Hello!
How’s it swinging?! I’m assuming if you’ve made it to this page you’re the type of person that likes to do their research before jumping in the deep end! Or you’re just nosey?! Either way, read on to learn more about me…
firstly, why / how did you get into this?
I get this question more than any other so I’m going to answer it first. It’s a journey I’m rather proud of.
A number of years ago I was asked by a woman who’s wedding I was shooting to do a boudoir shoot for her, as a gift for her husband to be. I’d never done anything like that before but I was game to try something new. Turns out I was pretty good at it because she loved the photos (and so did he).
What I took from that shoot however, more than anything else, was that she said she’d never felt and looked so amazing. She encouraged me to pursue it.
At the same time, I had women in my life being super resentful towards themselves and not loving themselves. Nothing I would say would make any difference - I often went blue in the face trying to reassure them to no avail.
So I figured why not try and use my new found skills to show people how great they can look, instead of tell them (without the use of Photoshop/filters).
That’s how You at Yours and Body Confidence Shoots in London were born.
Our goal is simple: we want to help as many people as possible celebrate and love themselves a little more. Call us crazy, but we believe everyone deserves to feel good in their own skin.
This passion grew from Mervyn seeing people in his life - friends, family, clients - struggle with self-doubt and being super hard on themselves:
“I’m too much of this”
“I’m not enough of that”
“I wish I looked more like…”
Sound familiar?
We’re all bombarded with ideas of how we “should” look, and it’s easy to lose sight of what makes us special. We want to change that narrative.
That’s why Mervyn shifted from wedding photography back in 2017, to creating a space dedicated to body confidence. Now, we have an incredible team who share this mission, and together we’ve been honoured to make a difference to the lives of over a thousand people!
Mervyn has been voted London’s Best Boudoir Photographer three times(!), and teaches Nude Photography, centred around consent and safe spaces, vs pretty pictures (hint: they come naturally when someone feels comfortable). He’s been featured on countless podcasts and stage events, all of it aimed at building a world where people see their own beauty and strength, just as they are.
Behind the scenes…
“I really enjoy the challenge of trying to make others feel better about themselves - I selfishly love the feeling I get knowing I’ve helped…”
Who are you?
I’m Mervyn and I live in South London, which is where I was raised. I’m 36, though I was told just yesterday I look 26 so I’m running with that. I don’t have any pets but there are a tonne of plants around the house - does that count?! I’ve been a photographer for several years now after leaving my corporate job in the city. I was there for 10 years. I should have burnt my suits and ties but they remind me to keep working hard to keep doing what I do. Along with the taxman.
When I’m not taking photos of half naked women, I’m having some down time with friends/family, shopping for vinyl or travelling usually. Still trying to get through all the Sherlock Holmes stories actually. That book is so thick ☹️
I’m a huge Red Dwarf fan, though I rarely watch TV these days. But I’m happy to hear you excitedly talk about the latest happenings on whatever reality thing is trending at present!*
*sarcasm
Random fact: I used to have a horse. I named him Mighty Morphin because I was into the Power Rangers. I was 10 by the way, not 39.
What is your body confidence like?
Great question.
For years I used to wear long-sleeved t-shirts because I was really insecure about my weight. I’d spent most of my life being called skinny and it naturally had an impact on how I viewed myself.
Ultimately, as the years have gone on, I’ve managed to apply some logic to the equation, which has forced me to realise that I a) only have only one body & b) I’m really not gonna hit the gym (and give up cake) consistently enough to make a change.
I can’t have it both ways.
Plus getting in front of the camera has helped. I really like that photo of me with the red background. I’m totally game for a semi-nude shoot by the way if there are any photographers reading this. Get in touch! I’ve seen what a body confidence shoot can do for other people and I’m up for it! I want some of that happy juice!