The Gok Wan Effect

TV's Look Good Naked has motivated UK women to openly celebrate their bodies. And, as Beatrice Aidin reveals, they're doing it by going on camera - naked

'Now I've got my glow back'
Kam Bennett, 39, is a Teachers' Assistant in Bristol and a mum of three

I'm approaching forty next year, and have had three children so I want a photo to celebrate my inner goddess. Despite having had three kids, I don't want to loose myself or my spirit - I want to feel sexy. Only problem is, I hate having my photo taken, so this was my chance to overcome those fears.
It started quite awkwardly, but soon I relaxed and I started to have fun. When I saw the photos , I wanted to celebrate the new me some more so I changed my hair and bought new clothes. It could have gone the other way, I could have been disappointed; but the photos reminded me of my femininity.
My eldest daughter is eighteen and she thought they were great; I've only shown my younger ones the photos when I am in a shadow. As for my partner, he likes them very much. He is even tempted to have some!
These photos are for me more than anything. I've put them in frames in my dressing area so I get a boost every time I get dressed. Doing this really gave me my glow back.

'I wanted to permanently preserve my youth'
Charlotte Guise, 36, is a Librarian from Bath, who is currently single

We can't keep our looks forever so I posed nude as a reminder for me. Other people might do it for their partner, but I did it for selfish reasons! I didn't have any reservations; I go to nudist beaches. The only strange thing for me is that I took my glasses off - then I really did feel naked! I didn't prepare at all. Next time, I'll wear some really nice underwear, have a fake tan and do some sit-ups first!
When having the photos done, I didn't know how to stand or what to do so the photographer put some chilled music on, gave me some fabric to play with and just started snapping, guiding me into different poses. I mostly wanted to get my red hair in, as I'll be grey one day!
I was stunned with the outcome. The photos are beautiful and really make me feel good about myself. My mother said she wished she had them done when she was my age. My friends imagined 'Page 3' but these images are about shape, light and form.
I have them in a box now and if I'm having a bad day, I whip them out. It was well worth it - I think it could become really addictive!

'Now I can see that I am good enough'
Joanna Webster, 24, is a photographer from Bristol

I have always had a negative body image, ever since I was bullied at school. I wanted to do this to see if I looked as bad as I thought I did.
I wasn't comfortable being naked at first so I started off at the shoot wearing a camisole and pants before I took everything off. It was like going into a cold lake, once you've done it , it's fine. The photographer, Morag, directed me in to poses under the nice lighting and we played on a 1920's look with make-up, scarves and jewellery.
My family saw it as artistic and glam. As for my friends, they all want to do it too! When people see them, I feel empowered. If I need a reminder of how good I felt at the time, I get the photos out and it makes me feel more positive. It reminds me that I am good enough.
My perception of how I thought I looked and the reality are completely different. Before I thought my nose and thighs were too big. In the past I have considered surgery, it's in the back of my mind still but less so now. Now I accept how I look. I walked tall afterwards and still have a secret smile when I think about my photos. Now I'm a piece of art.

For details visit www.documentaryimage.com or call 0117 9720834