The Story Of You - Emily.

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

In a world that often celebrates the bold and outspoken, there are quiet warriors walking among us; those whose stories whisper rather than shout, but carry just as much power. Meet Emily, one such warrior, whose journey of self-discovery caught our attention not for its dramatic flair, but for its raw, honest truth.

With her petite frame and red hair, Emily has always felt different from the crowd. Like many women, her relationship with her body has been complicated by life's challenges. Two C-sections and a battle with pelvic congestion syndrome (a commonly underdiagnosed condition that mimics endometriosis) have left their physical and emotional marks.

"I've never really felt that connection to my body," Emily shares, her candor striking a chord, "or any sense of self-worth."

As a mother, Emily has poured herself into caring for others, but somewhere along the way, she lost sight of herself. Now, she's embarking on a mental health journey that's less about dramatic transformation and more about gentle reconciliation with herself. In her own words, she's not seeking an "unrealistic" overnight change, she's looking for something far more profound: the ability to see her reflection as a friend rather than an enemy.

This photoshoot represents Emily's first step into professional photography, a brave departure from her comfort zone. For someone who describes herself as naturally shy and quiet, stepping in front of our lens is more than just a photo session it's an act of courage.

"I'd like to see a change enough to see my face as a friend, not the enemy it's become," she explains, articulating a sentiment that resonates with so many of our clients.

What makes Emily's story particularly powerful is how it challenges conventional narratives. In her quiet, quirky way, she represents countless women who don't see themselves represented in mainstream media, those who feel their hair "doesn't curl right," or who consider themselves too "ordinary" to be celebrated.

But here's the truth we know at Crooked Images: there is no such thing as ordinary. Every nervous smile, every scar, every moment of vulnerability are the elements that make each woman's story uniquely beautiful. Emily's journey of mental health and self-discovery isn't just about getting photos taken; it's about reclaiming her narrative, one frame at a time.

In choosing to share her story, Emily reminds us that sometimes the bravest acts aren't loud declarations but quiet steps toward self-acceptance. And that's exactly why her story matters  because in celebrating the quiet warriors, we celebrate the extraordinary courage found in ordinary moments.