Be Bold Be You announces charitable status
East Midlands Photography studio announced charitable status
Be Bold Be You boudoir photography, based in Derbyshire, has announced it will be receiving charitable status in the new year.
The photographic movement, founded by husband & wife team James and Kirsty Corbett, uses the genre of boudoir photography to promote body positivity and boost individual’s self confidence.
In 2019 James Corbett left his days of running Firefly Photography in Derby, Lichfield and Leicester – after ten years – to relocate and open Studio1825 on Spanker Lane on the outskirts of Belper. “The charitable status means those who need the support of what we do and be welcomed in, easier than ever before” says James. “The money made from photoshoots, at the studio, can now be given back to the community and this means the work of Be Bold Be You can go even wider” explains James Corbett. “
The last few years have seen the couple have challenge social media giant META and successfully secure a statement where they agreed to review their image policy guidelines. In 2022 they also contributed to research, published by the House of Commons’ Health & Social Care Committee, on the impact social media can have on mental & physical health after receiving an invite from GP & Conservative MP Dr. Luke Evans. 2024 will see their #uckthefilter campaign enter its 3rd year and work with Derby Museums in delivering a Q&A session on the dangers of filters being used on images of themselves and other people later in 2024.
Gaining charitable status has not been easy for the couple who say that it has been in planning for nearly two years. “From the research that has been done, both by us and Howard Nelson at Main Street Consultants, there is nothing else like Be Bold Be You – as a charity – in the UK or Europe” Kirsty said. “It’s meant that there’s been a lot more hoops to jump with the Charity Commission in proving that the work we do is both genuine and needed, right now.” James added.
The couple plan to continue with the work that they already do – providing professional boudoir photography photoshoots at Studio1825 in Belper – as well as sell merchandise, including the newly designed “accessible hoodie” as a way of raising funds for the newly founded charity. “From meeting survivors of cancer at the studio we’ve been able to learn about the effects medical treatment can have on feelings of self dignity and self worth”, explains James. “We created the accessible hoodie to be a cosy & fashionable loungewear item for those undergoing medical treatment. The hoodie has zips located in key areas, such as the arm, so that treatment can be carried out without the need to strip off. “Be Bold Be You has always been about self confidence and the accessible hoodie has been designed to foster the feeling of self dignity and self worth” Kirsty added.
“Moving forward, the charitable status means that the feelings of self confidence & self worth as well as a positive mind set by marking a new chapter in life can be felt and celebrated with many more” explains Kirsty Corbett. “We’re both so excited for the future of Be Bold Be You and all those who we feel lucky enough to meet at the studio”. <END>