5 Ways to be More Body-Positive

As women, we have endured centuries of beauty standards and societal expectations with messages about what we “should” look like and how we “should” act. In a time when we are more bombarded than ever with social media, it is amazing to see that businesses have chosen to widen the scope of what is considered to be beautiful. I’m constantly seeing models and celebrities coming out as body activists, and it’s inspiring.

But are we there yet? Are we feeling body-positive on a personal level? Are we cultivating social norms that will benefit our children in ways that will allow them to love themselves more freely?

According to Wikipedia, Body positivity is acceptance and appreciation of all human body types.[1][2] It is a social movement rooted in the belief that all human beings should have a positive body image, and be accepting of their own bodies as well as the bodies of others.[3] The movement sets forth the notion that beauty is a construct of society, and poses that this construct should not infringe upon one's ability to feel confidence or self-worth.[3]  

For me, I started to become much more accepting and loving towards my own body once I began actively looking for beauty in others. The more women I photographed, the more I was convinced that all women are beautiful and have attractive qualities, both inner and outer. I re-defined what beauty meant to me, as it was “taught” to me through media and brainwashing and years of disservice. I don’t think it’s easy to unwind or choose to see something through a different lens. I think it takes time, but I think it’s important.

Here are 5 things that have helped me and may help you be more body-positive:

1. Create your own body-positive online community. Filter your Facebook and Instagram feed to only see things that inspire and uplift you.

2. Spend time around people who are self-aware and are striving to accept and love their bodies. Remember that your inner circle affects you in huge ways! Don’t let others bring you down, and cut toxic relationships, if needed.

3. Eat healthy & workout because you love your body, not because you hate it. Ditch the scale mentality. Stop counting calories. Nourish, love and take care of your being.

4. Take time to compliment other women. Do it with authenticity. Remind yourself that recognizing beauty in someone else doesn’t negate your own beauty or self-worth.

5. Do things for yourself. Think of the things that would add value to your life, and then make them a priority.

If you want ideas on who to follow, which groups to join, or have any questions about body-positivity in general, feel free to e-mail me at rebecca@rebeccasigala.com

Hair and Makeup by Tiferet Lehrman

Home Sweet Home | New York Boudoir : Lea

Lea’s dreamy childhood home, located on the outskirts of New York city, had a perfect ambiance for the boudoir session that we had been envisioning. While I’m based in Israel, I offer destination boudoir sessions, and this past summer, I had the honor of traveling to New York for Lea and several other clients. So while I had seen pictures Lea sent me beforehand, it wasn’t anything like seeing it in person. The architecture, the plants, the windows, the colors. Every detail was exquisite. New and old were woven together beautifully in this 1960’s home, remodeled for a modern day family.

Doing her boudoir session in the place where she grew up was significant to Lea.

“I wanted to explore my femininity and a side of myself that I didn't feel comfortable expressing in the past. I grew up in a pretty male dominated and immigrant/traditional family, and I felt that it was hard to find my place.”

Boudoir sessions are often about reclaiming parts of ourselves that we feel like we have lost or never properly tapped into. It’s incredible to see the healing that often times takes place through this experience. Having an intention beforehand, like Lea did, can be extremely important.

When I asked Lea if she got anything out of the session that she didn’t expect she said, “A sense of accomplishment. Like ‘Hey I did this!’ It’s something I wanted to do for ages and never went for it cause I didn't feel like I looked right at that moment.”

On the morning of her session, we were all focused on creating something unique and artistic together. Lea’s makeup and hair was done by the talented, Marcus Santiago, and she looked absolutely incredible.

Beautiful, sensual, emotional, and expressive are words that come to mind when I think back to this day…

Makeup and hair by Marcus Santiago

Maternity Boudoir with Kale Connoisseur, Vegan Blogger-Goddess

I met Kiley, the mastermind behind the Kale Connoisseur blog, over a year ago when we had the honor of photographing her absolutely gorgeous wedding in Caesarea, Israel. The moment I looked up her Instagram account, I fell in love with her style and noticed that she had a great eye for all things beautiful. She loves to travel, to write, to take pictures and to cook delicious vegan food! It’s always inspiring when her pictures pop up in my feed, and to know she is doing that for people all around the world is even more inspiring.

The stars aligned for this maternity boudoir session to come together as it did. Kiley was 27 weeks along in her pregnancy and was headed overseas to spend time with family back in Canada. We knew that we wanted to create something special together, encapsulating this time in her life as well as help promote the healthy lifestyle that her blog and Instagram account is all about. Tiferet Lehrman, a talented Israeli makeup artist and hair stylist hopped on board, and we couldn’t have been more excited. Lastly, we found this perfectly decorated, plant and light filled flat in the Florentine neighborhood of Tel Aviv, and we let our creative minds run wild…

Kiley said, “Pregnancy has been a real eye opener for me. I’ve never felt more comfortable in my own skin, and I felt like a boudoir session would be liberating.”

“I gained a sense of calmness and strength from doing the shoot which I didn’t expect…”

I asked Kiley some questions during and after the shoot so that we could get to know her a little bit.

I love your blog so much! How would describe what you do as a blogger, and what kind of message do you want to portray to the public?

“I cook vegan food, eat vegan food, and focus on a healthy balanced lifestyle! I also try and include travels in my blogging but it mostly ends up being about food. I want to portray a balanced lifestyle and I want people to see that being vegan doesn’t mean you’re missing out on delicious food!”

What kind of diet do you adhere to? Was it always that way or did you make healthier choices within time?

“Vegan diet! I slowly became vegan. Started only eating chicken and fish, then only fish, then vegetarian, then no dairy, and eventually no eggs. It was a process that I just found was based on what worked with my body. Eggs and dairy never did well for me and meat was always something I only ate because I thought I needed to. When I learned how to be healthy without meat I was quick to give it up.”

How would you describe your lifestyle in general?

“Active. I work out everyday. That doesn’t mean I spend my life in the gym. I do something to sweat each and every day. I love hiking, yoga, swimming, walking, running, Pilates, and also group work out classes at the gym. I need to work out to feel calm and good in my body. Even if I can’t make it to the gym, just a good long walk is necessary.”

Have your healthy choices benefited your pregnancy in any way? How do you feel in general?

“Totally! I feel that keeping active during pregnancy is essential! It’s not only good for the baby but it’s good for the momma and makes it easier to bounce back after (so I hear!). I have definitely slowed down with my workouts and I really listen to my body so some days I find I’m too tired to do anything but walking usually doesn’t take much effort so I still try and push at least that or a little yoga on those days.”

I am so in awe of this gorgeous goddess. I had to ask her if she had advice for women who are newly pregnant or plan on it in the future!

Kiley said, “Listen to your body. Don’t push things that are too strenuous, take rests when you feel you need them, and keep an active/healthy lifestyle. Your body functions based on the fuel you put in and your baby’s growth and health is dependent on you! Your body should be in good health even before getting pregnant so focus on that before you even try conceiving.

Most importantly, be calm. Stress and anxiety can cause long term effects on babies. The calmer and happier you are during pregnancy, the happier baby will be. Breath and keep yourself grounded.”

If you can’t get enough (I know that I can’t), feel free to check out her Instagram page @thekaleconnoisseur or her beautiful blog, www.thekaleconnoisseur.com

Makeup and Hair by the incredibly talented Tiferet Lehrman

Helping Clients Feel Comfortable Naked | Boudoir : Lee'at

When it comes to helping my clients feel comfortable for their boudoir sessions, I should start by sharing one of my deepest values when it comes to my work. I value creating a safe space for every single woman I photograph. This means both physically and emotionally. I want women to feel like they own their boudoir space, having permission to completely be themselves and express their sexuality.

It's easier said than done, though. We all have this visual of being in a high school locker room, manipulating our clothing as we undress so that we are not fully uncovered. You can almost feel those judgmental side glances and whispers when we think of getting naked in front of someone else. I get it. It's scary.

I need to assure you that I am not judging you. One of the reasons why I am a good boudoir photographer is that I really do see the beauty in you. Call it cheesy, but it's the truth.

I'm not looking or caring about your stretch marks or your love handles that you can't stop thinking about. Those "imperfections" are things that I actually find so unique and gorgeous about the female form. As your boudoir photographer, I'm going to pose and photograph you with the most flattering angles, in the best light, and I think you're fucking beautiful no matter what. It's that simple. 

Here are some other things that I think help clients feel more comfortable and free as they go through the boudoir process with me:

1. I have a privacy policy. All boudoir sessions are 100% private and confidential unless you choose otherwise. This, of course, includes the images, but also the knowledge that you have done the session in the first place. All images that I share on my public pages, or in my private Facebook group for women are only done so with your express permission.

2. Every session includes a consultation. It's a time when I not only get to know my clients on an intimate level, and they also have the opportunity to get to know me. I know that trust is earned, not given, and every client's trust is important to me.

3. Boudoir sessions are FUN! From choosing lingerie to getting your hair and makeup done, most of the time, my job feels like I'm hanging out with my girlfriends. Generally, by the time my clients look in the mirror after preparations, they are already feeling so much more confident and excited than ever before.

Lastly, I want to mention that when hiring the makeup and hair stylists that I work with, I am careful to find sensitive professionals who really appreciate and understand the importance of boudoir photography. As fun as the session is, it isn't just thrown together. It's carefully crafted for you.

Lee'at's recent session was incredible. Having never done a boudoir session before (which is the majority of my clients), she was a bit hesitant about how comfortable she would be able to get in front of the camera. When she walked out of her session, she said, "It was definitely not as scary as I thought!"

She embodied her sexuality and confidence in a way that was inspiring to see. I truly love these photographs from that morning we shared together...

Makeup by Makeup by Shosh