There was once a documentary about a therapist in England who was starting new exploration of beneficial therapy for women with body image difficulties. She had created a whole other use of the art of photography.
It's called phototherapy.
"I always thought of myself as a humongous whale, then I saw I looked like a concentration camp victim." --Anorexia Journal
This concept has expanded through the years. Gifted photographers sometimes take special training in specific courses in order to understand how to work with a person with body image disorders. Other times therapists learn the art of photography. Either way, I think it's a wonderful concept.
Although the image above is not very flattering, very often times the photographer aims to find the woman's natural body in its truest and most beautiful state. The women are allowed to wear as little clothing as they feel comfortable doing, but the ultimate goal is to take a nude photo. Photography has the amazing ability to see ourselves for how we really look. Those that partake can range anywhere from anorexics to bulimics to overeaters to sexual abuse victims.
"I wonder what my parents will say. I haven't confronted them with the sexual abuse memories I've been having. Well a funny thing happened when I saw myself in those pictures. I saw a beautiful, sad, complicated, courageous woman. I realized the worst was really not so bad. There was nothing wrong with me. I didn't look like a Playboy centerfold but I didn't care. For the first time I had sympathy for this somewhat tragic girl staring back at me in all of her vulnerable beauty." --Incest Journal
If I knew anything about photography or owned a decent camera I would find this a wonderful way to help other women. In my past, I have had the luck of working with many gifted photographers and I have some beautiful photos of myself. What a self esteem booster! Once I got the guts to do a bikini shot, but that was a beauty photo. These photos are something different.
You can't ask just any photographer to do this. They have to be sensitive to you. They have to be able to capture your essence. Your pain. Your inner and outer beauty. And most importantly, you have to feel comfortable enough with the photographer to be naked. More often than not, the photographers/therapists are women. It can work with bra and underwear, but it's my understanding that the therapy really takes hold when you confront your naked body head on.
I find, as a normal insecure woman, some sort of comfort in these other ladies' photos. I'm so used to seeing photoshopped images, it's refreshing to see something real. It's nice to say, "Hey, I'm not that different!"
Have you ever considered doing something like this? It takes a huge amount of trust with the photographer, but I would imagine the results would be life changing. I'll admit, it would terrify me. But I wonder what I would think or feel once I saw the photos.
If that seems a bit much for you, try this at first. Work with a photographer who is gifted at making all women look beautiful in general. I generally like pin-up girl photographers. It's like a costume of sorts so that you don't feel quite so exposed. And the pin-up world (for women) is very open to all body types of women. You'll find yourself welcomed with open arms whether you're a size 00 or 22. Although it's not quite the same impact as the phototherapy nudes, it's a great start. It's one tiny step to be able to look at yourself outside of the mirror...and I think that's something we could all use.
If you try either one, let me know how it affected you. I think it's a beneficial venture.
**Phototherapy photos and quotes taken from http://photographytherapy.com/index.htm. Pin-up photo from http://www.kabloomstudios.com/blog/pretty-as-a-pin-up-vintage-style/.
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