Nicole Bacon Testimony
I want to start off by saying working with EFP Studios was so inspiring and empowering. I’ve never felt so comfortable in so little clothing! I’m a 35-year-old Mom and a reiki master/ teacher. I spent years going through self-destruction! I battled with anorexia, then bulimia. Later in life I struggled with infertility. Because of my view on my body and my horrible relationship with it, I struggled with addiction. Finally, after 11 losses I had my first baby, my miracle! Only 2 short years after her I lost my ability to have children. I became part of the community and watched others become empowered, and empowering others.
I went to sign up so many times but closed the link, until one day, it all lined up and I jumped in with both feet!! I was TERRIFIED. My relationship with my body was a rocky one to say the least. I needed this photoshoot to help me feel like a woman, like I matter no matter my shape, rolls and stretch marks. When I booked my session, I was so fearful about it being a waste of time or hating the way I look even more! And then I was uneasy, excited, and nervous all at the same time. After about 5 minutes of sitting with Erika I began to feel less and less nervous. During my session I felt sexy, I felt like the world stopped for me (even though it was just us) I felt silly at times because I still didn’t know what I was doing! But as we continued, I could feel the confidence building! It was easy to follow her directions! She was patient with me when I was worried about posing. I am no model! But I felt like one. When I saw my images for the first time, I felt like for the first time in my life, I saw myself through someone else’s eyes. It was me, looking at me but I could see the beauty in my natural body. I still struggled to select my photos (I was nervous about this too!) but Erika helped guide me through how to pick and gave great insight! As I went through these pictures, I become so emotional, it still makes me tear up today. For the first time in my life I BELIEVED I was beautiful. Since my session the way my perspective on my own body changed.
The effect it actually had on my confidence. It’s not a “look at me” confidence. It was more “I’m going to own my curves and scars; they make me the goddess I really am. They show me the pain I’ve been through and the person I am today because of it. I learned that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder, that saying never meant anything to me until that day. “I am how I perceive myself “. It changed my relationship with my body. It has made me realize my journey isn’t about the scars I carry; it’s how I perceive myself. That’s how others will perceive me. Loving myself isn’t selfish, it’s healthy. I have changed how I wear clothing, how I talk to others and has made me more mindful of the people around me. Having a shoot changed the way I view my body image and sexuality; I feel more comfortable with the lights on! I don’t mind changing in front of my husband, and I don’t talk down to myself anymore. This session taught me to embrace myself, to own those wounds and embrace my battles. It taught me that self-love isn’t just loving yourself on the inside but loving the body you have. When Your perspective changes, so does your Image of yourself.
I want all women to feel as stunning as I did. I want everyone to experience this feeling of empowering confidence that sears through me. I still glow when I talk about my session! Jump in! Both feet! Put this on your bucket list, at the top. Hold your breath and take the leap! I do not regret a moment, and it took me a year to book my first session. I wish I did it sooner.
-Nicole xo
