Ethos & Origin
About Body & Soul Studios
An art-focused intimate portraiture studio dedicated
to helping women live their lives of fearless authenticity.
My story
It was never about what others thought of me, but what I thought of myself.
Honestly, Body & Soul began in a myriad of ways. As a woman who struggled with self-doubt. As an artist. As a woman learning who she was.
I’ve only been able to build a company this big, and a community this brave, because I stepped out of my comfort zone, again and again. I had to do the things that scared me and push my own limits. It meant standing up for myself, and wanting more even in the moments of doubt. What I learned quickly, and what the women who walk through our doors discover too, is that it was never about what anyone else thought. Only what you think of yourself. That is what changes how you move through the world, and the impact you can have on others, simply by empowering yourself first.
It comes through doing the scary things, overcoming the beliefs that hold you back, and truly going after the life you want. That is how you discover who you are. It is not really about the portraits. It is about becoming the woman who lives, authentically, the life reflected in them.
Where it began
Born on the west coast of Australia.
We were born on the sunny west coast of Western Australia, in 2020, when the world came to a standstill. I was a wedding photographer, and overnight every wedding was cancelled. So I offered my brides a self-love shoot on the day that was meant to be theirs.
Those first sessions changed everything. Women arrived braced for the flaws they were sure they would see. Instead, through the grief and the doubt, they bloomed, and saw they were worth celebrating exactly as they were.
Word spread. Eighteen months later, thousands of women across Perth were joining beach shoots and gatherings. It was bigger than me, and bigger than Australia, so in 2023 I packed up my life, moved across the world, and began again in London.
What we believe
The art, the experience,
the community.
We live in a fleeting world, where our phones hold thousands of memories and everything is instant. We believe in the tangible: art you can hold, albums you flip through with your granddaughters, pieces on your walls that inspire you, because you are the inspiration.
Your environment shapes how you feel and how you see yourself. So we create rooms, artwork and a community that tell a woman she is worthy, and let her feel safe enough to believe it. This is my ethos, and my promise.
The art
Real, tangible artwork for your walls and your hands. A daily reminder, at home, of exactly who you are.
The experience
A studio day built to make you feel courageous, seen, accepted and celebrated, with nothing asked of you but to show up.
The community
11,000 like-minded women who push you toward more, and remind you that you are not what you have been through, you are what is in front of you.
Why we fight
We choose to go to war.
Of everything we could have chosen to capture, almost nothing is more complex than the depth of a woman. So we choose to go to war against the negative thoughts and self-limiting beliefs women hold over themselves.
It was always our destiny to fight the lies women tell themselves, to unravel the conditioning, the doubt, and the fear that is handed so easily to us.
We have seen what a single photograph can do. In the moment a piece of art shows a woman who she truly is, every lie she was ever told falls away.
So we will never stop fighting for the version of you we know exists: vulnerable and confident at once, proud of your life without guilt or vanity, wanting more without apology, and inspiring those around you far more than you know.
Because the woman you have always dreamed of being already lives within you. And even if you are not yet where you want to be, that does not make where you are, or how far you have come, any less worth celebrating.
How we work
Unimpeachable character.
It is the umbrella for everything you can expect from this team: honest, dependable, kind, generous, and here to serve. As artists and as a company, we are in service to you, and it is an honour to be trusted with something so vulnerable. We do not take that lightly. Sincere candour, generosity and kindness all live underneath it.
At a glance
- Founded
- Western Australia
- 2020
- Expanded
- London
- 2023
- Expanding
- America
- 2028
- Women served
- 2,200+
Hear it from our community first
2,200+ women.
One shared reaction:
“I can't believe that's me.”
But don't take our word for it. Hear directly from the women who came before you.
“I was stuck in a rut, unhappy in my job. I took a chance and didn't listen to the excuses in my head. You only have abundance to gain, and an army of like-minded women to support you. I look back and see it as the artwork of a new and exciting chapter.”
“I was at a very difficult time in my life, and it was the most incredible experience from start to finish. A constant memory of what I am capable of, and that I am worthy, strong, bold and beautiful.”
“My partner and best friend cried when I showed them my Polaroids, because of how the photos made me feel, and because I can finally see myself the way they see me. I am strutting around feeling ten feet tall. This process is about you, no one else.”
“What Abbey and her team offer is truly unique. I have never felt more confident and empowered in my life. If you are on the fence, do it. Invest in yourself, you won't regret it, and the supportive community of women melts away any lingering fears.”
“Body and Soul Studios is filled with beautiful souls. Every single person on the team makes you feel welcomed, supported and comfortable, and they help you find parts of yourself you didn't even know existed. One of the best experiences of my life, and I would 100% repeat it.”
“What started as a little treat for my 29th birthday became something far more personal and empowering than I ever expected. The team made me feel comfortable, safe, seen and genuinely celebrated. These photos don't just capture a look, they capture how this chapter of my life feels.”
“I just wanted to express my gratitude and appreciation for the team on today's shoot. I haven't had this much fun and fulfilment in ages. This is such an amazing company, a bonus for its values and purpose. I cannot recommend it enough for any woman who would like to celebrate herself.”
“I was a bit nervous booking, but from the very first phone call I could feel how warm and friendly the team was. Walking into the studio I immediately felt at ease, and when I looked at the images afterwards I couldn't believe it was actually me. They looked awesome. I'd highly recommend it.”
“Every woman I interacted with was so welcoming, kind and genuinely encouraging from start to finish. They brought my vision to life in a way that exceeded my expectations, and gave me the chance to celebrate myself in a way I didn't even know was possible. I feel like a new woman.”
“An experience that truly changed how I see myself. The team made me feel comfortable, supported, and empowered every step of the way. I walked in nervous and left with more confidence, self-love, and memories I'll remember forever. We, women, are absolutely worth it.”
“The nerves I felt to do something outside the box turned out to be the best decision. I don't think I have ever stepped into a place where I've truly felt seen, heard, and most of all comfortable in my own skin. The most empowering thing I've ever done.”
“I honestly cannot express enough how amazing this experience was. It was such a safe, comfortable environment, and for the first time in forever I could see and say that I am beautiful. That's all thanks to Body and Soul.”
“For months I'd been feeling stagnant. Before the shoot I felt beyond nervous, but the messaging of acceptance and compassion encouraged me to do it. I've never felt more seen and looked after. I can't believe I actually did it. What an incredible experience.”
“It was my first time having a professional photoshoot, and I almost backed out, but I'm so glad I went through with it. It felt like I'm talking to friends over a cup of coffee. If you're scared of trying new things, take a deep breath and leap, because everything will be all about you.”
Our studio has guided women of every age, every shape, and every skin tone: new mums and empty nesters, career-driven women and women stepping into a bold new chapter. Different stories. The same outcome: a quieter inner critic, a louder inner champion.
If a part of you is curious, that's the part we work with.
If you want artwork that reminds you of who you are every single day, we'd love to talk. Click below to apply for your Body & Soul Experience and we'll plan it together.