BREAST BEAUTIES

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Last month I posted about a shoot with an incredible group of women. Along with the personal triumphs the ladies had on the day, getting naked and trusting me to help re-capture their femininity or in some cases feeling it for the first time, the project has also been a massive success in raising funds for The Fountain Centre in Surrey from the sale of a 2012 desk calender.

The Fountain Centre helps people living with cancer by providing support, information and a shoulder to lean on. They enable patients to make informed choices and regain control of their lives. If you would like to help and can spare £10 please click here to buy a copy of the calender; all proceeds from the sale go to the centre.

Claire Barrell, a Breast Cancer Survivor who I photographed last year before her surgery, asked me to take part in a project helping some other survivors feel a little better about themselves, as well as raising money for a good cause called The Fountain Centre. How could I say no? So, this weekend I spent Saturday at the amazing Fetcham Park in Surrey photographing a truly inspirational group of women, for a Calender Girls meets Downtown Abbey style set of shots.

Not only did we have this stunning venue at our disposal; (I think we’d all like to move in please!!) but a number of generous people donated their time and wares, from hair and make-up to vintage tea sets, ice-cream sundaes, cupcakes (yum), hair pieces and little bits of clothing to cover our ladies’ modesty.

The day was uplifting. Filled with joyful tears, lots of laughter and encouragement and many many hugs and thank you’s. I think all the ladies left with a smile on their face and pleasantly surprised at being pleased with their portrait. Most importantly to me was the fact that many had broken through personal boundaries to take a step into the unknown trusting me to shoot them. I really feel privileged to have been part of a baby step to them finding themselves again on the other side of this all too familiar disease.

Here are a few shots of the day…