For many individuals battling cancer, ringing that bell signifies a monumental achievement—a celebration of resilience and the end of a challenging treatment journey. However, this moment often brings with it a complex mix of emotions. While the bell symbolizes victory, it can also mark the beginning of a new identity, both physically and mentally. Many survivors find themselves navigating uncharted waters, facing a new chapter in their lives with feelings of uncertainty and, at times, isolation.
After the treatments end, the journey doesn’t simply conclude. Survivors may grapple with changes in their bodies, altered self-perceptions, and the psychological impact of their experiences. This transition can be daunting, and unfortunately, many feel they lack the support needed to embrace their new reality.
Be Bold Be You is here to help with this new reality. By harnessing the power of photography, this program aims to enhance individual self-confidence and foster a sense of acceptance. Through the lens of a camera, participants are encouraged to express their true selves, celebrating their unique stories and experiences.
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referral
You can make your referral via our website. Unless there is a specific reason for a quick decision, we aim to reply to all those put forward for a shoot with us within 60 days.
At time of referral you will be asked to confirm if they’re able to participate, fully, in a photoshoot as they’re surprisingly active! The user must be able to participate in a 4 hour experience including sitting, standing, posing and being of sound mind to choose their final images to receive in print and/or digitally.
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successful referrals
Those who are able to have a shoot with us will then be contacted, directly, by the Be Bold Be You team. A shoot date & time will be confirmed with the service user within six months of being contacted by ourselves.
Through the Be Bold Be You Foundation the service user will receive an optional makeover with a member of our professional Stylist team, time in the studio with up to 3 of their own outfit changes (we are unable to provide outfits), time to view their images and a portfolio of up to 15 of their favourite images.
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the photoshoot
On the day of their experience the service user will be invited to the studio as its only user of the day. They’ll enjoy time in hair & makeup before being whisked away into the studio to enjoy a professional photoshoot designed to encourage self expression, celebrating their unique stories and experiences. A portfolio of images will be delivered to the service user up to 6 weeks after their shoot.
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the role of photography on healing
“…Arts projects and initiatives make a unique contribution to building social capital and enhancing wellbeing and self-esteem, but do so only where they are unique in what they have to offer and the way they deliver services.”(NHS Health Development Agency, 2000. Pg 29). We use theories such as Winnicott’s “Transitional Object” and “Transitional Space” (1953); Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943) and photo-psycho-praxis (Wheeler, 2008).
who can use our services
Be Bold Be You Foundation is available to all those living in the East Midlands or South Yorkshire who have been affected by cancer or precancerous cells. Men, women & young people are invited to use our service. These shoot are for individuals and not available for group shoots such as family portraits. We will prioritise those who have a first hand experience of cancer / pre-cancerous cells.
Due to the physical nature of a professional photoshoot, all service users must be able confident in their own ability to stand for long periods of time & change their own clothing within 60 minutes. The user must also be of sound mind to participate in a shoot and is able to look at photographs of themselves without potential detriment to their own mental wellbeing. BBBYF will not change/remove and/or enhance any physical bodily features in post production editing and will not agree to any requests by the individual to do so, if asked.
how our decisions are made
Every referral received be Be Bold Be You Foundation will be assessed by a minimum of three individuals and this will include our administrator plus at least two other of our trustees to ensure impartiality. All decision makers are to use the same scoring system, based upon the Likert Scale (1932). We strongly advise that you take time to read through the referral checklist to ensure your application covers everything that is needed.
As already mentioned, services are available to those living in the East Midlands & South Yorkshire, especially adults living in Derbyshire. Although the genre of photography we use is predominantly Boudoir we do have modelling experiences available to those under the age of 18 or those not wanting to use the genre of Boudoir. The users choice of genre will not have any impact on our decision at time of referral.
our promise to you
All of the photographs taken throughout the shoot will be with the service users consent. The service user will also have full control over if their photographs are used in promotional use and/or case studies. They will never be pressured into doing so, if they do not want to. Service user data is treated with the strictest confidence by Be Bold Be You Foundation so you can be assured that the service we provide is secure. Be Bold Be You Foundation uses one photographer who volunteers their time to our charity: with over 20 years of photographic experience behind them, your patient will be in safe hands. To refer a patient please use our online form. Paper forms can be posted out, on request. Please use the contact form below to request one.
