Seeing Yourself Through a Gentler Lens: A Body Image + Self Portrait Photography Workshop
What if a photo of yourself didn’t make you want to shrink, but helped you expand?
So many of us have had the experience of feeling fine…until we see a photo of ourselves. Suddenly, our body becomes an object of critique, instead of the home we live in.
This two-day workshop is an opportunity to rewrite that experience. Led by two experienced body image specialists – both anti-diet dietitians and body image experts, with one also being a photographer specializing in environmental self-portraiture – this immersive workshop offers a safe, supportive space to explore photography as a tool for self-connection, not self-objectification.
If you’ve ever wanted to see yourself with more kindness, curiosity, and appreciation, but photos have felt like a barrier, you’re not alone. This workshop will help you explore self-portraiture in a way that feels intentional, empowering, and deeply human.
Through guided discussions, self-portrait exercises, and group reflection, you’ll learn how to engage with photography in a way that feels expansive, not critical.
What You’ll Experience
- Shift from self-critique to curiosity when looking at photos of yourself
- Learn how different lenses & angles distort images—and why it’s not “you,” it’s the camera
- Take self-portraits in nature, seeing yourself as part of something bigger
- Process your experience in a supportive group of people who get it
- Explore a new way of seeing & appreciating your body
This is a judgment-free space to explore a new relationship with photos—and yourself.
Workshop Schedule
Day 1: Self-Portrait Exploration
Location: Gold Bar, WA
Time: 2pm – 8pm
- Gentle warm-up & grounding exercises
- Understanding how photography shapes body perception
- Guided self-portrait session in nature
- Group reflection & journaling
Day 2: Revisiting & Reframing
Location: Seattle, WA
Time: 11:30am – 2:30pm
- Group discussions for processing
- Looking at photos with fresh eyes (before & after edits)
- Guided photo-editing session
- Reframing body image through a non-objectifying lens
- Closing reflection & integration
Note: No photography experience is needed. Just curiosity and a willingness to explore!
Why This Workshop?
Most of us have had that moment—the one where we see a photo of ourselves and suddenly, everything shifts. The self-criticism rushes in, and what once felt okay now feels wrong.
But what if photos didn’t have to feel like that?
This workshop isn’t about learning how to pose or “fix” how you look in photos. It’s about something much deeper:
- Reclaiming the way you see yourself
- Exploring photography through a non-objectifying lens
- Cultivating self-connection instead of self-criticism
Through guided discussions, self-portrait exercises, and group reflection, you’ll experience a radically different way of engaging with your body and photography.
- Instead of bracing yourself before seeing a photo, you’ll learn how to approach it with curiosity.
- Instead of feeling separate from yourself, you’ll begin to see yourself as part of something bigger.
- Instead of critiquing the details of your body, you’ll learn to witness yourself with the same appreciation you have for nature.
This is a space to explore, process, and shift how you experience yourself in photos, in a way that feels safe, intentional, and supportive.
Who is This Workshop For?
This workshop is for anyone who wants a new experience with their body in photos. Especially if:
- Seeing photos of yourself feels hard, uncomfortable, or even painful
- You avoid being in pictures or always volunteer to be the one taking them
- You’ve cropped, manipulated, hidden, or deleted photos because they didn’t feel like you
- You want to work on feeling more at home in your body but photos feel like a hurdle
- You’ve been healing your relationship with food & your body and are ready to explore photography in a safe, supportive way
- You feel disconnected from your body in pictures and want to see yourself through a gentler lens
- You want to experience community and connection with others who get it
- You’re curious about self-portraiture as a tool for self-acceptance
This is a judgment-free space to explore photography, body image, and self-connection in a way that feels safe, intentional, and supportive. No photography experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to explore.
Meet Your Hosts
Katherine Metzelaar, MS, RDN, CD (she/her) is an anti-diet dietitian and the owner of Bravespace Nutrition. She is an experienced body image counselor who believes deeply in the value of learning to un-objectify our bodies. Katherine is excellent at creating a safe space for her clients to explore their relationship with themselves.
It’s me! Sara Kushner, MS, RDN (she/her). I am an anti-diet dietitian and the owner of Zesty Nutrition. I am also, of course, an environmental self-portrait photographer. I use my work to demonstrate my love of nature and deep appreciation for my body. I find immense joy in blending her two expertises to help others change their perspective on what it means to have a body.
Workshop Details
Location: Gold Bar + Seattle, WA
Dates: June 7 + 8, 2025
Group Size: Up to 10 participants
Cost: $550 until May 18 | $575 after
FAQ
Q: Do I need photography experience?
A: Nope! This workshop is for everyone, whether you’ve never touched a camera or have tried self-portrait photography before. We will guide you step-by-step, keeping it relaxed and accessible for all skill levels.
Q: What kind of equipment should I bring?
A: All you really need is a camera (phone, DSLR, mirrorless, or point-and-shoot will work!) and a tripod. If you have a camera remote or intervalometer, bring it, but don’t stress if you don’t. Your phone and your curiosity are more than enough for us to work with! We’ll teach you techniques that can be applied to whatever gear you have on hand. We have extra tripods too that you can use in case you don’t have one.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and beautiful! For photos, we encourage you to choose something that allows you to move freely. Some people love to wear dresses or skirts, while others might choose cozy layers for the outdoors. Because we will be outside on day 1, we recommend bringing a warm jacket, socks, and layers to stay comfortable as we explore nature. We do recommend wearing shoes you don’t mind walking through dirt in. And outfits changes are highly encouraged so you can play with different textures, colors, etc. It’s all about feeling good in what you wear!
Q: Do I need to be physically fit?
A: No need to worry about any strenuous activities! Our photo adventure on Day 1 will take place in a beautiful outdoor space, but the terrain is easy to navigate, think short, casual walks on soft paths. If you have specific mobility needs, just let us know ahead of time. We’re happy to accommodate you however we can.
Q: What kind of environment can I expect?
A: Our workshop is designed to support both creativity and connection. On Day 1, we’ll be in the lush, calming woods of Gold Bar, WA, giving us a peaceful, private setting for self-portrait exploration. Day 2 will be all about photo editing and emotional processing in a cozy, light-filled indoor space. Both days will include gentle emotional exploration, icebreakers, and group reflections. All discussions are optional and you’ll never be required to share anything you’re not comfortable with.
Q: I feel nervous about being photographed. Should I attend?
A: Yes, this workshop is for you! It’s not about looking perfect or performing in front of the camera, it’s about showing up as you are, with curiosity. If you’re feeling nervous or unsure, that’s totally normal! We’re here to guide you through it with compassion and support. You’ll leave feeling lighter, more confident, and connected to your body and to a new community!
Q: Do I have to share my photos with others?
A: Sharing your photos is entirely up to you. You’ll be invited to share your images on Day 2 during the editing session if it feels right for you, but there’s no pressure. Your photos are yours to keep, and we respect your privacy.
Q: What if I don’t like how I look in the photos?
A: This is actually part of the work we’ll do together. We’ll help you reframe how you interact with your own image, approaching your photos with curiosity and compassion rather than self-criticism. This workshop will be a safe space to explore how to see yourself more gently.
Q: Can I come alone?
A: Absolutely! In fact, many of our participants come solo, and it’s a wonderful way to focus on yourself and your journey. You’ll be part of a supportive group of women who are all in it together, working toward the same goal of embracing themselves more fully.
