Doncaster photographer holds topless photoshoot for brave cancer survivors

A Doncaster photographer captured 10 brave women in a topless photoshoot to empower others during Breast Cancer Awareness week.

Stephanie Whaley, a photographer from local business MOBY Boudoir, said: “If one or more women has seen our image and checked herself [for breast cancer] then we have done what we set out to do.”

The 10 women were all members of the Mums in Business (MIB) Doncaster group, a supportive and inclusive networking community for mums with businesses.

The 31-year-old photographer said: “Two of the 10 women at my photoshoot have experienced finding abnormalities in their breasts. Fortunately, they both turned out to be non-cancerous.”

Caroline Dawson, the MIB Doncaster division head, contacted Mrs Whaley through her boudoir photography business and asked if she would be interested in being the photographer for the photoshoot.

Mrs Whaley said: “My favourite part of the shoot turned out to be meeting people I'd never met and bonding over their experiences with the disease.

“I think many of us made new friends on that day. I have also received feedback that I helped the ladies to feel more confident in their own skin.

“Some of these ladies wouldn't normally dare take their clothes off in front of their own husband!”

Mrs Whaley shared that all the women involved in the photoshoot, including herself, checked their breasts for abnormalities after researching how common it can be.

She added: “One in seven is a serious statistic. The other eight ladies and myself have not been affected by cancer, but we stand a better chance of beating it if we catch it early enough.”

Despite being a new business and not having experience with photoshoots like this before, Mrs Whaley said she was “immediately inspired to do it again.”

She said: “Body confidence and positivity is a subject close to my heart. Helping women feel good about their appearance feels good for my soul.”

Her business started when she first enrolled in an online photography diploma course at the Institute of Photography out of personal interest.

She said: “I’m now spending a year studying for a make-up artistry diploma with the Creative Quarter Academy so that I can offer a better service to my clients.”

Once she is qualified at the academy, she said she will continue with her photography career.