My Underwater Boudoir Went Viral

Water is where I feel the most like myself. In the water, my body gets quiet, in a good way. I feel peaceful, pain-free, and powerful. The water holds me, moves with me, and reminds me that my body isn’t a problem to solve. It’s a home.

That’s why underwater boudoir (and outdoor boudoir, honestly) matters so much to me, especially for plus size and queer folks. So many of us have spent years bracing for judgment, shrinking, apologizing, or trying to look “less.” Underwater sessions are the opposite of that. They’re silly, soft, and collaborative. You don’t have to perform confidence like it’s an interview. You just get to exist, breathe, float, and let your body be art.

I shared a few of my own underwater images on Instagram and, surprise, it went viral. I’m pretty neutral about “going viral” because attention isn’t inherently good. And then the post hit a feed that was about 70% men and I was like… oh fuck no. Cue the blocking spree. Because men do not get to stomp through my queer, fat-positive corner of the internet and turn it into a comment section full of entitlement or fetishization.

But also - thank god it was self portraits that got this attention, not of a client.

If you’re looking at these photos and thinking, “I want that,” I see you! The underwater campaign will be back next winter. You deserve images that feel safe, affirming, and very much for you… not for the male gaze, not for diet culture, not for anyone else’s comfort. Underwater and outdoor boudoir can be a way back to your body, on your terms. And if anyone tries to mess with that? Block button, baby. We protect the peace.