It’s no secret that 99.9% of all the people I work with are super nervous leading up to their shoot. However you’re feeling now, just thinking about your shoot, I promise you - you are not alone. In fact, keep reading/watching to learn more about how other people (just like you) overcame their fears and achieved greatness!
I cannot recommend Mervyn enough! I have been smiling for 24hr 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, YaY 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. I’m 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 I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone you have photographed amongst the year - thanks for the empowerment.
Absolutely loved my debut lingerie shoot! It was a treat, and the photographer was awesome, offering great posing tips. Big thanks!
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 boudoir shoot has always been a dream of mine however as a woman who has dealt with body confidence her whole life I never thought I would .
I travelled 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 experience 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 boudoir 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!
I love the whole experience start to finish I had a smile on my face and genuinely felt more confident
The hardest part was picking what pictures I love the most at the end.
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!
So so glad I booked up with Merv - he made me feel comfortable instantly and knew exactly how to get the confidence out of me I didn’t even know existed.
I normally hate looking at photos of myself however it was a struggle choosing my favourites from the shoot as they were all so incredible. I have even looked back on older photos that I used to hate and have been able to look at myself in a new, compassionate way.
This isn’t a ‘sexy’ shoot - it’s a shoot which will empower you and in turn the images will turn out powerful, and therefore sexy in their own right.
This shoot is truly life changing!
Don't think twice, just book your photoshoot with Merv!
I am incredibly grateful for my photoshoot with Merv, what an empowering experience!
I am plus size woman, I’ve been super self conscious about my body… I remember to be close to walking away just before I arrived at the studio, panicking about the shoot and being so vulnerable in my underwear.
Today, I have one of those pictures hanging on the wall in my bedroom. Today I look at those pictures and I realise how amazing and powerful I am for overcoming everything in life and for celebrating myself.
Merv made me feel comfortable and really helped me build up my confidence throughout the shoot. And damn, he is the best photographer out there…!!
I will be doing this again. Don’t wait for the perfect time for the shoot. Today is always a perfect day to celebrate yourself and your body!
I wish I could give Merv 6 stars instead of 5, the whole experience was just brilliant from start to finish. Merv is genuine, patient and understanding, which made a huge difference in my how I felt when booking, the lead up to the shoot, during and even afterward! Not for one second did I feel like a statistic, Merv isn't about that. I felt he was genuinely invested in me and my journey to build confidence in myself, and that's exactly what he did. He is obviously talented, but I think you really have to trust and believe in the person behind the camera, and I can hand on heart say I did. I would highly recommend the experience, it's a once in a lifetime experience which you will not regret.
Mervyn is incredible at what he does. He radiates an energy that makes you feel safe & seen. He knows how to put you at ease & bring out sides of you that you’ve kept hidden away for far too long. He is professional, patient & just an all round lovely guy! It was by far the best photoshoot experience I’ve ever had! My only criticism which is not a criticism at all (it’s me unreasonably asking for more because it was that good) is that it wasn’t long enough & I never thought I’d see the day where I would say that about being in front of a camera. The photo reveal was the defining moment for me. I didn’t expect to like many of the photos, if any, not because of Mervyn’s photography skills (he’s amazing) but because of my own issues. It was a very emotional experience. I ‘knew’ before going in that I’d be going home with the smallest package because I anticipated not liking what I was going to see during the reveal but I loved the photos so much I ended up going for the biggest package 😂 no pressure is put on you to make a purchase which is another great thing to mention. Mervyn really does allow you to be in complete control of the whole experience while guiding you & giving you the support you need to help you through it & enjoy it every step of the way. It’s easy for your mind to convince you that being able to celebrate yourself in this way is impossible when you struggle with body confidence. Mervyn gave me an experience that showed me you can be bigger than your insecurities (no matter how big or small they may be) & that it is more than possible to not be defined or controlled by them. The impact of this experience has remained long after my photo reveal. It’s something that has really left its mark on me & has instilled in me a feeling of self-love, acceptance & empowerment that I didn’t think I was capable of feeling. You come away from it seeing yourself in a whole new light & it stays with you. I will forever be grateful for the experience & I encourage anyone who’s been thinking about booking with Mervyn to just go for it. I cannot recommend it enough!
Whilst on holiday, one of my friends recognised how l was so hard and down on my body and recommended a photoshoot with Mervyn as a friend of hers had done it.
I had my initial chat and l booked within minutes, Merv has a natural ability to open up and l felt right at ease and knew that l would be in safe hands. On the day itself, it was incredible, Mervyn has such a beautiful way of creating a safe space, making you feel comfortable and giving words of positive encouragement. It was almost like a therapy session! The photoshoot was so much fun and l felt able to take myself to new limits and focus on the feeling then what the end result would be which you carry through with you upon the review of photos.
I recently had a second review of my photos as it was incredibly hard to decide on what to keep because you want to keep them all!
If you're thinking about having a photoshoot with Merv - do it and you'll never look back! What a wonderful way to celebrate yourself.
After reaching out to several photo agencies, I found Mervyn, and the personal connection he instantly established was unlike anything I had experienced before. Mervyn's work philosophy perfectly resonated with my aim for the photoshoot – an experience that would boost my self-confidence.
Throughout the process, Mervyn ensured the experience was easy and natural for me. He created a secure environment that put me at ease, enabling me to truly connect with myself and to unleash my utmost energy.
I am glad I finally went through with the shoot despite delaying it by two years due to listening to my (now ex) boyfriend, who planted seeds of doubt in me at the time.
After this experience, I wish I had recorded Mervyn’s encouraging and empowering words as a morning audio clip for my daily confidence boost! But with the album photo, I will relieve the experience anytime regardless.
I originally booked this shoot to gift the photos to my husband for our wedding anniversary but very quickly decided that this experience should be for me to really get the most out of it. The minute I made that mental switch, I felt so empowered and knew that I had made the right decision.
For me, the timing of this shoot was everything as I was in a very negative space at the time of booking. I hoped the shoot would build me up and offer a lifeline but I never imagined the genuine long lasting effects it would have on me.
From the minute I stepped into Mervyn’s space, I felt calm and comforted. Mervyn had a way of understanding what I needed in the moment, despite having only known me for five minutes.
During the shoot, Mervyn ensured I was happy throughout and directed me in the right way to get the most out of the day, encouraging my true self to shine through.
I did not for one minute think that I would come away loving all the photos captured… all of me! I had never looked at myself or admired myself in a way that I do now because I see beauty in the person looking back at me through those photos. This impact has spread throughout my relationship, my personal confidence levels and self belief.
As with all experiences, there are a couple of things that I regret:
1. I didn’t book two and half years ago when I originally enquired because I’d be so much further along my journey of self love, and
2. I wish I bought more of my images.
Not bad regrets to have!
Mervyn, a genuine thank you for doing what you do, the message behind it and giving me the belief that I am beautiful through the art you create. I’m sure the effects of this shoot will be felt for a long time.
I can’t wait to receive my digital images and app!
Merv is AMAZING. Right from my enquiry all the way up to me viewing my photos he was (is) amazing.
I made the decision to do an outdoor body confidence shoot as part of my own journey to build my confidence, love myself and my body for the way it is now (not getting “photoshoot” ready and to push myself outside of my comfort zone to see what I was capable of.
I wouldn’t have had the experience or outcome I did without Merv. He is hands down THE BEST person to book your shoot with.
He provides nothing but positive and uplifting energy, he will be your biggest cheerleader on the day, he provides a safe space for you to be vulnerable, step outside your comfort zone and he really helps bring out the best in you.
It’s about so much more than the photos. It’s about the experience and bringing out the best version of you that you didn’t even know existed. Then continuing to be that version of yourself that you see in the photos.
Merv has a real gift and talent for bring out the best in people and it’s clear he is insanely passionate about what he does, it’s clear his job is about way more than just “getting the shot” and taking nice photos. It’s an entire journey that I would recommend everyone embark on at some point in their life.
I’m proud of me and also very grateful Merv and I crossed paths.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I decided to embark on a body confidence shoot because a friend just had an experience and was raving so much about it, I thought let me see what all the ‘fuss’ is about! I am glad I was subjected to peer pressure because I haven’t been the same since my shoot. It is so much more than taking photos. The feeling you are left with is indescribable and if you are anything like me, it will have an impact on your life!
Right from the outset, Mervyn was (is) amazing. From the first call to ensure it was the right choice for me, he made me feel at ease and almost instantly, I felt like I was talking to a long lost friend. Mervyn talked me through the process and then I booked my shoot a few days later.
The day of the shoot came and naturally I was nervous because I had never done anything like this before but honestly, I can hand on heart say it is one of the best things I have ever done FOR MYSELF! Mervyn arrived and we chatted before heading to the space for my shoot and then we began…the energy shifted and I left that day feeling renewed! I left feeling empowered to do anything and this feeling has infiltrated my personal and professional life; A completely life changing experience. And every time I am feeling down/inadequate, I just look at my photos as a reminder of how powerful I am!
Mervyn you have a gift and and I am so glad you are working and WALKING in the space to make women feel empowered and seen without feeling objectified. You are an incredible human being. I have told allllll my girls to book a shoot with you! Thank you so very much.
P.s. 5+5 = 12 in my eyes (you’ll know who this is when you read that part). Hahaha
Merv is the photographer that everyone needs. Transmitting body confidence to someone is not an easy job, but he does it so naturally, and through his eyes he creates your body art that you can love and treasure forever, you'll see a part of yourself that you never consider or maybe weren't able to appreciate. His passion jumps right on you and makes your beauty shine.
As a photographer myself he is a great inspiration and I feel lucky to have met him.
The body confidence shoot with Merv was one of the best experiences of my life and the best thing I did for myself. He provided a very safe and comfortable space to shoot and play in. I've (re)discovered myself, who I am at the core, what I like, and what I need. If you're unsure about doing a shoot like that just know that you'll gain confidence from this and will go through a journey unlike any other. Just do it!
I am here now though, after more than a year from that day looking through my photos again, as I did many times over this past year, to say that this experience was more than a simple photoshooting!
I went through them for the designing of the album I can't wait to see and it felt like reliving that experience once more... I can clearly remember how it unfolded... I had no idea what to expect and for a person like me that tend to suffer from anxiety, the before was nerve wracking but Mervyn was able to put me at ease since the beginning and it did that so effortlessly. I did other photoshootings in the past, but this was a different story: a glass of Prosecco, my favourite music playlist in the background and Mervyn guiding me through two hours of self-discovery like I have never done before, to the point that at times I felt I was alone in the room. The result cannot be explained through words, but I can tell you that the photo reveal was filled with a lot of jaw-dropping moments and every time I see the photos the confident side of me kicks in. He somehow was able to capture a part of me that I knew it was hidden somewhere and I never seen it before until that day.
I cannot thank him enough for allowing me to be myself throughout the whole process, and the kind support in working through a payment plan that suited my finances at the time. On top of that, the quality of the photos is outstanding!
Mervyn is an amazing boudoir photographer who will go above and beyond to give you the experience of a lifetime, and I highly recommend you book a call with him as soon as you read this! You won't regret it!
This experience has been fantastic. Merv was personable and supportive throughout the whole process. He helped me feel prepared and beautiful. He’s definitely worth spending the time with if this is an experience you’re looking to have.
This experience was like no other... When I started looking for boudoir experiences, I called many companies and set up initial meetings. I was only really impressed by Merv and one other. However, I went with Merv because he seemed enthusiastic and set on making this a positive and affordable experience.
Merv understands that this is something women want to do for themselves, to make themselves feel beautiful and to allow us to see ourselves in a different light. Throughout the process, Merv ensured to make sure I was comfortable with the activities as well as him as a photographer. He set up many meetings and many reminder emails. I also loved that day of the shoot, we sat and talked and even went through outfit options together to narrow down what I wanted to wear. I did find that initially, he seemed nervous or sleepy, but I think that once we both woke up and let loose, we had a great time.
During the shoot, Merv helped pose me and get me comfortable, but then let me do my own thing. It's amazing the confidence that gets built on set. I was also impressed by the minimalist of materials and space used -- and I think that speaks volumes to the photographer. My boyfriend also joined us during the shoot, and we both were very comfortable with Merv and his professionalism. I appreciated that no matter what outfit and how revealing, Merv always talked to me in the eyes.
After the shoot, Merv was complimentary and excited about the photos. We had our meeting of reviewing the photos, and I ended up loving them more than I thought I would. This is coming from someone who definitely has a lack of body confidence. Not only that, Merv was kind in working through a payment plan. I think that he is driven to ensure that I get a positive experience before, during, and after. This was by far the best experience I could have asked for as a first boudoir experience. I would not put it past me to book another with Merv further down the line.
I found this experience so much more than I thought it would be. More empowering, more life changing and worth every penny and moment.
Mervyn is an amazing person. He truly has a gift to make you feel understood, respected and confident!
I recommend this experience to anyone and everyone.
Mervyn is unbelievable! I had an amazing experience working with him. I loved every second of my shoot from start to finish and I felt happy and comfortable all the way through . The photos came out beautiful, I never thought I’d be able to see myself in such a beautiful way. I would love to do it again!
I was lucky enough to attend Mervyn’s You at Yours celebration event and even luckier to win the raffle prize of a trip to Marrakesh with body confidence photoshoot and 10 images. From start to finish the experience was transformative; as a single parent it was my first time away from my little one aside from work and I needed that space to rediscover parts of myself. The photoshoot was the ultimate celebration of a few of those parts that I rarely get to see/share/reflect on. Merv supported me to let go and feel free. After a long and complicated history with my body, I forgot how the universe gives you exactly what you need at exactly the right time.
This week I got to see the images for the first time. It was emotional and uplifting; I can’t wait to receive the images and forever remember that moment in time.
I booked a photoshoot with Merv a couple of month ago. I was so nervous. But Merv sends regular emails with lots of useful information and interesting testimonials. When the day of the photoshoot arrived, I hesitated getting on the train to London, I kept on wondering "Why am I doing this?!". But I did get on the train and I have no regrets whatsoever. The make up artist was really nice, we talked the whole time about random things, mostly music if I remember properly. And then the photoshoot itself was just pure joy and lots of fun. Merv is really good at giving you advice on how to pose, but I also really liked the fact that he gives you freedom to express yourself as well during the shoot. He makes it very clear that it is YOUR time to shine.
I recently went for the photo reveal and oh boy, lots of tears! It was an intense rollercoaster of emotion and Merv was there the entire time, encouraging me and always finding the right words at the right time.
I hope that I can work again with you Merv in the future. In the meantime, I can only recommend you 😊
Won a Skinny Tan competition for a photo shoot with YouatYours photography. From the first email to the the end of the day he was professional through and through. He gave me so much body confidence that I’ve never had before , his sense of humour , relaxed approach , talking me through the poses … was far braver than I ever imagined I would be .,, the photos are fabulous, I can’t believe it’s me ..,! Thankyou again Merv xx
I dont even know where to begin. Yes I cannot recommend Mervin ( the photographer) and its his team enough. The whole experience from start to finish was effortless, reassuring and reaffirming the natural inner and outer beauty we all posses as women.
Mervin is a warm and kind person, not too mention very funny. Very professional and knowledgeable definitely but his passion for women's body confidence and ensuring the photos represent the unique woman stands out the most.
As Mervin and his team prepared me so well for the shoot, I felt excited and yes of course with a hint of butterflies in my stomach but that disappeared as soon I met Mervin and the make up artist. We talked about anything and everything while my make up was being done. Like having a conversation with my best friend.
Mervin's guidance and ensuring you feeling comfortable was a constant throughout the shoot which allowed me to relaxed more and more..The laughter and able to be completely myself..the woman.
The shoot itself for me was like slowly peeling off layers ( yes literally too..LOL) that hide the true essence of who I am as a woman, connecting with feelings we women posses but have hidden.
The results were beyond my expectations, the images captured me, my story so well revealing a side of me that I knew was there but Mervin brought it back to life..My story..my body
I cannot recommend You at Yours enough....Take a chance and do it..you wont regret it!!
Tessa x
I overthink everything... I thought that was why it took me 3 years to find and book the photoshoot... But no... as soon as I saw Mervin Instagram and website I just knew it, I wanted HIM to be the one with me in this experience... His approach and his energy was just IT..!! EXACTLY what I wanted...!! Someone who looks at YOU and capture your essence, I knew that my body changed through the last 2 years with the pandemic and I was aware the increase clothes' sizes but I wasn't comfortable I saw myself in the mirror and couldn't see me there like seen somebody else... I almost cancel a week before but I was Encouraged to not to, so I went... I cried, I posed, I changed clothes 4 times and I went back to my house... I cried again... I thought of all the words of encouragement that Mervin said to me during the session (part of me though well that his job he probably says it to everyone). The day of revealing the photos arrived, I went with my husband thinking that I was sure I was going to hate the photos because well the weight and also the pregnancy so I wasn't going to get my hopes up... Well... I cried again but this time it was because I finally saw myself in the photos... my essence that person I know I am, that warm smile inside of me I SAW IT... That confidence, the sensuality, the future mom inside of me EVERYTHING was THERE!!! I still cry when I remember the moment and the face of my husband looking at the pictures... Is one of those moments that I will never forget... Thank you Merv for showing me that my body is PERFECT and all this is still ME... <3 ... SUPERB experience!!!
I can not recommend this experience enough. Merv is an incredible photographer and a beautiful soul, who made sure to put my comfort first in every moment of the shoot. Even without the sublime images, the experience was more than worth it!
If you are even thinking about having this shoot done! Do it! I was so nervous about having it done as soon as I booked in the call with Merv, he made me feel at ease. He answered any question that I had. Even if it seemed silly to me. When it came to day of the shoot, I had hair and makeup done whilst we talked about anything and everything, again made me feel more at ease. Merv helped me every step of the way. Made me feel confident. Made my inner ‘JT’ come out as we named my inner diva. Thank you Merv! You are phenomenal x
This is something I recommend every adult female & male, from all age groups, to do atleast once in their lifetime. This is probably going to change the way you look at yourself and will definitely help you fall in love with yourself once again.
I wish you feel this confident with every man! I didn’t have a second where I felt it was too much or I don’t want to do it. Merv made me feel so comfortable from the first chat until the last minute in the photoshoot. I had such a great experience and time. I can only recommend!
After being pretty nervous on the lead up to my shoot, Merv put me at ease straight away. He made the whole time shooting so much fun and also much easier than I expected by helping me choose outfits and knowing exactly what kind of poses would suit me, my body and the type of ‘feel’ I wanted for my shoot. When seeing my images for the first time I was completely blown away by how incredible they were and that it was the real me- unedited and beautiful! I love every single image I chose and I’m so so grateful to Mervyn for this experience- it was so much more than the photo shoot itself.
I highly recommend Mervyn and jumping into this experience with two feet!!
Thank you 🙏🏼
You know when you have an idea in your head; you have a clear expectation of what you would like the outcome of a potential shoot to be, you know exactly how you would like to feel afterwards, but when it comes down to it you seem to lack the ability to communicate what it is. - that was how I felt when beginning this process.
If you recognise these feelings fear not, because Merv got your back! - Literally, this man is so good at what he do.
He knows what questions to ask, and he put so much time and energy into making sure he understands your vision, that you understand your vision (😆) and that you are happy and comfortable throughout the whole experience.
If you are thinking about it, do it! You are in safe hands :)
Merv made me feel incredibly comfortable throughout the whole experience, from the initial contact and conversations, through to the actual shoot and photo viewing. I don't really like photos being taken of me so felt a bit nervous about posing and what the results would look like, but I was delighted with the results. I felt perfectly comfortable during the photoshoot, even though I was in my underwear, as Merv made me feel relaxed and not awkward in the slightest. I can highly recommend if you want some beautiful photos and an amazing photographic experience, Merv is your man.
Merv was truly fantastic - if you are even thinking of doing a boudoir shot, I would recommend booking with him with your eyes closed. He was extremely professional while being very friendly (a tough balance to strike!) and I was super pleased with the pictures. Thanks Merv !!
I recently had a shoot with Merv after winning a body confidence competition, I started that day with little confidence in myself but thanks to Merv I left that day with a whole lot of confidence!
His positivity and personality makes you feel so relaxed, he manages to work through the nerves and make you feel super comfortable the whole time! Not once did I feel awkward nor did I feel pressured into doing something I didn’t feel comfortable with, I felt at ease and calm.
I started that shoot with little to no confidence in myself and super nervous but I left it feeling like a whole new person! I had confidence in me that I never knew was there and I’ve learnt how to slowly start loving myself the way in which I should. I can’t thank Merv enough for helping me feel like that again and for the most fantastic experience!
As for the photos they are gorgeous, I can’t believe that it’s me in them! Merv is so talented at what he does and those photos will bring back the happiest of memories!
If you are considering doing a shoot with him, GO FOR IT!! You’ll leave glowing and non stop smiling.
I couldn't recommend this photoshoot enough. Firstly, Merv is just the loveliest, kindest person who is professional and incredibly talented at what he does. This photoshoot was a massive step into my discomfort zone, but Merv’s natural ability to put you at ease, whilst also bringing his humour and positive energy to the shoot made me feel so empowered.
For me, it wasn’t so much about the images, it was about the journey of the shoot. However, when we sat down to look at the images, I instantly started crying! I couldn’t believe it was me and the images Merv captured were so wonderful. The feeling I got from doing this experience will honestly stay with me and if I ever have a moment of doubt, I will always have these images to look back on. I would recommend this to everyone! Thank you Merv.
Mervyn is an absolute dream. I booked a photo shoot - to get photos for my partners wedding gift. However the experience was so much more. Merv was brilliant from start to finish. He goes above and beyond to make you feel relaxed which is amazing considering it is an experience which can be quite daunting for a lot of people.
Personally I’m quite a confident person, however I feel the whole experience has made be 1000 times more confident.
I can not wait to receive my final pictures. The preview was banging. I would recommend this experience to anyone who was even slightly considering it!
What started as gift for my partner turned out a gift for myself. I will be doing this again at some point!
The shoot was gifted to me, and become one of my goals to help me 'get back to myself' in terms of overall confidence. I was familiar with Merv's work as one of my closest friends has had several shoots, he is a true artist and I wanted something to always remember these years of my life with his beautiful images.
Before the shoot, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to relax and get into the moment enough to have great pictures, but I shouldn't have been. Merv's excellent communication and overall encouraging and positive demeanour put me at ease quickly. I enjoyed the whole experience so much, it was a moment to connect with myself and now I always have something to remind me of that moment.
It's not something that you book without thinking about the reasons why and what you want to achieve from the experience, but if you do you won't regret it.
I can't wait to see the printed images!
Everything you want and more.
I had been wondering whether to go for it or not for OVER A YEAR. Merv talked me through every step of the way. Finally, my shoot day came and I was anxious about two things: first, not measuring up and second, not being able to click with Merv. I was so wrong. Merv was super helpful in getting over the initial jitters, he prioritises your experience over anything else, is careful to figure out exactly why you want this, and excels at capturing it on camera. Truly one of the best things I've done, picking photos was so difficult because I loved all of them despite me being highly self-critical. And the best was seeing that the trust you place on Merv to capture what you want to preserve, is completely deserved.
I always wanted to do a photoshoot but I was afraid I would feel uncomfortable in front of a photographer and wouldn't know what to do.
My experience with Mervyn was amazing. He made me feel very comfortable and helped with the process. He is a super creative person with a great sense of humor, which made my experience very natural, enjoyable, and memorable.
As a result, I have great pictures and feel more confident than ever with my body! I only regret I didn't do it earlier.
When I was looking for someone to do a boudoir shoot with, I wasn't sure what to look for. It is such an intimate thing to involve another person in, how do you pick? From the very first email Mervyn was so warm, friendly and professional. He was a joy to work with and really made the whole experience stress-free and meaningful. The photos I have now are truly amazing and honest to myself, and could only be taken by someone who had the respect and knowledge to create that environment. I would 100% recommend You at Yours to anyone wanting beautiful and real pictures and to have a laugh with a great photographer!
I booked a photo shoot with Mervyn as a treat for myself to celebrate my body and create some nice memories. We had a chat before the session and he also kept updating me with emails that were fun to read and made sure that I am comfortable with everything. Having seen his previous work, I new he was going to do a great job. I was further impressed by his work ethic and intuition during the shoot how he observed the way I naturally moved and used that to create great images and more... I felt like the whole experience was a mirror of my aspects that I hadn’t been in touch for a long time. Mervyn taught me if I feel good I will look good and that’s all that matters. Working with him is a joyful experience. Highly recommended.
I don't even know where to begin but the experience from end-to-end has been beautiful and truly one of a kind. It is just one step in developing better body confidence but a really fulfilling and worthwhile step to take.
Mervyn is a true professional and a genuine person throughout the experience. What you see is what you get with him which is great because Mervyn comes fully loaded with positive energy and good vibes which entices the confident you out of whatever shell she may have retreated inside of. He makes you feel 100% comfortable at all points regardless of the state of undress you're in. It also helps that he is a whizz with the camera and will 100% get several shots of you that you will LOVE, no matter how self-critical you are (speaking from personal experience!).
Also, I must give a shout out to the fabulous hair and MUA Lauren who dolled me up for my shoot - what a glow-up!
I can't put into words exactly how happy I am that I have taken this journey with Mervyn and You At Yours. I can only say you won't regret doing the same. Just do it!
Thanks Mervyn!
If you're thinking about having a photoshoot with Merv - do it and you'll never look back! What a wonderful way to celebrate yourself.
Mervyn has such a beautiful way of creating the you at yours photoshoot experience, I felt so at ease. He listened, empathised and supported me throughout, I'm so grateful. I laughed and cried which shows me this experience helped me 'hear' and 'see' myself in all my glory. Thank you for guiding me through Mervyn :)
The final products are glorious, I'm excited to see my folio box in real life soon.
P.S. I recommend the hair/makeup and full studio experience - why not?! YOU DESERVE IT.
Merv was just amazing... I saw his work and it was always inside my head... Like... why shall i wait to be a mum o get married to have a shooting? Why not one now? In the moment i consider i am in control of my life, safe, confident, strong... and there i went... messaged him, we had a first call and call it "love at first sight" but i wanted to do it... And as soon as possible... Didn't want to chicken out. Booked it and closer to the days i started to feel something inside me. Excitement, messaging him, nervious, it was going to be such a powerful test to me!... And it happened! And it was different to what i expected. Great vibes, chilled, laughs, feeling sexy, feeling me... 4hours... and they went so fast!!! When i left i met a friend and i felt so relaxed, so happy, so empowering... Now the next step... THE FINAL reveal day!!!! it was impressive! Could have never thought i was going to see myself pictured like Merv did! "It's me!" Those were my constant words... I'm so happy and grateful we did a great job. Now it's saved in my memory and in an album and yes... I FRAMED a picture!!! And i'm going to be hanging on my wall! For everyone to admire! and i only can say... I LOVE IT!
Thanks merv. thanks for this. Thanks for making me feel so empower and confident to be able to look like ME. The real ME.
Merv is truly amazing, such a gentleman and true professional. I had a vision of what I wanted, and Merv and I discussed the finer details of the shoot and the final product was exactly what I had envisaged and more! The actual day was so fun, he made me feel incredibly comfortable & like a model! I'd highly, highly recommend him to anyone looking to get some great shots of yourself, or for any special projects, or just feel like a goddess! Thanks Merv, I'll be back!
I booked a photo shoot with Mervyn after following his work for a few years. I have always admired his work.
From the moment I booked right up to receiving my pics Mervyn was nothing but professional, respectful and polite.
The talent Mervyn has is shown in the pictures he produces and they speak for themselves. I am beyond happy with the service I received from Mervyn and cannot recommend him highly enough
Merv has become part of our family.
From our engagement shoot in 2018, a boudoir-turned-Body Confidence Shoot as a gift for my husband to be (but more so for myself), a pregnancy shoot in Richmond park to my second pregnancy shoot the day before baby arrived. During each and every shoot I felt comfortable and confident to bare it all: feelings, thoughts, fears and dreams. Merv is an amazing person and an even better photographer. I have recommended him to all of my friends and I would definitely book another shoot with him!
I’ve never felt confident in my body, and so booked this shoot in the hopes of changing how I view myself. It did that and so much more! I loved my photo shoot with Merv, and would highly recommend You at Yours photography. I was really nervous beforehand and definitely questioned if I should do it a couple of times in the lead up to the day. I’m so so glad I did, I absolutely loved it and feel so much more confident in my skin. I feel like a badass! Merv was amazing and really helped me relax, feel confident and have fun!
Thank you Merv for your patience, enthusiasm, sense of humour and your energy. The shoot has given me a huge confidence boost that has already changed my life. I love my photos!! I can’t say thank you enough!
I can’t recommend You at Yours Photography enough. If you’re thinking about booking a shoot with Merv, don’t think twice, book it!
I am so glad I've booked a session with Mervyn. Firstly, he is a really kind and professional person. You can see that he genuinely cares. Cares about how to make you feel good about yourself and confident and how to make you love your pictures when you finally see them. He has been absolutely great and so are the photos. So much better than I could have ever imagined. Highly recommend him to anyone who just wants to look at herself from a different angle. An angle, probably, everyone else sees us, but just not us. Change it. It is so worth it.
I booked the experience to boost my confidence and it has surpassed all expectations. The day was amazing, and then the photos - I just can't believe how amazing it made me feel. I've never seen myself in that way and it's really changed how I treat myself. Thank you so much, I'm not quite sure the words to say how much it means to feel this good about myself!
When my girlfriend said that she wanted to do a body confidence shoot that involved being in her underwear, I couldn’t understand why she would want to do it and when I knew it would be shot by a man and she would be in her underwear, I was even more sceptical.
But wow.... The whole process, the shoot, seeing the testimonials for other women (and their boyfriends) and speaking to Merv made it so clear why the shoot would be so important to her.
Before I chatted to Merv I was wondering if he was just some seedy guy that wants to use his camera to take picture of half-naked women.
But while talking to him I very quickly realised that this is part of his life’s mission, to help people feel more confident, happy and at home in their bodies.
He assured me that no one else would be at the shoot other than him and my partner, only the three of us would see the photos and that my partner would be completely safe (he has done over 250 of these shoots)
I felt very involved in the process.
And the photos are stunning. Amazing!
My girlfriend is more confident in all areas of her life, she is progressing in her career in ways she didn’t seem possible, she feels sexier and it’s added so much spice to our relationship. And most of all, she now sees herself as the incredibly beautiful women that I’ve told her she is.
This isn’t just a photoshop, it’s fun personal development work.
To any man reading this and is thinking “I don’t want another man to see my women naked”, put that thought to one side, this isn’t about you, it’s about your partner growing in confidence in herself and her body. And as a man, we are so unaware of how much how a woman feels about her body holds her back in life. But you will get so much from her doing a shoot with Merv too.
Thank you so much Merv, you have changed two people’s lives.
I just wish he did shoots for men 😀
One of the most relaxed, fun and empowering things I have ever done for myself, Mervyn is a master at his craft. Truly I am not someone who likes how they look on camera, and have my own share of issues with how my body looks, but Merv’s professionalism and natural ability to put me at ease made it all feel very effortless.
Merv takes a lot of time to talk you through the process, he checks in, he thinks of the little things that make a big difference and the level of care he goes to is exceptional. I would highly recommend You at Yours to anyone considering having a boudoir/body confidence shoot.
I contacted Merv when I was looking for a gift for my husband to celebrate our one year (paper) wedding anniversary. I read all the reviews online - and it turns out that they were spot on in regards to Merv's enthusiasm, ability to put one at ease, open communication, professionalism and talent! All those things are true but I want to mention his "make it work attitude specifically".
I was so sure when I got in touch with Merv that there was no way my timeline would work and I'd receive the photos in time for our anniversary, but Merv was immediately bought in and much to my surprise was sure that we could make it happen. In the end, he did! And when the rushed print job meant one of the photos came out with a bit of a blur, he immediately let me know he'd get it reprinted and promptly sent me a new and perfect copy. I really came into our first conversation thinking - no way this will work and I'll just give my gift late - but Merv was on top of everything and true to his word, he made it happen.
Not only did Merv go out of his way to make my timeline work, he was also so open to my ideas. I asked him if I could bring flowers to our shoot to recreate a few photos I'd seen on pinterest. He was like - bring anything you want - we'll make it work. Not only did he encourage me to bring the flowers but he was super thoughtful about how we used them. I'm sure he'd seen the photos on my pinterest board, but when it came time he didn't just recreate those poses. Instead he considered me, the flowers, the lighting, and the space we were in and had me do something completely different with the flowers. In the moment I was having so much fun I didn't think about it, but I'll admit after I left I had a moment of "did we get the shot I wanted?" After reviewing the photos, it turns out he got me shots I didn't even KNOW I wanted! We didn' recreate the pinterest shots at all, but did something completely unique, artsy, tasteful and lovely. They were by far my favorite photos of the session.
I echo the other reviews and testimonials - Merv is great to say the least - and a session with him is sure to be memorable!
I've decided to book a photoshoot with Merv as a result of my personal self love journey I've started this past year. And what a wonderful way of continuing my journey! Having a photoshoot with Merv is more than having some photo taken, it's a deep journey into your soul. I firstly saw Merv on an instagram live and I thought it sounded very professional and most of all genuine. He will plan every single detail with you and will guide you along the way. He's very easy going, cares deeply about what he does and he will make you feel at ease. If you are thinking about investing in your self and seeing your beauty thorugh the lens of Merv's artistic photography, I would definitely recommend to book a call with him. I had an amazing experience and I could see that he's really passionate about making women feel confident in their own body! Thank you Merv :-)
I just loved everything about this experience. The process was simple and easy but, more, Mervyn is an absolute gem - it was very easy to feel relaxed with him and I would do this again in a "flash".
I decided to book a shoot with Mervyn to celebrate myself for my birthday. Having seen the portfolios of a few boudoir-style photographers, I immediately loved Mervyn’s work due to its softness and his non-generic approach. I followed him on Instagram and was further encouraged by his desire to curate shoots/experiences for all kinds of women and his commitment to centring his clients’ needs in his work. So from there, booking with Merv was a no-brainer for me!
Arranging the shoot was very easy. I started by filling out the ‘shoot finder’ which allowed me to communicate my vision and expectations for the shoot. I then had a call with Mervyn which felt just like talking to an old friend! I was made to feel very at ease - it was like Mervyn had pre-empted any questions or anxieties I might have had. We had an in-depth talk about what I was aiming for and it felt very much like a team working together towards my specific vision - how exciting!
My shoot was in a hotel room and Mervyn was happy to reconstruct the room in a creative way get the best shot! I felt really comfortable on the day thanks to Mervyn, and he really knew his stuff with regard to the flow of the shoot and how to put me at ease. It wasn’t an issue whatsoever that Mervyn is a man, he puts you at ease throughout and has a great understanding of what women feel like on the day.
2 weeks later I received my shots which I was very happy with. They captured the day perfectly and have definitely been a worthy investment
If I’m thinking about a shoot again in the future I would definitely contact Merv again, and would encourage you to do the same!
I think I stumbled across Mervyn and You at Yours in early 2020, via The Self-Full podcast. I really liked his ethos and the images he created, so started following on Instagram, thinking ‘one day’. When Mervyn held a competition, I entered but thought nothing of it. I was thrilled (and anxious) when I found out I’d won a home shoot and immediately booked a call with him.
The shoot was booked for early 2021 and for the few months beforehand I was anxious about everything being perfect - my hair, makeup, outfits - but on the day I felt remarkably calm.
Mervyn made the whole experience so easy, suggesting the order of outfits and guiding me through the poses, that by the end, I was comfortable wearing far less than I started with.
I’ve never enjoyed being in front of a camera but Mervyn managed to capture some great candid pictures. If you’re thinking about doing a shoot, go for it.
Would really recommend a photoshoot with Mervyn. I love the style of the photos. He's put a lot of thought into his business and really cares about the final product.
The experience of the day is pretty surreal too. if you're worried your property doesn't look like the best place for a shoot, you will be very pleasantly surprised by Mervyn's creativity to shoot almost anywhere and still make it look amazing!
I can't wait to start hanging mine up!
I had been back and forth in my mind about having a photoshoot for over a year, but always found a reason not to go for it (nerves, self doubt, worries that I'd feel awkward and won't know what to do in front of the camera etc). By chance I stumbled across You at Yours on Instagram and loved what I saw but what stood out to me the most was Merv's passion for his mission and his friendly, approachable demeanor.
Fast forward to the day of the shoot and any remaining nerves were swiftly and firmly forgotten about. I just had the most fun from the moment I arrived.
Merv is genuinely not only a master of his craft but also incredibly professional, patient and holds a unique ability to create an environment which makes you feel totally at ease. I came away feeling totally empowered from the experience, giddy with pride that I'd finally done it (it was far easier than I'd envisaged) and sort of sad that it was all over!
I wholeheartedly recommend You at Yours to anyone like me who might be sitting on the fence, just take the leap, you'll be glad you did it, too!
Mervyn a huge THANK YOU - I'm so grateful for the incredible experience and totally in love with the images.
For almost a year, I wanted to have this experience. But I was uncomfortable with the thought of bearing all for the camera. After getting brave one day I booked a call and spoke to Mervyn, he was friendly reassuring and supportive, so I bit the bullet and I booked in a date whilst I had the courage, I'm so glad I did as it was a great decision.
I was just expecting some nice pictures, but that was really just a small part of what you get. I'm not going to lie, when I got there I felt a little nervous and really worried about my belly. For the first few pics I was slightly uncomfortable with it being on show. I don't know when in the photoshoot it happened but I realised I wasn't worried anymore, and I fully comfortable being myself and in my own skin. I felt so confident.
After the shoot I was on a high and it had a knock on effect in other areas of my life, I think if you're feeling low or lack confidence in any area of your life this helps. We all know everyone has hang ups even those we look at as perfect. Even the insta famous, and actually famous. its doesn’t matter if you need to be confidence at work, or look in the mirror and face yourself everyday this can help.
What have you really got to lose?
I had a boudoir photoshoot with Mervyn in August 2019. I initially began thinking about it at the start of 2019 and I asked him a few questions on instagram which led to a phone call. It was like speaking to an old friend. Mervyn made me feel that no question / concern / anxiety was a stupid one and it gave me the confidence to book a shoot. My main concern was that my photos were secure because of the nature of my job and Mervyn really took my concerns on board and explained in detail how he keeps client photos secure.
Before the shoot I was given lots of support in preparing for the shoot - possible outfits the style of photo etc.
The shoot itself was so much fun! At first I was really nervous and worried about how every part of me was looking, but by the end of it, Mervyn had made me so comfortable that the nerves disappeared and I ended up with some really powerful looking photos. Best experience I've had - brilliant for my self esteem! Not only that, he managed to make my very tiny house look amazing in the photos!! I didn't think the space I had would be photoshoot "worthy" but it looks great in the photos.
I thought the best part of this experience was choosing which photos I wanted in an album, but nothing compares to seeing your printed album / photo box. I was on such a high afterwards!
Throughout this whole process, Mervyn has put me at ease and been professional and courteous. He is super professional and has a real gift for working with people. I think if you're unsure about doing a shoot, give him a call and talk through your thoughts and concerns. If you don't have any concerns, don't bother to call - JUST BOOK!
Okay, so being honest I had a lot of reservations about Emma having this shoot with Merv. I trust Emma though, and Emma trusted Merv, so I trusted him by association. I think it’s important to say that while I look out for Emma, because I love her more than anything, I don’t own her; I’m not her boss; I don’t get to tell her she can’t do something. So, apparently a lot like Emma, I was really nervous on the day of the shoot. Now, I cannot emphasise enough how proud I am of Emma and how amazing her pics are and how thankful I am to Merv. I have seen her transform from the shy, beautiful woman I love into someone who’s starting to see herself the way I see her, and her shoot with Merv played a huge part in that. From what she has told me Merv has been an absolute professional throughout the whole process but, more than that, he’s been really supportive to her, recognising her nerves and reassuring her the whole way. The pictures are amazing, but it’s not just about the pictures. What Merv did for Emma, and is doing for other women, is borderline therapy. I can not recommend the experience enough and for any guys out there who have doubts about letting their partners do this I’ll just say trust your wife/girlfriend, remember it’s not your choice and just be the partner she needs you to be by supporting her journey to finding who she is and who she can be. Trust me, you’ll reap all the benefits and be glad you did.
I have to say, overall I loved being pregnant, I was a lucky one & my body took to growing my child with love & thankfully very few issues.
Birth now...well that was a different story..but hey we keep it moving 🤣🤦🏽♀️
Despite being physically fit, mentally I took a few knocks towards the end of my pregnancy & with timing more perfect than he will ever know, in stepped the insanely talented Merv to take me on a beautiful journey of self-appreciation & empowerment with this stunning pregnancy shoot.
I had committed to throwing myself into this shoot & letting go of any nerves or insecurities, but I don't think I really had contemplated the effect it would have. I left that day on cloud nine, I'd had the most fun, I felt so at ease & seeing the shots afterwards, is one of my proudest moments.
I hadn't planned on sharing the images, but truth is, i love them & they remind me of the physical & mental strength I built in 2020.
I would recommend the experience to everyone. Merv helps people meet a version of themselves they probably haven't given enough love & thanks too....oh & he also provides cookies on the day! So wins all round!
Thank you Mervyn 💙
I don't think I knew how much I needed this shoot until I booked it. I felt I could do with a confidence boost and hoped to have a nice pic for my partner. It turned out to be more than just some photos, it was an amazing experience that will stay with me forever. You know when you meet someone for the first time and you instantly want them to be your best friend? Well that's Merv. He made me feel so relaxed and although I was really nervous before the shoot I felt in complete control the whole time and really enjoyed myself. I have been grinning all weekend since getting my photos and I'm starting to realise the potential I had in me. The potential my partner already knew I had but I couldn't quite believe. I feel so much braver and in control of my life with a little bit of badass!! Thank you Merv for your patience, your energy and for the massive confidence boost that has already changed my life. I love my photographs, I love your work and I love your genuine passion for helping women achieve body confidence. I can't wait to book another shoot with you and would recommend anyone else to do the same.
He taught me to love myself
I first saw You at Yours on a Google search when looking for boudoir photographers. I loved how natural the photos were and that they looked like real women. I then gave Mervyn a follow on Instagram and I loved what his businesses values were. He wants to empower and make women feel confident in their bodies.
I then booked a phone call and spoke to Mervyn who explained how the process worked and answered all my questions. He is a really friendly guy who came across so chilled.
Leading up to the photoshoot he sent me his get prepped guide, which helped me plan for the shoot. He once again answered my questions promptly.
Then was the big day, I was so nervous but he managed to ground me and I came out feeling more confident. Mervyn firstly sat down and spoke about what to expect from the shoot and explained everything will be taken to my pace. We then looked at my outfits and picked out the top three I wanted to wear in the shoot. He could tell I was nervous, but he continued to reassure me throughout the process. He made me feel confident throughout the entire process. Mervyn put on music, we laughed and I learnt so much about myself. I felt comfortable with Mervyn`s guidance and loved how he kept referring back to my Pinterest board to ensure we got the right look for my photos.
The photos look stunning, he is an amazing photographer who is truly talented in his art. He has made me love parts of my body i disliked before the photoshoot. I highly recommend having this experience for any woman. I will definitely do it again in the future.
I just wanted to say Kate and I are so pleased with the photos you took. She came out after the session with a constant smile on her face. It was lovely to see her so happy. She couldn't wait to tell me about how confident and at ease you made her feel. Finally you made her realise I'm now her fiancé 🤣 she is still trying so hard not to say partner. I can see a real difference in the way she excepts her body. Despite the fact I have told her for years she has lovely hips and smile. She can now accept it since seeing those photos. Only took 7 years of us being together for her to realise. I am so grateful you have made her see what I have and continue to see every day. I would feel comfortable in Katie coming and doing another shoot with you as your professionalism was outstanding. You was very welcoming when I met you briefly before the her shoot and Katie talks very highly of you.
Merv... where do I start?! Thank you for being so caring and professional from start to finish, from the moment I arrived you greeted me with that massive grin and made me feel at ease straight away. The location you picked was stunning you really thought about my mood board and made it to suit my interests, hair and make up was there ready for me to get glammed and you kept me company through the whole process. I had a few nerves but I was so ready to get shooting with you after I showed you my outfits. You knew exactly where to have each outfit and what poses would suit best for the shot, you helped me through and guided me into posing correctly to capture my body at all angles. By the end of the shoot I just felt on top of the world and so proud of myself, you was complimenting throughout and made me feel beautiful. I left the location feeling so emotional and over whelmed after we went through the pictures, it was such a great and uplifting moment. Thank you for capturing my body in ways I have never seen it before, we had a laugh. I will always look back at this experience as a big accomplishment for me, so thank you for letting that happen. I will do definitely be returning for more shoots in the future. Love Emma xx
Where to even start!? My experience with Merv was hands down the best thing I did this year, and is one of the best things I have EVER done for myself.
Merv has a very special gift for making you feel comfortable and at ease and he really understands the emotions you might go through during the course of this whole experience. For me, the shoot was not just about getting some amazing, sexy images of myself (although BOY OH BOY did I get those), but also about proving to myself that I had it in me to do something this vulnerable - especially with someone who is basically a stranger. I can promise you that Merv won't feel like a stranger for long! He was with me every step of the way, from our first phone call to the photo reveal, guiding me through the process with patience, humour and understanding. Honestly, this whole experience would have been worth it even if there was no photographic evidence at the end - but I am over the moon with the photos. Merv managed to coax out a sexy, fun, seductive and playful side of me that I hope I can bring out more in my day-to-day life, and his talent and eye for setting up a photo, for lighting and for angles has just blown me away. I can't wait until I'm a fabulous old lady and I can get the images out at a family gathering and watch everyone's mouths fall open.
I really can't recommend this experience enough. If you're thinking about it, take the leap and do it - you will be so glad you did :) Thanks for everything Merv xx
I was lucky enough to win a shoot with Merv via Instagram which included the cost of the shoot and one image, however I loved what he created so much, I ended up purchasing more plus an album. The whole experience from start to finish was wonderful. Merv is very genuine, funny, and authentic throughout which puts your mind at ease considering you're about to drop trow in front of a stranger. If you're thinking "Oh, it's just another man trying to perv over my naked visage", you're 100% wrong. The day was incredibly professional and the level of nudity is dictated by you, not him. So if you want to go full on Lady Godiva, that's your choice and not only will he support you through it, but he'll make you feel like God damn queen too. I can't thank him enough for his patience, kindness, and the work he's doing to bring out the fire within women of all shapes and sizes. If you're on the fence about it, hop over! You'll be pleasantly surprised and feel unstoppable afterwards.
A couple of years ago I was feeling quite lost, displaced, fragile and just a bit unsure of everything around me including myself. Then I met a guy.. not like that!
I met Merv and I was blown away by how comfortable I was around him and how in tune he seemed to be with the female mind. He told me what he done for a living and spoke about it with such passion that in an instant I knew I wanted (maybe even needed) to be a part of it.
I went for it and had a photoshoot with this fantastic photographer who happens to be one the most genuine nicest humans I've ever met. I didn't know I was capable of feeling as nervous as I did but as soon as we got down to it I was right at ease and we had such a laugh. I walked away on a high with any lost confidence already restored.
I would recommend a photoshoot with Merv, you will walk away feeling liberated, beautiful, confident, happy, strong and full of love for yourself.
Thank you Merv, for giving me what I needed to get through a particular unpleasant time in my life. Would love another shoot one day.
One of the best things I've ever done! Before the shoot I was super nervous but also so excited as I had spoken to Mervyn a few times to plan it all and I felt so at ease! During the shoot I felt super comfortable and it flew by, time really does fly when your having fun!! Great shoot, Mervyn really knows his stuff! After the shoot I felt a sense of empowerment & confidence! I left on such a high I was already planning in my head what I want to do next time! I cannot wait to come back and do another shoot! If your on a self love journey you need this man in your life!!!
I first came across Mervyn’s page on FB
And I wanted to do something special for myself for my birthday. And this is how I booked a session with him. Due to being at the end of the year, and mostly my busy schedule...we agreed to meet in January and during the 2 months I felt mixed emotions, sometimes excitement, sometimes asking myself: “why did I do that?!”
Until 2 days before the shoot where I was so nervous, I couldn’t sleep. Reached out to Mervyn the evening before the shoot and he found the exact words that would calm me down.
The photoshoot itself was a piece of cake 😎
I realised that I was pretty confident in my body already. I believe the thing I was scared about was the result... I’ve never liked any recent pictures of me. So when Mervyn showed me a few pictures on his camera… I was ecstatic and couldn’t wait to see them all
Mervyn is a talented and caring photographer with a hint of innocence that made me trust him in the first place. I would definitely recommend a photoshoot with him.
Where do I even begin in writing a review for this wonderful man!
My You at Yours journey started with a random Instagram follow after admiring some of Mervyn’s previous shoots.
Mervyn and I messaged back and forth for a while but never in a million years did I think I would go ahead with a shoot having almost no confidence in myself.
From the offset Mervyn was easy going, friendly and empowering. That was when I thought sod it I’ll do it! Plus I wanted to support him in his business. I have never felt more comfortable with a person I’d never met.
Leading up to the day itself I was terrified. Mervyn spoke through everything again and was very patient. The website is also great to read reviews from other people.
As soon as Mervyn arrived on the day my nerves diminished almost instantly. He has such a calming demeanour. We had great chats and it was such an enjoyable day from start to finish.
I cannot even explain how unreal the photos are. What a talent! I am over the moon. I can’t stop looking at my photos thinking ‘that’s me?!’
If you are considering doing a shoot (from someone who would never have done this in a million years) do it! I promise you will NOT regret it. The experience itself is just fantastic and the photos.... unimaginable.
Where do I even begin?
- Merv’s dedication and professionalism from the get-go.
- Going above and beyond to not only make you feel comfortable but sexy, confident and proud.
- The amazing quality of images using natural light, angles and timing.
- Small touches like thinking to edit out the clock on the oven in the background makes all the difference that some other photographers wouldn't think of.
- Going as far as to ask about your favourite music which he then makes a playlist of, which you enjoy watching him dance to while you're getting your make up professionally done (he either does this with everyone or realllly likes Janet Jackson lol).
I could keep going on but I'd be here forever. In a nutshell, i would recommend a shoot with Merv to anyone. Whether you're a model, someone looking for a confidence boost, just wanting to do something you haven't done before or you're feeling yourself and want photos to show it...whatever the case, you can rely on Merv to help you.
And to Merv, keep doing you Sunshine
Having secretly struggled with body dysmorphia and many other issues for years, recently having started opening up and talking about it, I decided to take the plunge and try something out of my comfort zone to try to break the pattern of self-criticism. I was incredibly nervous, but Mervyn made me feel so relaxed and comfortable that after 20 mins or so I forgot I was even in my underwear! It was a liberating and empowering experience, and I am so so glad I decided to do it! I could not recommend others to do this more!
I came across Merv on Instagram, his photos were something I really connected with and this is something I hadn't found with any other photographer. Firstly he is unbelievable at his craft, the skill this man has just shows through his pictures. I knew what I wanted out of this shoot and Merv made it happen. I learnt so much, not only how to pose to show my body at its best but how to produce pictures with intent and emotion. If you are looking to improve your self confidence, he can bring out the best in you and I can guarantee you will not be disappointed with the end result.
Merv thank you very much for being you, I cannot wait to work with you again :) x
I had a shoot with Mervyn in the summer and I look back on it as such a fun and transformative experience. He is a star at making you feel at ease, and his posing direction helped me a lot (I had no idea what to do!). The photos are a gorgeous souvenir of the day I stepped out of my comfort zone and loved every minute.
I had a shoot for my birthday as I wanted to test myself for real to see if I was genuinely confident in my body and recognised the beauty of my body and booked Mervyn. It was the best birthday present I could give myself! I had so much fun! Mervyn made me feel so comfortable and was so professional. It was a very liberating experience and I’m so happy that I chose You at Yours!
I don’t know where to start! Thanks for being so professional and patient with me. Also helping me find the right location and outfit to make this brilliant! I hope we can have another one again soon! Many thanks! Lots of love x
One of the best shoots I ever had! I met Mervyn for a coffee before the shoot and it felt like we knew for a long time! I felt very comfortable, around 3hours shoot and felt it wasn’t enough, too many ideas!! Btw great playlist too during the shoot!! Would definitely love to shoot again with you! x
The shoot with Mervyn was exceptional, it’s something I always wanted to do but never had the courage for it, him being so friendly and supportive helped me to relax and the outcome exceeded all my expectations in quality and creativity.
I would definitely recommend him and especially to anyone who is a bit shy or don’t like to pose in front of the camera, Mervyn has great interpersonal skills and makes the shoot a great experience you’d want to do it again!
I never really felt comfortable in my body but always wanted to do a boudoir photo shoot. When I saw the blogs and pictures Mervyn did, my initial hesitation was if I’d feel confident enough with a male photographer. After meeting up and discussing the package he made me feel at ease by listening to what I was looking for. All my doubts and worries disappeared. I loved every bit of the photo shoot and would do it anytime again. I feel more confident in my own skin and I must say that Mervyn is very professional and makes you feel very confident and comfortable. I’m happy with the pictures! I would definitely recommend him to everyone.