...was not just about the pictures produced in the end. It was an affirming experience in and of itself. Because John is first and foremost an artist, the way he looks at your body and approaches the photography session is the way a painter approaches canvas, or a sculptor, stone. You become part of the creative process, not just an object to be either admired or criticized.

I felt both comfortable and fascinated. Comfortable -- because his approach toward me and my vulnerability was always respectful, supportive, trustworthy. And fascinated -- by the experience of both observing an artist at his work and observing myself, my body as part of that work at the same time. The flaws and imperfections become parts of a whole that add up to something beautiful at the end of the story.

I found the photos, like the actual session, to be intensely personal; something I knew I wanted but hadn't expected John to draw out. His perception of me, for me, was spot on. I recommend the experience to any woman, of any age.

JoAnne Stoltz PhD, August 2005
Victoria, British Columbia <jstoltz@shaw.ca>