Why this image matters
It reminds me that I have not always looked as I do now.And shows me how I will never look again.
Photography
B&W Torso Shot
A black-and-white study focused on form, contrast, and vulnerability through stripped-back composition.
Why
Story
The story behind it
Towards the end of the relationship with my husband I had started gaining weight because I was so depressed and stressed. so when we finally separated I started taking better care of myself. so that's why I was proud of the process house making and now it serves as a reminder of what I used to look like.
History
History / context
When I was younger, I was always healthy and never struggled with my weight. The heaviest I had ever been was during a difficult period with my ex-husband, but I managed to channel that energy into the gym, turning my struggle into muscle. Years later, life shifted. A diagnosis of bipolar disorder and severe anxiety led to antidepressants that slowed my momentum. Then, a back injury sidelined me for two years. Between the immobility and the side effects of the medication, my weight climbed until I hit my peak of 485 pounds in June 2025. Since my medication was adjusted last June, I’ve fought my way down to 345 pounds as of April 2026. I still have a long road ahead, but this is only the beginning. This picture is my North Star; it’s a reminder of a version of myself I can never truly go back to—because even with future surgery, the scars and extra skin will remain. It serves as a powerful reminder of better days and the strength I’m finding to reach them again.