You at Yours Opiniões 139

I'd often seen boudoir shoots advertised and for years I wished I had the confidence to do one. Fast forward many years and I came across Merv. A friend had had a shoot and I started to follow him on Instagram.
It didn't take long to notice that he is a more than a photographer. He is a body confidence coach and really cares about the whole experience.

I booked a body confidence shoot and on the day he immediately made me feel at ease. He had a way of respecting my space and simultaneously was a cheerleader. I was strutting my stuff in no time and really enjoyed the experience. When it came to seeing the photos, what I loved most wasn't the images (although they are incredible), it was seeing and remembering myself in that moment and more importantly realising I've been a different person since.

I've now had two shoots with You at Yours and my advice to anyone reading this and contemplating it; invest in yourself. You will treasure the experience and images forever.

Merv is one of the most genuine lovely people, and I can't thank him enough for supporting me in my journey. At first I was really scared and thought that I could never do something like this in my life. But guess what I didn't die and I have come out having a better attitude towards myself. I feel so much better in myself already and I know that over some more time it will only improve. To have someone who supports you with the positive energy like Merv is something that I will be forever thankful for.

Words alone cannot capture the profound impact of my experience with You At Yours. While it might seem like just another boudoir photography session on the surface, what Merv offers is so much deeper—a therapeutic journey that I genuinely wish everyone could experience.

From the very first consultation, I felt the care and personalization that would come to define this entire experience. Merv took the time to understand my motivations, making me feel seen and heard in a way that set the tone for everything that followed.

On the day of the shoot, Merv’s patience and respect were palpable. He didn’t just take photos; he spent time getting to know me, easing my nerves with gentle conversation and unwavering encouragement. It was as if a close friend was by my side, cheering me on every step of the way. I never imagined I could have so much fun, or that I could leave feeling such genuine joy and pride in myself for showing up fully as I am.

The day of the reveal was a culmination of everything Merv had so carefully and thoughtfully guided me through. When I saw the photos, I was left utterly speechless. For the first time, I looked at my body and felt true appreciation—not just for how it looked, but for the journey it had carried me through. I realized then that this experience was never just about the photos; it was about rediscovering and embracing a part of myself that I had lost touch with.

Merv led me on a journey to self-love and acceptance, and for that, I will be forever grateful. This experience has changed me in ways I am still coming to understand, and I will always cherish the profound impact it has had on my life.

On the day of my shoot I was quite nervous! What is it ACTUALLY going to be like doing a sexy/empowering shoot with a man?

All I can say is, it felt SO comfortable. Merv let's you do everything at your comfort level but also will see confidence in you you never knew was there and help bring it out!

Such a genuine guy with incredible photography skills- I am CHUFFED to bits with my photos!

Alison

Before my photoshoot with Merv I was extremely anxious as I have always lacked confidence in myself / the way I look, especially since becoming a mother. I had not taken a photo of myself for over 5 years!

During my photoshoot Merv immediately made me feel comfortable and capable. He could see past my shyness, and created a space for me to explore the more powerful aspects of my personality that I had long forgotten about.

Merv is clearly very passionate about what he does, and he genuinely cared about my confidence journey. I left the photoshoot feeling empowered in a way I haven’t felt for many years.

I recently had my photo reveal session and I was blown away! The photos are even better than I could imagine! I absolutely love them!

I recommend You at Yours to anyone who wants to take their body confidence journey to the next level. You will feel incredible, even if you’re right at the beginning of your body confidence journey like I was!

I will definitely be doing another photoshoot again in the future!

I've been following You at Yours on Instagram for a while, and I always said that if I were to do a boudoir shoot, it would have to be with Merv because I've always loved his work.
I'm getting married next month and I decided this would be the perfect gift for my husband to be, so I jumped right in a reached out to You at Yours.

I was contacted by Naomi and had a call with her after registering my interest and it was great. It was really an opportunity for me to ask any questions I had about the process and the price. She walked me through what would happen and I appreciated that she took an interest in me and why I wanted to this.

Once I booked my appointment for the shoot, I got a personal video from Merv saying hello! That was really my first introduction to him and it was amazing! Getting that made me feel seen, it made me feel valued, it just added such a personal touch to the experience. You're not just a number at You and Yours! The team really does care about you and this came across every step of the way.

I had a call with Merv before my shoot to walk through what I should expect on the day and we also discussed outfit options too. Merv was really lovely and really made me feel comfortable. He was excited about me doing the shoot which me feel even more affirmed my decision to do this. He also continued to check with me leading up to the day of the photoshoot.

On the day, we grabbed some coffee together just before the shoot and just chatted about anything. It was great having an opportunity to get to know him (he's a wonderful person) and having a coffee really does put your nerves at ease. Before, during and after the shoot, Merv was incredibly professional and made me extremely comfortable! He guided me through the whole process (posing too!) and I left the shoot feeling on top of the world!

I had my photo reveal session yesterday and I knew the photos would look amazing simply because Merv took them (and like I said earlier, I really love his work!). I just wasn't expecting them to be THAT INCREDIBLE! I mean, WOW! I'm sexy! I feel like I've known that I am, but seeing those pictures just affirmed it in a way that wouldn't have been possible had I not done this photoshoot.

You and Yours is not just about taking sexy pictures of you. Its a journey of self discovery and self empowerment. I've walked out of this experience feeling like, oh my God, I really am all things I want to be - I am beautiful, I am powerful, I am desirable and I am sexy AF!
Thank you Merv!

I had done a lot of personal work around reclaiming my body, and a body confidence shoot felt like the perfect celebration of that journey. Shooting in front of a man was something I knew would be a huge growth experience for me, and I am so pleased to say that I was held in such safety and respect.

Merv reached out several times before the shoot, and by the time the day arrived, I felt like we already had a rapport and trust established. The care and time he gave me on the day were incredible. He talked me through how I was feeling and created a beautiful space where I could slowly build my confidence without ever feeling pushed. I felt so empowered and cared for.

There is nothing but respect from Merv. In fact, he took such good care of me that I felt like I had been empowered with a 'bullsh*t meter' post-session. I suddenly became aware of how I should feel and be treated by every man coming into my life! He really is a complete gem.

The photo reveal was a beautiful moment and experience in itself, with Merv taking time to celebrate the pictures I loved and talk through the ones I struggled with. I cannot recommend Merv highly enough for anyone looking to do a body confidence shoot. He made the entire experience empowering and unforgettable. Merv you are a ledgend! Thank you for your important work!

I went into this thinking I hate my body and that it doesn’t reflect who I am, but also hoping that it was all in my head - that I was blowing it out of proportion and needed something to help me see myself how others did.

I found Merv while looking for something that might give me what the women on “How to look good naked” got from Gok Wan - I was reaching out for some external influence who could find beauty in someone who couldn’t see it in themself. Merv can see beauty anywhere, I wish I had his eyes on the world and I wish I could see the world and myself through his lens.

The truth for me at the end of this is that I will have 20 images of myself, from a shoot I had a wonderful time doing. One image (of my face looking down the lens) blew me away, I never thought badly of my face but Merv captured it in a way I stare at posters of film stars thinking what fascinating features they have. It truly is a joy to be able to see myself as I have looked at others.

When it comes to body confidence, what happened to me when I finally saw the images wasn’t what I hoped - I had a reality check. The way I thought my body looked (which wasn’t positive) was actually even more optimistic than what I found in the images themselves. I was confronted with what the reality of stress eating and a slowing down metabolism has actually had on my body. There is truly nothing wrong with a bigger body, but I’m less ready than ever to accept mine for what it is. The photos although stunningly taken are the truth of the toll my lifestyle has taken on my body - where 90% of my joy is in food - cooking for hours, shopping for ingredients, choosing holidays based on cuisines I want to learn about and being extremely generous with those I love through meals I make.

I now know I need to find joy elsewhere, and that it doesn’t have to just be through food anymore. The photos have been my first step to take a journey to change my body now and forever .

I said I went into this hating my body, I do still hate it now, and I know now more than ever that I need to change it to feel better about it - it’s not my body’s fault, it’s mine, and I shouldn’t take my body for granted any more, I need to treat it better.

Merv is a person who eye for beauty is unique, I envy it immensely because of course he didn’t see what I saw in the images and that is immensely gratifying.

I had a choice to buy no images, but I felt like that would be unfair to myself - these images will help me hold myself accountable. The overwhelming feeling of shame and guilt I had when seeing them will be something that motivates me to make healthy, long lasting choices.

I hope to come back to Merv one day and have a very different experience - when I feel proud to see the images and when i know I’ve looked after myself properly.

For anyone nervous - the shoot is wonderful, I’d recommend curating your playlist with thought and care, it made a huge difference to me. Also spend more time than I did choosing outfits, I don’t think I quite got that right and it didn’t help in the end with how I felt I looked.

I may not have won the body confidence I hoped for, but I am proud that I tried, that I feel motivated to make a change and most of all I’m grateful to have been in Merv’s world even for only a few hours.

His generosity, care and compassion is unrivalled - I wouldn’t change the experience despite the result about my feelings towards my body.

This whole journey has been amazing you feel full supported form the moment you begin working with Mervyn he supports you validates all your feels he’s extremely open and the session gives an indescribable amount of confidence its truly not just pictures but the picture do turn out better than I could have ever imagined

It's hard to find the words to describe how empowering, encouraging and downright exciting a shoot with Merv is.

To see the quality of his pictures, you just need to visit Instagram. To get a sense of his kindness and passion, you can watch one of his videos.

But nothing will really prepare you for how amazing you're going to feel when you step into your shoot location and begin the process of showcasing the most authentic and beautiful version of yourself.

Merv isn't just a photographer, he's a coach, a counsellor, a cheerleader. He is so great at reading people and will create whatever vibe you need to feel comfortable.

By the end of the session, you'll be buzzing and when you see the photos... well! Just you wait, you gorgeous human you.

I have been smiling for 24h now and I don't plan to stop anytime soon. It's been one of the most amazing, empowering and enjoyable experiences I've ever had, all while feeling beyond safe and respected. I have been struggling with body confidence for years due to health issues which are constantly making me feel out of control and stuck in a body that is not "me". For the first time in longer than I care to admit I felt truly connected to a part of me that I thought was gone for good - realising it's still there, that I'm still there, was incredible. I'm super scared of seeing the pictures - not because I don't trust Merv's talent but because I'm still unfortunately unable to be as kind to myself as I try to be to others. But regardless of what they look like, I have loved every single second of my session and would do it again straight away if I could. So Merv, in case it wasn't clear enough yesterday - thank you so, so much for what you do, you're an incredible human and I'm so thankful we've crossed paths!

I cannot express how incredible this experience was and the impact it continues to have on me.

Merv's warmth, understanding and kindness, created an atmosphere of trust and acceptance from our initial phone call to the shoot day, and I trusted him completely to guide me through this experience. He pushes you gently beyond your limits, encouraging you to embrace your body with confidence and pride.

The entire experience was empowering - it wasn't just about capturing beautiful images; it was about embracing every curve, every imperfection, and every unique aspect of myself. The photos serve as a powerful reminder of the transformation that occurred that day, and every time I look at them I remember the strength and courage Merv helped me to find to step out of my comfort zone.

Thank you, Merv, and You at Yours, for giving me memories that will last a lifetime! x

I booked a shoot with Merv at You at Yours on a whim having seen some posts on Instagram. I have a long history of body confidence issues and was (am) recovering from a break up and I felt that the photoshoot might be a positive part of that journey. The reality of it was that the photoshoot was so much more than that.

Merv is a rare human, he is easy to talk to, confident without being too full on and has an easy energy about him. Throughout all stages of the process I felt supported and safe. I will say if you book a shoot to expect to be subtly pushed out of your comfort zone.

I found the shoot experience to be easy and comfortable. There is always going to a little awkwardness involved in being in a hotel room, with a man you have just met, taking semi naked / naked photos but as a fairly shy person I felt comfortable and never felt unsafe or unsure about any stage of the shoot. I had some personal barriers to over come which made the shoot a little stilted at times, but that was from my end not Merv's. It was a massive personal learning experience and I had and have so many take aways from the day to continue to reflect on.

I was unsure what my pictures would look like as there is still a part of me that is self critical but I was pleasantly surprised. For me the tone and style of the photos was perfect, a gentle mix of black and white and tonal colour. I would suggest mentioning to Merv if you wanted brighter pictures to see if this was something that could be achieved. The photographs perfectly capture the energy of the shoot, the mood in the room and my own vulnerability which is what I asked Merv to capture. They are raw and beautiful.

Due to personal circumstances I chose to purchase (at this time) digital prints only. There where several reasons for this, one being that I am someone who likes to absorb the art and the feelings associated with the art first before deciding what I wanted to purchase. Having the prints on my phone / computer means I can take time to look at them, see the nuances of them and then in time decide what prints I want from there. I fully plan on purchasing some form of non-digital print at a later date from my photos. Merv has many beautiful products available for people to display their pictures, they are an art piece in themselves.

I already have a plan to book a second shoot and I would encourage you to consider booking one if you are on the fence. Merv does not offer the usual boudoir shoot and if you want that sort of photograph I would advise you to look elsewhere, but if you want to feel amazing, have a safe space to express your self and those parts of you which may have been hidden for years, or even remain hidden even now, then please make that booking. It is an investment in yourself and can feel scary in all aspects - financially, personally, physically and emotionally. What I would say is that fear is not always a sign to stop, sometimes it is a reason to push through. On the other side sits parts of yourself you never knew existed, life is far to short not to meet them and this experience is a fantastic way to do that.

I found You at Yours about a year ago. I was looking to do a boudoir/body confidence shoot and, of all the companies that I found, YatY captured my interest the most. The photo results looked so authentic and beautiful, I knew I wanted to work with Mervyn. However, due to various reasons, I couldn’t book a shoot for last year.

Around January, my mom came to me wanting to do sometime of photo shoot and I immediately recommended You at Yours, I knew it was exactly what she was looking for. She had an incredible time and the photos were beautiful. Shortly after, my mom entered me in a draw where a few people would be picked to help trial a new shooting location. I was lucky enough to get picked!

From start to finish, Mervyn was so professional and encouraging. You can tell how passionate he is about what he does and how important it is for him that all his clients are comfortable throughout the process. Mervyn focuses on who you are as a person and everything he does, he does for you to unlock another side to yourself. I made the decision to go topless for some of the photos and there was not a moment where I felt uncomfortable. When I left the shoot, I was on a high, it brought out a side of me that I don’t usually get to express.

The photos themselves are absolutely stunning, I love them so much! If you have any reservations, know that you will not regret choosing to shoot with Mervyn.

Mervyn is an absolute god send! From start to finish he has made this whole experience so enjoyable, instantly we built a strong connection over video call and I felt at ease. It is a pretty vulnerable experience to push yourself out of your comfort zone with a shoot like this, but with his guidance and the ability to build ultimate trust in him - all felt easy, it actually was really fun and we laughed through the entire shoot. Merv has empowered me and made me feel like an absolute goddess. He has a genuine gift and to make people feel comfortable to push boundaries with their insecurities. Im really pleased I pushed myself to do this experience and I felt I owed it to myself, its all down to Merv that the pictures and my experience turned out as amazing as it was! Thank you, I will always be so grateful and Im sure I speak on behalf of everyone you have photographed amongst the year - thanks for the empowerment.

My photoshoot with Mervyn was one of the best experiences of my life!

Mervyn is so kind and makes you feel safe and supported. He brings out the best in you and I felt very comfortable with him during the whole process.

He is on a mission to empower people and to make people fall in love with themselves, especially the parts that we hide away or are ashamed about and instead gets us to celebrate our inner goddess or god!

Highly recommended and an experience I’ll never forget.

I can’t possibly put into words what this experience has done for my confidence. If you are on the fence about booking a shoot, here's your sign to go for it!

From the moment we had our first call right until the final images were delivered Mervyn has been incredible, his communication throughout the whole process has been amazing. Mervyn was incredibly patient and kind and noticed immediately when I was uncomfortable and needed a moment. He took the time to listen to me and offered valuable advice that I will remember forever. I left the photoshoot feeling like a completely different person. On the journey home I couldn't stop smiling and felt like a complete badass!

I had always loved the idea of a body confidence photoshoot but imagining myself in that position felt so alien. But I did it, and I still can’t believe I did it! Every time I look at the photos I feel so much joy remembering exactly how I felt in that moment.

Thank you so much Mervyn for the most amazing (and life changing) experience, I am so grateful and will treasure these beautiful photos forever.

Mervyn is so engaged from the moment the shoot is booked all the way to the end. He checked in on me on the days leading up to the shoot not only to understand what I wanted to get out of it but also to check in on how I was feeling. On the day made sure to spend time with me to discuss some uncertainties I had about some of my outfits and help me choose. I personally didn’t feel nervous at all from the moment I saw him on the day because he had such a calming presence and takes the time to make sure you’re ok! If anything I was only sad that I couldn’t spend the whole day in that shoot 😄

Doing a budoir shoot has always been a dream of mine however as a women who has dealt with body confidence her whole life I never thought I would .
I traveled to London from the USA for my 50th birthday and my husband knew there was no better time to make my dream come true.
He booked a photo shoot for me with Mervyn as he knew that when he found "You at Yours Photography" he had found the photographer for me.
Mervyn is absolutely amazing ! He coordinated with my husband for months to make sure my experience would be nothing less than perfect and it was . I spoke with Mervyn about a month before the shoot and he helped ease some nerves but also reminded me that being nervous is 100% normal and is actually a good thing.
When photo shoot day arrived I thought there was no way I would go thru with this. Despite my nerves and anxiety I did get myself to the shoot and am so thankful I did. The experince was life changing and the start I needed on my journey to self love . Mervyn made me extremely comfortable. If I had to use one word to sum up photo shoot it would be "FUN"!
As we were leaving London 2 days later Mervyn made sure he had my photos ready for my reveal the next morning ! I was actually more nervous to see the photos than I was for the actual shoot , which Mervyn says is also normal. As soon as the photos starting appearing on the screen I was overcome with emotion. Mervyn did exactly what he says he would do and that is bring out your true beauty. The only regret I have about the whole experience is that it went so fast . In a blink of an eye we were done shooting and it was over.
I will always remember how I felt during this experience: beautiful , strong and confident !
From the day of booking to the final stage of selecting my photos Mervyn has been nothing less than amazing !
If you are thinking about a budoir shoot and not sure if you are ready I would say stop hesitating and do it with "You at Yours photography".
Thank you Mervyn for showing me that even the things I don't like about myself are beautiful and that's what makes me me !

Merv is an absolute star! Trust me the process was as wonderful as the photos :) for helping me feel comfortable and confident, to making me see myself in a different light - thank you so much. Not to mention - absolute professionalism, great at accommodating timelines. Absolute recommend to everyone at least once in their lifetime