH worse than others.

During and after your boudoir shoot, somehow we are able to chip away bits of the unhealthy thinking around our bodies. Even before you see your images, the vulnerability and liberation you allow yourself creates a change within you. Sounds cheesy, but it’s true. Seeing the finished product is another experience in itself. I’ve literally had women bawling in happy disbelief at my studio while looking at themselves. It’s the first time they’ve allowed themselves to see what they look like through someone else’s lens.

Okay I get it, but why share them publicly?

I’ve never had to come out of the closet, but I can imagine it’s a comparable feeling (gay friends, tell me to delete this if this is not okay). Finally being able to say, THIS IS ME AND I’M OKAY WITH IT, EVEN PROUD! Finally feeling at peace with something you may have previously associated with shame. I can’t think of anything more liberating.

Social media is weird. Among the perfect squares you sometimes catch a glimpse of vulnerability and I love that about our generation. Talking about mental health and body positivity is becoming the norm. Hell yeah.

Anyways, that’s what I came up with. Feel free to comment if you have something nice to say. 😜

—Bri

P.s. This is another comment I’ve heard and felt the need to address: “It seems like women get mad when guys comment on how hot they are, etc.” GUYS, there’s a very easy line to distinguish between telling someone they look good/appreciating a body, and making a vulgar comment. I mean…come on.

If you’re on the fence about booking a shoot for yourself, I’m happy to help ease your fears! Reach out here and I’ll be in touch soon.