How To Look Good Naked Camilla 23 May, 2008 - 7:09 AM

Over The last couple of weeks, I have been on a mission to make Brisbane look and feel good naked. I wanted to do something to change the way that women look at their bodies and speak about their bodies. In a nutshell, I wanted to continue the perception revolution that the hit show "how to look good naked" has started. It's on channel 10 on Monday nights with Carson Kressley. If you haven't seen it, you must check it out. His sensitivity to women's body issues is quite compelling.

To start the journey, I took a photo of myself in my underwear and posted it on the website. This was my way of acknowledging everything about my body that I didn't like… a warts and all look at myself. There was nothing to hide behind and already I found this really confronting.

Now I have to say, there is nothing about my body that I hate… but I do admit that since having my baby 5 months ago, I have suffered from some low self esteem, feeling unsexy and just feeling "ugly". I mean, I am always sharing myself with my baby, whether I'm cuddling or comforting or breastfeeding. And I always seem to have my boobs out so I feel like my partner has stopped seeing me as a women and rather just sees me as a mum. These are things that I know are part of becoming a mum, but I just want to look in the mirror and love what I see… whatever that is. And, Id like to feel sexy again, for me and by partner, who has been so patient with me in getting things going again in the bedroom (if you know what I mean).

I was joined on my journey by 3 very special ladies Alana, Amy and Lauren. Each woman with a very unique and inspiring reason for wanting to be involved. I have to thank them for their honesty and openness in this process.  

Alana Alexandra Hills has always had a body dysmorphia… she walked in this really beautiful girl who had no idea she was so. She wanted to change her views of herself for her relationship and most importantly for her nieces because she feared that would take on her negative perceptions.

Amy is a mum of 2 boys, someone who has no time for herself, and stays home with her children while her husband fights the war in Iraq. She wanted to feel sexy for him when he returned finally after being away on and off for 3 years. To me, Amy has the face of a model. She is really beautiful!

Lauren has a 13 year old daughter and wants to do this very brave thing to show her daughter that everyone should love their body, no matter what size or shape you are. Lauren literally went into the journey one woman and came out another… she oozed sass and confidence on the day. She is brave and beautiful and so much fun… we actually dubbed her the "giggler" because she doesn't stop laughing!

What I realised from meeting the 3 ladies was how out of the ballpark their ideas of their bodies were, and how hard on ourselves we all are about our bodies!

After each lady had a makeover, they were given the opportunity to take it all off for a naked photo shoot. I know that one makeover doesn't suddenly give you confidence, but it served to remind them of the things about themselves they liked, and give them some outer confidence. They were all so brave and went through with the naked photo fulfilling their reasons for joining the journey.

And then it was my turn! I admit I was really nervous. I was nervous about the way that the photos would be received by the public. I was nervous that my partner (who is a photographer and was taking all the pics) would see a side of me he didn't like. But most of all I think I was scared that even after all this, I wouldn't like what I saw.

We ended up taking two photos. The first was something Glen, my partner, wanted to try because he says he loves my back. This was hard as I have no real modeling experience and I had to look back and pose and it was really awkward. After trying this for about 15 minutes, my baby started to cry and I rolled onto my back and put him above me to keep him occupied and glen stated snapping.

He said that he had captured a playfulness that the other shot didn't. And that how the second one came about.

I realised then that being a mum and being happy and being myself are all things that are undoubtedly linked. I wanted so badly to feel sexy in my new body that I forgotten the things that make me sexy to Glen… my smile, the fact that I'm the mother of his child, the "playfulness" he had caught in that shot.

I'm still searching for my mojo. I don't think one nude photo shoot and get that back for you after having a baby. I think that it'll just take time feel sexy again. But I definitely liked what I saw. And I'm happy to say that for the first time in a ,long time I feel like a woman and not just a mum!

The things I learnt from doing this… be honest with yourself. If you aren't a supermodel don't expect yourself to be one. Focus on the things a bout yourself you like. Everyone has assets. Flaunt em! And lastly, when you've got nothing but a sheet covering your privates there is nothing to hide behind. Be confident. It really shines through.  

xC

Camilla replies to posted comments (28 May):

I just want to say thank you so much for all the kind responses! I am just blown away by all the people who have replied saying that I have nothing to worry about. I guess thats the whole thing with body dysmorphia... it's in your mind! I am proud to say though, I have a new lease on life since doing the "how to look good naked" campaign. I am back to my pre-baby weight and am feeling really proud of my body. It has served me so well! I can't believe a baby came out of me! I really love my new body. But I think the important thing about this campaign was looking in the mirror and loving yourself as you are. So regardless of my weight, size, or how big my thighs get, Ill take that lesson with me always! Ill try and love me just the way I am.
 
xC

(16) »

• dylan mete says

  hay camella

  u look beuitful in ur naked photos
  id never thoght youd had a baby
  i can understand ur issues with ur body but think guys can have similer problems with there bodys too as im a guy and hav always had a issuse with my body but i dnt hate myself jst not comfortable in my own skin
  hope u get this and can mabe help me be happy wit myself

  Posted Friday 23 May, 2008 7:16 PM
• Tracey says

  Hi Camila,
  Congratulations on your before and after photos.......please dont be so hard on yourself. You are a beautiful and young mum - your face and body just ooooozzzzzzzzzzzze youth, beauty and unbridled sexiness. I am 42 and while I have always been tall and basically slim I have gone up and down and in an out in body size and shape........I promise you the joy your child will give you should and will overshadow any body issues. As comfortable I am now with my lumpy yet still tall and 'slim' older body, I dont care about my shape I just care about my relationships and attitude. What a wonderful thing you have just participated in for women - I wish I could have participated for the experience. Continue enjoying Charlie and Glenn and be so damm proud of the woman you are on the inside. Keep up the good work!

  Tracey

  Posted Friday 23 May, 2008 9:06 PM
• Mary says

  Hi Camilla,
  I think you are all very beautiful but life is all about what's on the inside. I had breast cancer in one breast at 37, and the other breast a year and a half later. Of consequence I have had both breasts removed and a hysterectomy. But you know ...life is the most wonderful gift because I have learnt so much about what is really important in my life, like my darling husband and son and wonderful friends who love me for who I am rather than what I might look like. Life is what you make it...live it up girls and wake up each day smiling because I bet you're all gorgeous inside!

  Posted Friday 23 May, 2008 9:15 PM
• Ishan says

  Hey Camilla, You look wonderfull very beautiful I have no words to say I have seen prety girls you could be one of them with no problem you are truly great wonderfull sexy gorgeous. I think you have nice smooth skin hats off you are prety, your husbonds name is glen am i right any way he should be proud to have such beauty. You take good care of your self God Bless. Cheers Ishan

  Posted Friday 23 May, 2008 9:55 PM
• Kate Morrison says

  Camilla, you look absolutely AMAZING! And so do all the other ladies.....every woman is beautiful and you did a great job helping to show them that! Kate

  Posted Saturday 24 May, 2008 8:56 AM
• Kim Gill says

  wow Cam,
  you look fantastic u r absolutely beautiful. im use to hearing ur voice in the morning and only remembering what u looked like in th e big brother house. u have changed and grown so much u r fantastic. im a mother of 3 kids a 5 yr old a 3 yr old and a 6 week old and i could only wish that my body looked as good as yours. ur partner Glen sounds fantastic and so supportive (i lost my mojo as well my husband struggles with that 1). and ur son charlie is beautiful. You, like every mother is forever lucky to be blessed with having your son and its fantatsic that B105 is dealing with todays issues of body image problems.

  you guys are fantastic.

  Enjoy ur beautiful happy little family.

  thanks for great listening every morning on the way to school...... Kimmie

  Posted Saturday 24 May, 2008 2:22 PM
• lance says

  camilla you are an absolute spunk i dont think you have any thing to be concerned with

  Posted Sunday 25 May, 2008 3:21 PM
• Kimberley says

  Hey Camilla,
  I think you look great!! I am a young mum with a 22 months old daughter and can understand the body changes. I remember a few years ago when i could put on a dress and high heels to feel sexy but by choice now its a pair of jeans and shirt. Also being a mum, i am no longer a single person, everything in my world exist around my daughter - don't get me wrong i wouldn't change it for the world. I believe your partner may have found a new sexiness oozing out of you now your a mum, i know mine has. He could see past my stretch marks ( and scars after battling ovarian cancer at seven years of age) and my changing body shape and has proven he loves me for me.

  Posted Sunday 25 May, 2008 8:23 PM
• Ash says

  just wanted to say i think u look hot!
  i hope i look like you after i have a baby thats 4 sure :)
  have a great day :D

  Posted Wednesday 28 May, 2008 1:21 AM
• Stacey Pitman says

  Hi Camilla,

  First of all you look amazing in your photos.

  I have mixed emotions as to the comments your asking listeners to leave about this blog. I will start with the good views first. I understand your concerns about body change etc with becoming a mother. Im glad you have embraced them, BUT...... I see no reason as to why you would feel that way. You have a perfect body, you have had a child and I see no imperfections what so ever !
  I say if u get to my age 36 have had 4 kids, 3 c-sections and have been told that the only way to get rid of the excess skin and overhang is to have plastic surgery. Thats when you know u may have a problem.

  Keep up the great work in the mornings.

  Stacey

  Posted Wednesday 28 May, 2008 11:46 AM

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