The “skinny myth”
The Pressure of "Being Skinny" and the New Year’s Weight Loss Goals: A Boudoir Photographer’s Perspective
As we approach the new year, the age-old conversation around weight loss begins to surface. It’s hard to scroll through social media without encountering the latest diet trends, fitness routines, or "New Year, New Me" mantras. For many women—especially those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s—these pressures can feel even more intense. The desire to shed a few pounds or to “get back in shape” is not only about health, but about meeting certain societal expectations. But as a boudoir photographer, I want to take a moment to share a perspective that’s often missing from these discussions: the beauty of who you are right now, regardless of the number on the scale.
The Skinny Myth
The notion that we need to be “skinny” to be worthy or beautiful is insane. For one, and it’s been reinforced through years of media, advertising, and sometimes, even by well-meaning friends and family. For middle-aged women, this pressure can feel even more overwhelming. As we age, our bodies naturally change, and that’s not just a physical transformation—it can also affect our emotional well-being. The wrinkle here is that many of us are often told that our value diminishes as we move further from that youthful, lean physique society adores.
But let me tell you this from behind the camera: There is no such thing as the perfect body. There’s only your body, and it is magnificent as it is.
Boudoir Photography and Self-Acceptance
One of the reasons boudoir photography has become such an empowering tool is that it allows women to reconnect with their own beauty—on their own terms. I’ve had the privilege of photographing women from all walks of life, and I’ve seen firsthand the transformative effect it has on them. Many come in with fears about their bodies: worried about stretch marks, cellulite, or how they’ve changed over the years. But what they often leave with is a newfound confidence, an appreciation for their curves, their strength, and their story.
The camera doesn’t lie, but it also doesn’t judge. It simply captures you as you are, right now. And what I see, time and time again, is incredible beauty in women who may not fit a traditional standard of “skinny,” but who radiate strength, sensuality, and self-assurance.
The Trap of New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions around weight loss often come with the assumption that we need to change to be worthy of love, happiness, or success. But here’s the truth: You don’t need to change anything about yourself to deserve joy, to be beautiful, or to feel empowered. You are enough as you are. And while setting health goals for the new year is a positive and empowering choice, it shouldn’t come from a place of self-criticism or comparison.
Instead of focusing solely on weight loss, why not set resolutions that nurture your mind, soul, and confidence? Maybe it’s treating yourself to a boudoir session, getting back into a hobby you love, or simply learning to speak to yourself with the same kindness you offer others. Let 2025 be about embracing the woman you’ve become, not the one you feel pressured to be.
A New Kind of Resolution
This year, let’s resolve to love ourselves exactly as we are. To recognize that beauty doesn’t have a size, a number, or a timeline. The love we give to our bodies doesn’t need to be conditional on fitting into someone else’s idea of perfect. Boudoir photography can be a powerful way to celebrate yourself and remind you that your worth doesn’t need to be measured by a scale. Let the new year be about self-love, self-acceptance, and embracing every inch of who you are.
If you're ready to capture the stunning woman you are—today, right now—let’s make this year about you. No changes needed. Just you, as you are, shining brightly.
