Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 2

Boudoir photography is described as a photographic
style featuring intimate, sensual, or romantic images
of its subjects in a photographic studio, bedroom, or
private dressing room environment. But Gill’s clients
experienced a palpable shift in power after one of their
sessions.
“I’ve seen people go from quiet and shy, to immediately
asking when they can book another session,” said Gill.
“It’s hard to describe unless you witness it yourself. It’s a
look in their eyes, the way they walk, the way they carry
themselves, the way they interact with other people.”
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Gill said some of the clients she sees have suffered
various forms of abuse, and the photography session is
a deep release of shame or pain that’s been buried over
time.
When asked about the most common misperceptions
about what she does, Gill doesn’t hesitate.
“Because I center a lot of my work on what I call
‘marginalized’ bodies, I get a lot of comments like ‘You’re
promoting obesity,’ or ‘You’re promoting unhealthy
behaviors,’ and that’s simply not true. I’m giving people
space where they can feel loved and realize there’s
nothing wrong with them.”
Sarah’s self portraits are unfiltered and authentic.
Gill has backed up her work in the studio with a nowthriving
Facebook group called Body Love Warriors.
The online community supports one another, giving its
members a safe space to voice fears, celebrate wins, and
continue the mission of body-positivity. The group’s 2020
Let Free Your Wild event raised money and collected
goods to donate to the Safe Space in Sioux City.
“We’re not only building community, we’re giving back
to the community,” said Gill.
She’s also used her yoga teacher training to offer body
image bootcamp workshops.
Gill hosts Let Free Your Wild retreats that include
journaling, group support, body acceptance, and most
importantly, healing. Her next retreat is scheduled for
Breckenridge, Colorado, in September.
Gill said she sees a ton of progress happening. Lots of
work still needs to be done to arrive at the concept of
body neutrality. But there is movement. She plans to
make sure her Body Love Warriors are front and center
of the positive shift.
Sarah invites her clients to dress in whatever feels most
comfortable.
“I try to give people permission to exist as they are. We
shouldn’t have to justify the way we show up in the world.
That’s one of my favorite things to teach.”
“Also, because I do take a lot of photos with minimal
clothing, some say the subjects aren’t respecting
themselves. But these people are reclaiming their
sensuality and sexuality. Many of them are reclaiming
their power.”
Power seems to be a theme in all of Sarah Gill’s work. The
images are stunning, and the (mostly) women in front of
the camera appear incredibly comfortable; something
that’s difficult to imagine in today’s ultra-filtered, ultrahappy,
social media environment.
Curious about exploring the connection between
outward appearance and inner power? Erika is
passionate about showcasing accessible style, and
fostering a spirit of inclusion with no limits on age or
body type. You can find more of Erika’s journey on
Instagram, @erikahansen.official.
Erika Hansen, a professional model, influencer, and
lifelong lover of fashion.
Photo Credit Sarah Ann Boudoir