Dive into these heartfelt clips and feel the depth of each personal journey they shared.
This is Heidi’s story, who faced cancer and multiple surgeries at 16 and because of it she grew up not really feeling sexy.
The photoshoot made her now confidently display her scars, gaining a newfound self-assurance in embracing her imperfections.
This is Andrea’s story. Because she is a more mature woman she never considered a photoshoot before.
Once the cameras began, her nerves vanished and when she saw her pictures, she finally realised how good she looked; feeling beautiful and empowered she feels as she found her self-worth.
This is Jeanette’s story, who battled an eating disorder which made her feel unworthy of anyone seeing her body.
From rock bottom, her confidence soared to new heights; now she’s embraced a remarkable surge of self-love thanks to the boudoir experience.
Read some of these powerful reviews and see how these photoshoots empowered them.
After experiencing the transformative power of our photoshoots, many women felt so empowered, they shared their journey with us.
Age: 35
From: Liverpool
“I had an ectopic pregnancy in January 2016; I had serious complications and needed two more major operations.
As a result, I was left in chronic pain and put on horrible, strong pain killers.
The result was that I felt bad about my appearance and I had put on weight as I couldn’t move about like I used to. I saw the online competition and thought I want to look like that!
When I won, I was over the moon! The recent years of being constantly put down, medicated and suffering with pain made this a huge boost to my fragile ego.
Managing to make the journey to Manchester was a big deal for me and the experience made me feel like I was alive again, and that I could feel confident again.
Physically being able to get through it really did frighten me, however, everyone was so kind and understanding this turned out not to be an issue. My main worry was my weight since surgery.
But the photographer understood without being condescending and helped me overcome this issue with lots of positive reassurance.
Through the whole experience I felt like a princess. The staff on reception were kind and funny and made sure I was looked after.
The photographer was brilliant – she was so tuned into her craft that she made me feel like I had been a model for years! She was creative and funny to be around and extremely keen to make sure that I was happy with every part of the shoot.”
Age: 47
From: Rochdale
“I entered a competition on Facebook not thinking for a single second that I’d ever hear anything from it! But I received a call inviting me to come in for a shoot.
Initially I said “Thank you, but no thank you” as there was no way I could ever imagine myself being brave enough to do anything like that! Something made me rethink and I said “Yes! Why not? I can do this!”.
I think most of my friends thought I’d chicken out and cancel! Even my husband said that he was surprised I actually went through with it!
The three days leading up to that day I nearly cancelled a thousand times! I had a complete fear of everything! And the “what ifs” were making me worse! “What if I look awful? What if I don’t like the makeup? What if my cellulite shows? What if I can’t stand up in my killer heels?
As I walked through the doors I was shaking, sweating and was still wondering what on earth I thought I was doing! I felt physically ill I was so nervous!
When It came to have my makeup done, I’d only had it done once before when I was maid of honour. I was really concerned about looking like I was plastered in makeup as I don’t wear a lot.
I needn’t have worried at all as the makeup artist was amazing! She asked my opinion at every stage of the process making sure I was happy with her plan to achieve the look I wanted.
Doing the shoot gave me confidence beyond my wildest dreams! I was walking on air when I left the studio and it took me a few days to come down!”
Age: 38
From: Lancaster
“Before I came for my shoot I was turning the car round before I’d even got on the road. I spoke to my best friend who asked me what I had to lose.
“My dignity” was my reply to that. She told me that if I didn’t enjoy the experience from setting foot in the studio, then I could stop the shoot and leave – it was my choice.
What did I have to gain? Proving to myself that I could do it, proving to my hubby that his perception was wrong, and maybe find a confidence boost along the way.
To anybody feeling scared, nervous or unsure about coming, please ask yourself the same questions.
I am so glad that she was on the other end of the phone that day or I would have talked myself out of it and wouldn’t be here today sharing my journey.
Having never really been into wearing makeup before, it was really good to learn the best way to apply it.
My makeup artist, was also responsible for settling me down after my traumatic, almost late entrance to the studio. It was much appreciated.
When I was introduced to my photographer, I thought oh my gosh she’s young, slim and I’m going to get down to my undies in front of her, she’ll enjoy this even less than me.
I couldn’t have been more wrong, seriously! She asked me about my favourite colours, music and features, and delivered a playlist and lighting to match, accentuating the bits of my body I didn’t really mind showing off.
By the end of the session, we even managed a tasteful topless shot to add in especially for the hubby. That is how much she put me at ease during the shoot, from terrified novice to supermodel in a couple of hours!
So don’t worry if your lingerie isn’t expensive or spectacular; mine wasn’t, and also don’t panic about taking lots of other paraphernalia with you, not everyone owns a corset, a whip or killer heels, the team at the studio will see you right, that is a promise.”
Age: 42
From: Oldham
“From the moment I booked in, I was petrified and at times I was so nervous I considered cancelling. On the day of the shoot I was very nervous and anxious. I loved the fact that you have to walk through the door that says, “I am Beautiful”.
From the moment I walked in, I felt much more relaxed as a lot of the photos that are on display are of people of a similar size to me. People are genuinely complimenting you, whether it be about your underwear being nice or whether you look sexy in a particular shot.
Instantly, I was made to feel relaxed and my photographer told me that if I was uncomfortable at any point just say and we will just forget that particular photograph.
I was really pleased as it was just me and her in the room, which reassured me a lot more. After couple of photos I was much more confident.
Walking back through the “I am Beautiful” door a couple of weeks later was extremely hard. At one point I told my husband I didn’t want to go but he was insistent that I should see the photos to make me believe I was sexy and beautiful.
When I had the slideshow played to me, I was gobsmacked and so, so proud. If there was one thing I could say to anyone reading this it’s “do it!”.
Don’t let nerves put you off. Take someone with you and just remember, as the door will tell you “You are beautiful!’”
Age: 50
From: Warrington, Cheshire
“I had a few awful years with my mum passing, I had cancer, my brother was found dead and then I had an awful accident where I shattered my elbow and had to have it rebuilt.
I was also under a huge amount of stress with a new promotion at work and felt really low. But all through this time I managed to lose six and a half stone and wanted to feel better about myself.
I read the Andrew Wood Photography reviews from other women that had shoots and they were so happy with them that I thought…what have I got to lose!?
I felt really nervous, a little sick and really excited so I was a huge bag of mixed emotions before the shoot.
The thing that frightened me the most was someone seeing me in my lingerie; I had been so overweight I didn’t bother buying nice, pretty lingerie but decided to hell with it and bought loads.
Walking through the doors for the first time was nerve-wracking; I was scared of who I would be meeting and what I would be doing.
My makeup was beautiful, when I saw myself I could have cried…but I didn’t because I didn’t want to ruin it. I never knew my eyes could look so beautiful and it was just how I liked it very vintage looking.
Time in the studio flew by I couldn’t believe how long I had been there. Everyone made me feel so relaxed that I couldn’t have been happier.
I loved the shoot and all the different poses, props and being able to wear all my new lingerie and not feel awkward or embarrassed. I was sad when it came to an end and I had to go back home.
My viewing was scheduled for a Saturday and I didn’t tell anyone in case I didn’t like how I looked, I didn’t have much confidence when I put weight on and I still couldn’t shake my lack of confidence even after I lost weight.
Kayleigh, who did my viewing, was amazing to be honest I cried when I saw the first photo I couldn’t believe that was me and how amazing I looked. I wanted to buy every single photo – I was proud as punch.
I posted them to Facebook and the response from friends and family had me feeling on cloud nine; my confidence was through the roof.
I actually met up with my brother and sister-in-law for a late lunch to show them the photos and ended up showing everyone in the restaurant.
I don’t think there was one person at the studio that didn’t make me feel amazing; from the moment you walk in ’til the minute you leave you are made to feel like the most stunningly attractive woman on the planet.
For anyone thinking of doing a shoot my advice would be DON’T THINK ABOUT IT, JUST DO IT!!
It can be scary but it will be one of the most amazing experiences of your life. You just have to take that step through the door and you won’t regret it.
I think for a lot of women it’s the initial fear of “getting semi-naked” but everyone makes you feel so comfortable and special you won’t mind wandering round in your underwear in fact you’ll feel brilliant about doing it.”
Don’t hesitate to reach out! A friendly team is at your fingertips to answer all your questions, ensuring your journey is seamless and enjoyable.
Call Us: 0161 286 3311
