Stripping Away the Stigma: My Conversation with Jane Applegath on "Nudity Doesn't Have to be Naughty"
Liz Hansen on the Epic Vision Zone: Why Nudity Isn't Naughty
It’s not every day that you get to sit down and bare your soul—pun intended—on a platform as welcoming and insightful as Jane Applegath's "Epic Vision Zone." Being a guest on her podcast was an experience I’d been looking forward to, and the conversation that unfolded was everything I had hoped for and more. We dove deep into a topic that is central to my work and my personal philosophy: the idea that nudity doesn't have to be naughty.
For those who may not know, I am a boudoir photographer, but more than that, I am a storyteller. The stories I tell are of vulnerability, strength, and the raw, unfiltered beauty of the human form. My journey into this work began with my own struggles with self-love and body acceptance. Like so many of us, I was conditioned by society to view my body through a lens of critique and shame. It was a long and arduous path to unlearn those harmful narratives and to see my own nudity as something natural, powerful, and, dare I say, sacred.
This personal journey is what fuels my passion to help others see themselves in the same light. In my conversation with Jane, we explored how the concept of "naughty" nudity is a social construct, one that has been deeply ingrained in our collective psyche. We discussed how this conditioning disconnects us from our bodies, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a fear of our own skin.
One of the key points we touched upon was the power of art to challenge these perceptions. Through my photography, I aim to create a safe and sacred space where individuals can reconnect with their bodies. In these sessions, nudity is not about sexualization; it's about shedding the layers of societal expectation and embracing a state of pure, unadulterated self-acceptance. It’s a profound and often emotional experience for women, and it was a privilege to share some of those stories with Jane and her audience.
We also delved into the importance of reclaiming the narrative around our bodies. For too long, the female form, in particular, has been objectified and commodified. By choosing to be seen in our natural state, on our own terms, we are making a powerful statement. We are declaring that our bodies belong to us and that we will define their meaning and their value.
The conversation with Jane was a beautiful reminder of why I do this work. It was a space free of judgment, filled with curiosity and a genuine desire to understand. My hope is that our discussion will encourage others to question the preconceived notions they hold about nudity and to begin their own journey toward a more loving and accepting relationship with their bodies.
If there’s one thing I want people to take away from our conversation, it is this: your body is not something to be hidden or ashamed of. It is a vessel of life, a canvas of experience, and a source of incredible strength. Nudity, in its purest form, is simply a return to our most authentic selves. And there is nothing naughty about that.
My dream is to create a brand that celebrates confidence, femininity, and self-love, and to share that message through powerful imagery, storytelling, and maybe even a book someday. I want every woman to know you are worthy, radiant, and more than enough—exactly as you are!