Your Stories - Ella G

Content Warning: These stories contain mentions of body dysmorphia, body image struggles, pregnancy loss, fertility struggles and gendered violence. If you find any of the below triggering, please find a list of helpful and free resources below:

DV/SV: 1800 RESPECT

Mental Health: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues: Butterfly Foundation 1800 ED HOPE

Ella has fought to be the one in charge of her body her whole life. She’s lived with that exhausting noise that so many women know too well. Constant comments and opinions and instructions from other people about what she should look like, what she should do, who she should be. She’s strikingly beautiful, and a powerful force against those who try to shape her into their version of what's acceptable. 

Coming into her shoot, she was excited, and really cared about how it would feel to be seen. At her viewing with Bess she was a bit nervous at first, and honestly it made so much sense when she shared that she’s done shoots before, but they hadn’t been kind, and the vibe had been creepy. That stuff leaves a mark, and it can make being photographed feel like something you have to get through rather than something you get to enjoy.

This time was different. What Ella loved most was that buzz of seeing her photographs and feeling the reaction in the room while she was choosing, that little spark of excitement and pride building as she realised she could actually enjoy this. She got to be held and supported through the process, she got to have a voice, and she got to be seen and represented exactly how she wanted, on her own terms.
Ella, thank you for trusting us with what you could share, and for letting us be part of a safer experience for you. You deserve images that feel like you, and a room that feels respectful, and a moment where being seen feels exciting again. And should anyone be so lucky to get to see you!