Celebrating big, beautiful women
IN CELEBRATING big, beautiful women and a positive body image, the BBW project 100 mass photoshoot, saw 43 women from across the city come together to flaunt their assets and pose for the camera.
Photographer and project founder Chezlyn Julius said he was very proud of the women who filled Sea Point beach in bikinis, owning their bodies and strutting their stuff.
“We don’t hide, we take pride. It took a lot of courage. Most didn’t have the courage and it was tough for them to do at first.
“When I got to the location I was surprised to see a parking lot full of beautiful women.
“The shoot went extremely well. I am so proud of the ladies. They came packed with confidence I am so impressed with each and every one,” he said.
Participant Abigail Jackson, from Plumstead, said: “It was really awesome.
“When I got there I didn’t want to do it, because when I put on the bathing suit I wasn’t happy. But seeing the other women and what they had to go through to be there encouraged me.
“I put on what I had and made the most of it. Whether you had a sagging tummy, big ass, you flaunted it because you slayed it.
“There were so many people asking about the initiative, encouraging us. People are so proud. Being big, bold and beautiful is the best thing ever.”
Before the shoot Julius counselled all the women to work through what led them to food and help them gain their confidence back.
“I am glad I took out time to get them camera ready. We worked through what brought them to that point and then we worked on celebrating who they are right now.
“It’s about changing mindsets, when we look at fat women we will never look at them in a bad way. We will always be there to lend a helping hand to people who don’t love their bodies,” he said.
He said the purpose of the shoot was to empower other women.
“People need to make peace with the fact everybody is beautiful. It doesn’t matter if you have flabby arms, everybody is beautiful.”
The initiative is planning a second instalment of the shoot that will take place in studio on June 30. Interested parties can contact Julius on 073 552 4778.