Celebrate your body for humanity, art and personal power
Hi, I'm Flávio and I'm so glad you're here, and interested in being part of this photography project and experience.
I'm 36 years old, originally from Belo Horizonte in Brazil, and moved to Australia in 2016 searching for a new way of life. Now I live on the northern rivers in NSW, near Byron Bay, with my Australian partner Samantha and our rescue cat Dinky.
I've taken up many hobbies since coming to Australia - like gardening and hiking. I've also learnt how to surf, which has become a physical and spiritual practice - it helps me connect with something bigger than myself. Maybe it's simply the beauty and power of nature, maybe it's God. Or maybe it's the truth of who I am, when my mind gets really quiet and my body moves with the waves.
It's this connection to nature that has led me back to photography.
When I was working as a fashion photographer, many years ago in Brazil, I felt like I had to dress the photos up to look the most polished and perfect they could be. Now, when I look through the lens, all I want is to document things and people exactly as they are. To help them tell their story, and to express themselves in their most true form.
That's why I've started this project - to celebrate the body for humanity, art and empowerment.
I consider fine art nude photography as a kind of therapy. It's a dedicated time of consciously breathing, moving your body and connecting deeply to your unique personal experience.
When I first started exploring fine art nude photography, I considered the implications of a man offering women a nude photography experience. Mostly, I wondered if any woman would feel safe enough to fully relax and express herself with a man behind the lens.
What I've since discovered is that, for many women, having a male photographer who prioritises safety and respect can add a whole other layer of healing and empowerment to the experience.
Why I created this project
Since I was young, I had the feeling that there was some kind of code among men. Almost all men I knew spoke about women with some sort of authority - as though they were certain about what women wanted, what women thought, what women felt, and what women needed. Their authority seemed to go beyond an idea of knowledge - it felt like a sense of entitlement.
I never understood this code amongst men, and what they were saying about women never seemed to make much sense. So, I decided to learn more about women the only way that did make sense - spending time with them and asking questions.
I quickly discovered that none of those men had any idea what they were talking about.
I also discovered that I loved spending time with women and learning more about the feminine world.
There is a whole universe inside each woman. A sophisticated spirit and rhythm that is so deeply connected with nature. A woman's body is profoundly intelligent, her intuition is sharp, and her power is fierce.
And yet, we live in a world that continues to try and minimise that intelligence, discredit that intuition and take away that power.
The naked woman's body continues to be criticised, scrutinised, controlled and sexualised without her consent. I see fine art nude photography as one of the many ways for women to reclaim their bodies as their own. This is my artistic method to respect the feminine, and be an ally to women reclaiming their bodies, voices and power.
The Details
The International Women's Day introductory offer includes:
- a 90 minute photo session in the location of your choice (in or around the Norther Rivers, NSW)
- all photos from your session in standard resolution
- 35 high resolution images of your choice
- a Pay What You Want price structure. Minimum is $50 to ensure I cover ads and petrol expenses
Once your payment is confirmed, I'll email you within 24 hours to organise the date, time and location. We can also talk via email or phone to ensure you feel completely safe and comfortable, and that your vision comes to life.
To take advantage of this introductory offer, please make sure you book before midnight on Monday 10th March.
Who is this for?
This experience is for you if you'd like to:
- Reclaim power and autonomy over your body
- Feel reconnected to yourself
- Enjoy your body as a vessel for self expression
- Celebrate your body as art
- Feel a sense of unity with nature
- Increase your joy and self esteem, and feel liberated to be YOU
- Have a memory of a moment in time that was solely about you and for you
- Mark a specific time or milestone in your life (birthday, separation, big decision or life change)
- Transform your ideas of "beauty" and "perfection"
- Feel a sense of "no fucks given" for "the male gaze"
- Express your unique self by being photographed in any setting with or without any props / make up / clothing. You choose the location and conditions that are right for you
Safety & Trust and No Touching Policy
My goal is to create a safe space where creativity, ideas, emotions, inspiration and your true self can all be heard and expressed. Safety can be physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual and all are equally important during your photo session.
Because of this, we keep clear boundaries:
- No touching at all times. This includes adjusting the body for photographs, or any items of clothing that you'd like to use
- All the information shared during, before and after your experience are confidential and kept safe
- Photos can only be sold or publicly shared with the consent of both parties
- If either of us feels unsafe at any time, we will cancel the session and all money will be refunded - no questions asked
"I had never done a photo shoot before so I thought I would be very uncomfortable and shy. But Flávio managed to make me feel free, making it a pleasurable and fun experience. I also felt super comfortable being naked around him which made everything even easier. I am very happy to have had my first photo shoot with someone so sweet and professional. It was incredible."
- Leticia Rezende
Are all photos in Black and White?
No! You can receive your images in colour, black and white, or both.
I shoot in colour, because I want the camera to see what I see with my eyes. While I'm shooting in colour, I'm thinking in black and white - in light and shadow. Then, when I edit, no matter the format, I reveal the light.
I choose to display most of my images in black and white as a language. I believe that images in black and white express thoughts and emotions straight to our souls. It has some natural magic and depth that can't be seen in colour.
But, I also believe that colours are beautiful and they open the doors to a whole different dimension of possibilities and expression.
This is YOUR moment and I'm here to help you to develop the idea and make it happen.
Does it have to be naked?
No! You can have your clothes or a fabric on your body, or maybe put something in front of you at any time it feels right for you. It's your body, your planet, and I encourage you to express and protect it in the ways that feel best and safe for you.
The concept of nude is to remove the masks and highlight the body and spirit in their natural states. When I mentioned my past experience with fashion photography and the extreme and unrealistic standards of beauty, that's exactly what I meant.
Nude means not needing to wear any expensive high fashion clothes and be skinny with big boobs and big bum with nice legs and having flat belly and eyes popping out with hair looking completely made out to be beautiful. This is all a huge and boring trap. A good catch tho. Because it is a paradox. It's an endless search for something that doesn't exist. Perfection. Because it was already perfect. It always has been. The more we try to modify our body, the more distant it becomes from perfection. That's actually manipulation.
You don't have to try to fit into any standards, look or feel any particular way, or present your "most perfect" self. Vulnerability and truth is your power.
"I just loved this photo shoot! I wanted to have a special memory wearing my late mother's swimmers. Flávio was super kind in listening to me and making me feel comfortable and chilled during the session. I actually had a lot of fun. And now when I see these photos it brings so much joy into my heart. I'm so glad that we could make this dream come true! And you know the craziest part of it? As soon as I saw the photos I naturally thought 'oh my goodness, I'm gonna share it with mum because she is gonna love it!'
- Mari Vergueiro
I encourage you to be the best version of yourself!
I want you to express who you are, to be real, original and true to yourself.
Bring who you are, your favorite props, accessories and anything that helps you express. Your ideas will be heard and you will be seen.
This experience is about you, your moment and your transformative journey. Whether you want it to be playful, dramatic, weird or sensual, all ideas are welcome.
