I had pictures in my head. I needed a model. I wouldn’t dare to ask someone to be naked in front of my camera. I finally had to ask. I am glad I did.
Here is why.
First, I discovered that somehow, our western culture, media, and perhaps religion, has been making us all believe that nudity is all about sexuality. It is a hard step to ask someone to pose naked for me, because the last thing I want, is to be another one of those asholes, objectifying women and pretending they don’t. All in the name of art.
That was my own internal battle.
Second, most of the models listed up for my request turned out to be women in their 30s and all the way up to their 50s, all mothers . I was taken by surprise by this! I would never have guessed.
Here is what I have learned:
they are so, so tired of looking at themselves in the mirror and expect to see a different body than the one they were given.
They are tired of measuring themselves by what society and media dictates as the “healthy & beautiful” body. They have had enough.
They want someone to look at them and introduce them to a different way of evaluate and appreciate their own bodies.
They want to feel beautiful but mostly, they long to feel comfortable with and in their bodies.
They want to make peace with it. They want to make peace with themselves. It’s not even about empowerment. It’s really about making peace.
This, from my perspective, as a photographer made me realize I had not only the possibility to finally show how I really feel about human beauty, it also gave me a responsibility.
I need to acknowledge these women and their view in the matter. I need to try in making their voices heard. I need to take this a step farther.
That is how the “In peace” project was born. Just this morning, as a matter of fact.
We need to make peace with our bodys. We really do. I am so thankful for all the mails these women sent me! So thankful that they trust me with their fears and frustrations. Thankful for the gift of being asked to make a difference. Thank you! You are amazing!
Here is my first ever photography session for “In peace” . She is 30 and a mother of 2. Nakedness has been struggling part of her life.
Mirrors lie. They really do. In fact, that’s all they do.
anita bergström
Jättefina bilder breathtaking faktiskt...
Petra Sundberg
Beautiful - both your thoughts and words and of course the pictures. <3
Hélena Parmér
Helt fantastiskt vackert! Något av det vackraste nakenstudie jag har sett. Bilder som både du och modellen ska vara supernöjda över. Hélena
Therese Nilsson
Beatiful images... and peaceful. <3
Fotograf MissJeni
Vackert. Så himla vackert.
Anders Sporring
Vackert. Andlöst. Lite lätt breathtaking.
Therese Winberg
So peaceful. So beautiful. So Sonia. (!)
Therese
Åh... Så underbara bilder & ord!!
Ellen Kraft
Underbart! Fantastiska bilder! Magiskt ljus och vilken kropp! En dröm alltihop!
Karin Lindén
Beautiful project!
Jesper Anhede
Lovely Sonia! Grym modell!
Lena
Känner en sån frid när jag tittar på bilderna. Bugar och beundrar. vackert!