This set of photos represents my model, Rea Hydrenga’s Czech background and a reclaiming of her own body through strength and beauty. I love capturing images when people are comfortable, confident, and feel beautiful. As well as being able to showcase a part of themselves that is important and shaped who they are today. We created a “bábuška” inspired look using my Great grandma’s vintage fur coat, a sweater from Ireland, vintage pants gifted to the model the night before, and the sweetest red headscarf. I’m excited to try and expand my style into more editorial work so I can begin to submit to more magazines and publications.

Here is a direct statement from my model: “I was proud to represent my heritage through this photoshoot by referencing the “babuška” archetype, the winter coat, the scarf, and the braids. Life is very harsh during the winter time in the Czech Republic, making celebration and light a very important thing to look forward to, as represented by the flowers, being a symbol of hope during the dark, gloomy winter. The scarf, or šatek, is a traditional piece of clothing worn by Czech women, during work or celebrations. Braids are very important in Czech culture as they represent the belief that in being alone, one is weak, but being together is what makes you stronger. With the strength of the braids, the hope of the colorful flowers, and the traditional clothes in winter, this photoshoot was able to artistically depict my ancestral heritage and represent me as a Czech woman.” “This photoshoot not only gave me the ability to be comfortable in my own skin on camera again but also gave me confidence in my own femininity. I recently had photography defiled for me due to only being seen for my body and not as the real human being I am. Women deserve to be seen and heard as the complex, emotional, intelligent creatures that they are, not seen as just their physical, temporary bodies. It is extremely important to me that no matter how a woman chooses to express herself, whether in her pure nude or fully covered form, she is seen for what she truly is. Love, care, strength, power, rage, and vulnerability, regardless of what the feeling is, will be wrapped in the form of flesh and blood into a body that will be able to express such emotions. This flesh-covered form will never be more than the woman. A woman’s body will never mean more than who she truly is on the inside, same with all living creatures. In being able to do this photo shoot, being covered head to toe, I was able to feel comfortable with myself, knowing I would not be objectified by my skin or my form. These photos were able to reassure me of how I feel the most confident and empowered when I can exist as a woman, in my form of not showing my skin that I will not allow to be defiled and objectified. The safety and respect women feel when artistically representing and expressing themselves are of the utmost importance. I am proud that this photoshoot was able to give me that. Expressing yourself how you choose to is what makes you beautiful, regardless of how a woman presents herself, she can feel empowered and confident.”