Hannah's story
"I had never thought of doing a photoshoot of any kind - the closest I've ever been to professional photography was my wedding day back in 2017. I have always struggled with acne and the year before my wedding I started a skin blog on my Instagram to document my attempt to "get clear skin". But as the months drew closer to the 'big day' I realised that my husband wasn't marrying me because of my skin; and having acne didn't change why I was marrying him either.
From 2017 I was just living life barefaced - no makeup on a daily basis and riding the acne waves (whenever they happened). I hadn't posted on my skin blog for a while and then the White Sheet Shoot popped up. I thought it was the perfect time to celebrate the skin journey I'd went on, and still was, with accepting my skin - spots, scars and everything in between."
"The studio called me to book in for a session and was super accommodating, and enthusiastic about the whole appointment going ahead, which in turn made me excited and not nervous in any way!
When I arrived the photographer brought me up to the studio space and explained what kind of shots would be taken. Some of the previous shoots I'd seen online showed the women with styled hair and full face of makeup. But for me that wasn't the vibe I wanted to go for. I said "I want this to look like I've just woken up." And they really achieved tet style I wanted given my input!
I got undressed in the little changing room and was given a white sheet to wrap around me. I was covered and exposed only parts I wanted to and if there was any position change, I was given privacy until I'd manoeuvred the sheet so I was recovered and comfortable to go ahead with the next shot. The flow of the appointment was so easy, trying different poses or lighting effects."
After the session I felt amazing.
"I kept thinking the whole way home, 'Did I actually just do that!?'. The whole week wait until I got to see the shots was the longest week ever! But the viewing session with Tara was amazing (and sometimes mortifying because they take up the giant TV screen). But Tara helped me go through all the photos, scrutinising and, reluctantly, I had to be cut-throat with choosing the final photos. I couldn't believe how well they turned out and was glad of Tara's opinion on ones she preferred too. I smiled and laughed through the entire viewing!"
Is that actually me?
"I got my chosen photos in a mobile link within a few days and was so excited to share them with my husband, work colleagues and post them on my social media. I kept looking at the photos and thinking "Is that actually me??" and the simple answer was YES! It was the perfect time to restart my skin blog and show people how comfortable you should feel in your skin in the most simplest form."
No regrets.
"I loved the whole experience and there has been nothing but positivity having done it! If you're thinking of doing this type of shoot - do not hesitate to get booked in! They are a great team to work with from start to finish. If you had told me that I would pose with no makeup for a professional shoot I would never have believed you, but I did and there were no regrets!
Thank you to The White Sheet Shoot for allowing me to fall in love with myself."