A cancer diagnosis changes so many things. Everyday life, your plans, your sense of security. And often your perception of your own body, too.
Many people who have undergone treatment or are living with the condition say that, for a time, they experienced their bodies primarily as something that was examined, treated, operated on and measured. A body that others talked about. A body that had to function.
And yet it is precisely this body that has achieved something incredible.
Through the ‘Strong. Real. You.’ project, I want to give a few people a day that’s all about them – and their bodies, just as they are today.
What it’s all about
Once a year, I give away a small number of boudoir photo shoots to people who have been diagnosed with cancer. It doesn’t matter what type of cancer it is. It doesn’t matter whether your treatment was years ago, has just finished, or whether you’re living with the disease.
The photo shoot is free of charge for you. It’s not a discount, not a loss leader and not a gateway to a more expensive package. You’ll get a relaxed preliminary consultation, a photo shoot in my studio, a selection of fully edited images and a high-quality print. All you have to do is turn up.
Why I do this
My slogan is ‘Real. Sensual. Unapologetically You.’ – and that first word isn’t there by chance. I photograph people just as they are. I edit the images subtly; I don’t alter body shapes, and scars, stretch marks or tattoos stay as they are if you want to show them.
For many people who have had cancer, this is precisely where things get difficult. A scar where there used to be none. A port under the collarbone. Hair that grows back differently from how it was before. A breast that is missing or has changed. A body that feels unfamiliar.
There’s nothing I can do about that. But I can offer you a safe space where, perhaps for the first time in a long while, you can see your body in a new light: strong, soft, alive. Not in spite of everything, but simply as you are today.
You decide what you show
A boudoir photoshoot following a cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to prove anything. You don’t have to be ‘brave’, and you don’t have to show anything you don’t want to show.
- Scars can be visible – but they don’t have to be. With lighting, posing and fabric, we can choose to reveal or conceal them, just as you wish.
- With or without hair, with or without a wig, with or without a prosthesis. Any of these is fine.
- Just tell me whatever you want to tell me. I won’t ask about diagnoses, test results or treatments. If you want to tell me something, I’ll listen.
- As with every shoot, my code applies: you see every shot, you set every boundary, and I won’t touch you.
This is how the photo shoot works
The shoot follows my usual routine – only with even more time and even greater consideration.
- Preliminary chat: We’ll get to know each other at a leisurely pace – you’re welcome to bring someone along. We’ll discuss what you’re looking forward to, what’s worrying you, and how much energy you’ll have on the day.
- Photo shoot: in my cosy, private studio in Hofkirchen near Laberweinting. Shorter than usual, if that’s what you need, with breaks as often as you like. I’ll show you each pose before we take the photo.
- Your photos: You can take your time choosing them from your private gallery. I’ll edit them as I always do: the fleeting moments disappear, but you remain true to yourself.
And because therapy isn’t bound by a calendar: appointments can be rescheduled at any time free of charge – even at short notice, even on the day itself. If you’re not feeling well, we’ll find a new date. No questions asked.
I’m always happy to have someone accompany you. For this project in particular, I strongly encourage you to bring along someone with whom you feel safe.
Your photos belong to you
These photos are taken for you – not for my website and not for my marketing.
Whether a photograph is ever shown in public is entirely up to you, and is a separate decision from the photo shoot itself. If you’d like your photographs to inspire others, I’d be delighted. If not, the project is just as complete for you. You can withdraw your consent at any time.
I’ll treat everything you tell me about your health as confidential and will only make a note of what’s really important for the shoot.
Here’s how you can take part
As I want to give every photoshoot the time it deserves, places are limited. In this first round, I’m giving away six photoshoots.
- Registration: by 28 February 2027 via the form on the project page, which opens on 4 February 2027. Just provide your name and contact details. You don’t need to tell a story or give any reasons.
- Allocation: Places will be allocated by lottery. It is not the most moving story that wins, but the draw. No one should have to compete for a place on the basis of their personal journey.
- Photo shoots: between March and June 2027, dates to be agreed.
You can also sign up on behalf of someone else – your sister, your girlfriend, your mum. Please speak to her first. A gift like this should never be a surprise.
If you’re looking for more than just pictures right now
A photo shoot is no substitute for support. If you’re finding the illness particularly difficult to cope with at the moment, psychosocial cancer support services are a good place to turn to – in Bavaria, for example, those run by the Bavarian Cancer Society. The support is free and confidential, and is also available to relatives.
I know it takes a bit of effort to sign up for something like this. Perhaps you’re reading this and thinking: ‘Maybe one day. Not just yet.’ That’s fine. The project will be back.
And if you’re thinking: ‘Yes, now’ – then drop me a line.
I’m looking forward to seeing you.
Leif Sundelius
