A photography project is aiming to help Border women love their bodies.
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Project organiser Nicola Hutton has teamed up with local photographer Kelsey McKay of Kelsey Jayne Photography for the January photoshoot which will bring together women of all ages and sizes.
"I am incredibly passionate about body acceptance and positivity," Ms Hutton said.
"I think most women are aware of how negatively other women feel about their bodies, and that has only deteriorated over this last 12 months with the stress of the bushfires and everything COVID-19 has brought.
"I want this project and this photoshoot to be an experience that promotes love towards our bodies, and helps the women involved feel good about themselves.
"I want other women, and young girls, to see the photos that come from this shoot and see the beauty in the diversity of those bodies.
"The female body is absolutely amazing, and I am so passionate about helping women to see that and to accept that beauty and change that negative mental narrative."
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Ms Hutton, who also works in the mental health sector with headspace, said this year has had a severe impact on body image.
"One thing that has been overwhelming in 2020 has been the increase in eat disorder presentations," she said.
"That has been another drive for me to do this project.
"I feel so much love and gratitude towards my own body. I am very comfortable in my own skin, and I think that's really uncommon as a woman.
"Even more uncommon as I would comfortably label myself as plus size.
"It is so rare to meet other women who feel equally good about their bodies. I mean 50 per cent of 5-12 year old girls want to lose weight.
"That says everything.
"I have a three year old daughter, and I want nothing more than for her to grow up feeling comfortable and accepting of her body."
On January 3, the duo will bring together women who have volunteered for the photoshoot to promote body acceptance and body positivity.
"COVID has obviously been an incredibly challenging time for our local photographers, so we are asking women to contribute $20 to go towards covering Kelsey's costs," Ms Hutton said.
"We also have some women who are sponsoring anyone who wants to be involved but finances stop that.
"The standard 'dress code' is bra and undies, but that will really vary on what people are comfortable wearing. Some will wear less, some will wear more."
To find out more or to get involved contact Ms Hutton on 0412 985 842.
