Trigger Warning: This post discusses cancer and mastectomy. If these topics are sensitive for you, please proceed with care.
When my client first reached out, their email was both tender and courageous. They were preparing for a double mastectomy, a step in their journey of surviving breast cancer. As they shared their story, it became clear that this session wasn’t just about photography—it was about honoring their body, mourning the changes to come, and celebrating its resilience.
We scheduled the session in their home, where they felt most comfortable. The familiarity of the space added a layer of intimacy and safety to the experience. My client said they wanted these photographs to capture their breasts not as a symbol of loss, but as a testament to the life they’d lived and the strength that lay ahead. It was a profoundly moving request.
Mourning Through Art
Facing a mastectomy is deeply personal, and my client approached the session with a mix of emotions. Mourning was an undeniable part of it. It was about acknowledging and sitting with the grief of change—the physical and emotional weight of what the surgery meant. Through the lens of the camera, we gave space to those feelings. There was no rush, no pretense—just room to honor the significance of the moment.
Celebrating Strength
But just as much as it was about mourning, this session was also a celebration. We focused on their strength, their journey, and their beauty exactly as they were in that moment. The images captured softness, strength, and resilience all at once. Instant film added a tactile, timeless quality—each photo a keepsake that felt raw and real, unfiltered by digital retouching. The results were intimate, physical mementos that my client could hold in their hands and keep as part of their story.
A Session of Privacy and Trust
Every step of the process was designed to honor my client’s privacy and trust. As with all my sessions, the photographs existed solely as physical prints. They were not digitized or stored anywhere unless explicitly requested. My client chose to have a few images scanned at the end of the session, but the rest stayed tangible and private—just as they wanted.
Why This Matters
This session wasn’t just about creating photographs; it was about offering a space to pause, reflect, and embrace the moment, however complex. It reminded me how powerful photography can be—not just as an art form, but as a tool for connection, healing, and empowerment.
For anyone considering a session like this, know that you don’t have to be perfectly composed or feel ready for the camera. The beauty of this process is capturing the realness of your story—in all its layers—and turning it into something that feels deeply, authentically yours.
If you’re navigating a similar chapter or feel called to document your journey, I’m here to create a space that’s safe, respectful, and entirely yours. Let’s capture your strength, your story, and your moment—just as you are.