Unapologetically You: A Raw & Powerful Photo Shoot Normalizing Life with a Stoma

Let’s just say it: this world doesn’t make it easy for people—especially women—to feel worthy in a body that’s been through hell.

This photo session was part of my “Unapologetically You” project, and it featured a client who’s not only a survivor—she’s a f*cking warrior. She came to me wanting to memorialize a chapter in her life that was painful, raw, and real: after what was supposed to be a routine surgery went catastrophically wrong, she ended up undergoing five more surgeries and now lives with a temporary ileostomy bag. She wants to normalize living with a stoma.

She wanted to show that despite the scars, the sagging skin from extreme weight loss, and the trauma of almost dying—she is still here. Still beautiful. Still sensual. Still a woman who deserves to be photographed, seen, and celebrated.

And let me tell you—she brought it.

Capturing the Full Range of Human Emotion

Before we picked up the camera, we talked. A lot. About what it means to live with a stoma. About stigma. About how often women are told their beauty has an expiration date, especially after 40. About the weight of grief, and the fire of resilience.

We started her session in black and white, gritty light, photographing her in workout clothes while lifting weights and stretching with a resistance band. This wasn’t just about fitness—it was about taking up space, reclaiming her strength, and showing the world she’s still in motion, still living.

Then, she stripped away everything—literally and emotionally. She posed nude, one arm across her chest, the other across her lower body, and let herself feel it all: the anguish, the fear, the power, the goddamn grit it takes to survive and still say, “I’m here. I matter.”

Afterward, she got her hair and makeup done. We photographed her reading a book in everyday clothes—doing ordinary, human things that should never feel extraordinary but sometimes do after trauma. We ended in lingerie. She leaned into her sensuality, fully present in her body. It was f*cking powerful.

A Safe Space for Hard Emotions: normalizing life with a stoma

As someone with a background in social work, I hold emotional space differently. This isn’t just about poses and lighting (though yes, I used strobe lighting to add that raw, cinematic edge). It’s about being present with people when their truth surfaces—no matter how messy or beautiful it looks.

This was our third session together. But this one? It meant something deeper.

Here’s what she had to say in her own words:

“Once I got past the fear of my ostomy bag being an issue… I realized I am the same me. This bag saved my life. Sexy, beautiful, and confident is a state of mind.”

“When I saw the raw, makeup-free photos… they took my breath away. They show the struggle, the determination, and the power that every woman possesses.”

“I am not broken. My body—and what happened to it—is only part of my story.”

And maybe my favorite:

“You are never too old. Stefanie has this magical way of making you feel comfortable and confident—and she can help you find your inner goddess.”

For Every Woman Who Thinks She’s “Too Much” or “Not Enough”

If you’re reading this from Massachusetts or Rhode Island and you’ve ever told yourself you’re “too old,” “too broken,” “too scared” to be photographed… this is your sign. Whether you have a stoma, scars, stretch marks, or stories that still hurt to say out loud, you are worthy of being seen.

You don’t have to pose naked. You don’t have to wear lingerie. You just have to show up for you.

Because as this incredible client put it:

“Being unapologetically me means I’ve made peace with my age, my scars, my stretch marks, and the voice that says no one wants to see me. This is me—perfectly imperfect.”

Ready to Show Up for Yourself?

My Unapologetically You project is ongoing—and it’s open to every woman who’s ready to say “f*ck it” to the rules about how we should look or act or age. If you’re ready to be seen and celebrated exactly as you are, I’m ready to create space for you.

Explore the Unapologetically You Project → Learn More

Contact Me to Book Your Session → Book Now

Living with a Stoma? You’re Not Alone.

If you’re navigating life with a stoma, please hear this: you’re not broken, you’re not alone, and you’re still worthy of being seen. Let’s normalize life with a stoma.

Here are a few legit resources to help you feel supported, understood, and empowered:

• UOAA – United Ostomy Associations of America: National nonprofit with local + virtual support groups and tons of helpful info.
• Ostomy 101: Real talk, product tips, and video guides to help you live confidently.
• Girls With Guts: A badass community for women with IBD and ostomies.
• WOCN Nurse Finder: Find certified nurses who specialize in ostomy care.
• me+ by ConvaTec: Free tools, personal stories, and support for daily life with a stoma.
• Facebook Support Group: Private space to connect with others who get it.

Bookmark this. Share it. Save it for when you need a reminder: you’re still whole.