EPISODE 3: THE CHALLENGES OF TOXIC POSITIVITY & HOW TO BECOME NEUTRAL – TERRI HOFFORD

June 2, 2024

Welcome to the Podcast

Episode 3

Teri Hofford is a body image educator, author, and photographer who uses creativity & curiosity to encourage folks to challenge their body image biases and beliefs so they can move closer to self and body acceptance.

Show Notes

Body neutrality is the understanding that we have been conditioned all our lives to have negative thoughts about our bodies and that’s not going to go away with bubble baths and long walks. Instead, it’s this idea of recognising that yes, I’m going to have some not so nice thoughts about my body, but I’m not going to let those thoughts stop me from doing what I want to do with my life.

Terri Hofford wearing a t-shirt saying Vulgar behaviour

How does toxic positivity play a part in our own photography work?

For not just our clients, but for everyone, our bodies are just in a constant state of transition. When you have just had a baby, this transition can obviously be a little jarring. As photographers, they way we could support our clients by giving them space to actually honestly reflect on these feelings they are having about their body.

If someone says something negative about their body, as women we are usually very quick to jump in and say something like ‘oh no no, you’re beautiful’ or as photographers ‘don’t worry I’ll make you look amazing’ by doing this, we are basically glossing over their feelings. This is toxic positivity.

Instead, simply ask the question ‘what would that mean if you did?’ so if a client is saying I’m afraid of looking X, Y, Z (insert insecurity here) in my photos. Instead of glossing over that, ask them ‘ok, what would it mean if you did?’ They will be stunned because no one asks these questions. You just have to let them sit with it and talk. That’s the beginning.

Challenging bias & improving inclusivity

A big part of this is really challenging your own biases around inclusivity. Ask yourself, am I showcasing certain bodies over others? Am I getting defensive when called out? If you aren’t sure, go look at the last 9 images on your Instagram feed right now, do you feature at least one underrepresented person? Example: Someone in a fat body, somebody over the age of 60, somebody who has a visible disability, someone who is of an ethnic minority, someone who is non-binary. These are just a few examples. If the answer to this is no, don’t get defensive.

Oftentimes if you notice it, other people will too. Clients that fall into those categories will be way less likely to book you because of it.

Go out of your way to offer model calls to the above clients and always make sure your portfolio is as diverse as you can make it.

The power of self portraiture

Self portraiture is reality important, especially if you’re a photographer struggling with body image bullshit (as most of us are) it gives you a safe space to see the reality of what is. If you are afraid of being in front of the camera ask yourself, what are you afraid of? Whatever the answer, ask yourself again, what would it mean if I did? Let’s start there.

Some people say that they are afraid of seeing the stretch marks on their stomach. To that, I say ok, but they are there whether or not you look at them right? So what happens when you finally get them out and see them in a mirror, it’s shocking, right? It’s shocking to your brain because you’ve not looked at it in so long. Self portraiture gives you the opportunity to see yourself more often and that helps your brain to calm down a bit.

It will get to a point where it’s no longer shocking to you. Self portraiture can become more than just a photo, it can be an audit of your body. Taking stock and reconnecting with yourself. Also, it’s worth noting, that you don’t have to share any of these images. They can just be for you.

Final Thoughts:

Body neutrality is a journey, one that can take a long time and to be honest, is never truly complete. You will have moments or even days where you think negatively about yourself. The key is to question why, sit with it and get curious about your own feelings around your body.

The more you look at your body, and get creative with it in self portraits, the less shocked you’ll be with how it looks and dare I say, you might even come to like it a bit.

Remember, you are trying to undo a lifetime of being conditioned to hate your body. Give yourself some grace and love,