14th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
A young woman poses for tasteful boudoir photos days before double mastectomy surgery

This is the most meaningful photo I have ever taken. I had the honor of photographing a young, dear friend recently diagnosed with breast cancer. This photo is from session 1 - session 2 will be post-bilateral mastectomy. Standing in our femininity shows that we are not defined by anything that happens to us, but stronger and more beautiful because of our bravery through the process. On this day, I was awed once again by the power and grace of an amazing woman facing cancer straight in the eyes - she is bare skinned, alive, forever-complete in her beauty, and here to stay.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2016
Date Uploaded: 11.2016
Photo Location: Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
Copyright: © Claire Burnett