CHANGING THE 'VISUAL NARRATIVE' OF WOMEN'S BODIES
A boudoir photography blog is certainly no place to discuss any form of political topics. In the wake of a turbulent election, I do have some apprehension about what will become of our culture as it relates to women. And since most of my clientele ARE women, I suppose this election absolutely has a fundamental and profound impact to my business. Because, I am who I serve.
This election year got me thinking about how women are viewed in our culture…
Some of the gains we’ve made over the past few years…
Where we have fallen behind…
How some recent developments may affect us as women, culturally…
I recall that during an interview about two years ago, I was asked the following question:
How do you address the role of boudoir photography and the nature of it during the #MeToo Movement?
I think my answer astounded the interviewer a bit. And it may surprise those randomly reading this post, too. The boudoir photography experience I offer and display is actually the opposite of objectification.
And, I am here to say it:
THE BOUDOIR PHOTO EXPERIENCE IS NOT ABOUT SEXUALITY.
IT IS ABOUT THE EMPOWERMENT OF CHOICE AND FEMININE SPIRIT.
-Cate Scaglione
Naturally, you can see how themes of women’s empowerment and choice come top of mind during an election era. Women continue to be sexualized in the workplace, in the media, and hell — even in politics. But the difference between sexualized and “sensualized” is VASTLY different. Sexualizing is done through objectification —without our permission.
But NO ONE can SENSUALIZE us. They don’t own it, they and are not privy to it. THIS IS OUR POWER. There’s no greater force in the universe than what is contained in the trove of a woman’s sensuality.
It is something we can ONLY give another by CHOICE. And really, that is what boudoir photography is. OUR CHOICE.
That is why I shoot women on THEIR terms. My photo experiences with them are about how THEY feel powerful and beautiful — which in turn, shows THEIR essence. These photo sessions are not about what makes them desirable to another. But rather, what makes them FEEL DESIRABLE. This is why so many clients tell me they see a noticeable “power” in my work, but they cannot quite pinpoint what it is. IT’S THEM. And that kind of sensuality is one of the most powerful forces in the universe.
But I think, rather than discuss the politics of it all, it is better to demonstrate positive female culture through REAL LIFE women. I think there’s one client in particular, who is the pinnacle of my philosophy here. Her name is Dr. Felicia Stoler.
Normally, I do not mention my clients by name. But by her own philosophy, this is a women who embraces the nature of what I am trying to do in my work. And she is not afraid to share it loud and proud, either.
As a woman aged 50+, she is a picture of beauty and health. She shows us what we are capable of being over a certain age; and to rethink what that means. This is born both from her spirit and profession. In sharing her boudoir imagery so boldly without limits, she has shown many other women of all stages of life that we DO NOT NEED permission to celebrate the art that is our femininity.
In that sense, she is one of the greatest ambassadors of my studio.
Felicia demonstrates through her session with me that she is not a one-dimensional aspect of our sexuality, but instead a celebration of the multi-dimensional facets of womanhood… Health, Fitness, Motherhood, Vitality, Age, Self-Love, Empowerment and yes in fact….Sensuality.
In her own words, Dr. Stoler shares her approach to the photo shoot:
“For me, the shoot was about documenting how I looked at 53.5. Not only do I work in preventative health, but I feel damn good at my age. I'd argue 3.5 yrs since I've had my last period - I'm in the best shape of my life. Not just on the outside, but on the inside. Age is a number, but I believe in taking care of this vessel. COVID has created a world of fear and uncertainty. I decided that I was just going to have to live each day to its fullest - albeit safely - and with no regrets. It has embodied my existence - nature, nurturing my body, my spirit, my mind, my heart. I want to show all the younger people who think life after 50 is downhill, that it really is far from that.
I chose Cate because she is just amazing. I had seen her work... always wanted to sign up, but never made myself a priority for the cost. Honestly... as a divorced, single mom with kids in college... doing something like this just not in my budget (it is still not).
That being said, after I put on the minimal amount of fabric that I wore for the first "outfit", laced up my heels and carefully walked down the stairs to the photography area - I literally held my breath when I looked at my whole body in the huge mirror. Since the gyms were closed, I have not really seen myself in the mirror at the yoga studio - but that was not the same. I just loved everything I saw - my tan, toned body... never had any cosmetic procedures. I was strong, inside and out. Cate and I had so much fun because of all the yoga... I was flexible... could hold a "pose"... and because I have been accustomed to being photographed and videotaped - had no issue with staring right into the camera lens... whatever she suggested doing... I did... and then some. It was the most empowering, therapeutic experience - even for someone with confidence and great self-esteem.
How did she feel so comfortable being naked, being in front of the camera, just being? As a TV personality and public figure in the health industry for many years, I expected she would be comfortable being photographed. But I’ll tell you — boudoir is DIFFERENT. You are exposing some emotionally vulnerable parts of yourself just by its nature. During our session, I asked Felicia how she became this way. She was so comfortable. Here’s what she had to say:
“I think about how many times, as a young girl, I was too embarrassed and shy about my body... we remember that - the girls' locker room, camp, college... . Now, way more comfortable in my skin... at 40 I had arrived at a strong level of comfort with myself. After 50, I care less about the small stuff. We've all lost people who were close to our hearts... and how many times have I had my heart broken? Way too fucking many.
This year I watched a few sets of swan families in the Shrewsbury River. I actually identified so much... with the "ugly ducklings" and watched them grow each week, knowing they would become this regal, beautiful, eloquent swan... I am grateful that I have aged gracefully... and know that I am just as attractive and beautiful on the outside as I am on the inside.
I actually booked the session back in March as a birthday gift for a man I had been having a relationship with for 4.5 yrs. A pretty visual person, who always seemed to have an appreciation for care I took of my body. Needless to say, by the time the shoot & reveal came around, things were on the decline for the umpteenth time - I made the day about ME.
So the man I thought would love and savor these photos won't get to see them...but the person who really needed to see them is ME.
All women have some level of dysmorphia... we see photos of ourselves. I don't own a full-length mirror in my home. This session gave me a view of my body I had never seen before.”
As a public figure, I wondered how Felicia felt about being so publicly displayed in her photos to such a wide and varied audience.
“I received so much support and positive commentary about sharing my images. Not because it is self-validating, but because it inspired other women (and men) to take a second glance at themselves at their age, their body type, their current emotional state, and give themselves permission to do this. I even received praise from my Rabbi, who found the images both artistic and empowering for women. Through these images, I was even able to inspire some amazing women in the Jewish Orthodox community to explore this kind of art for themselves. They are an often misunderstood community of women, but ones who can also be very in touch with their own intimacy through art. I received messages from MEN — but not in the way you’d think. It was men asking questions, wanting their wives to do this, or asking questions about the process. It was a positive experience, and I wouldn’t change a thing. And, I will continue to share as long as I can inspire people.”
I learn something new with every client I meet. But working with Felicia, I think it went to a whole different level. I think she learned a few new things too. But what I feel together, we have both been able to demonstrate is our ability to CHOOSE our SELF as women…
Choosing to live life to the fullest,
Choosing health for vitality over vanity
Choosing happiness, (regardless of financial, relationship, or career status)
Choosing to give yourself the permission to DO and BE, without fear of judgement
Choosing to celebrate the body exactly as it is, and for the ways it serves you (we are yogis, after all)
Choosing sensuality as a celebration for YOU and NO one else.
I hope that you will choose a journey like this for yourself. And if you are ready, I am here for you! Click here to inquire so I can be in touch with you!
xoxoxo,
CATE
READY TO BOOK A SESSION NOW? CONTACT CATE VIA TEXT 732.676.3700 OR CLICK HERE TO EMAIL.
