Lust for Life, the Beginning of it All
Let me set the scene - it’s Day 4 of Miami Swim Week and we needed a break from the chaos. Us being image-maker and muse, we also embraced an opportunity to express ourselves through each other. With no idea what to expect beyond the underground walkway in front of us, we excitedly emerged from the tunnel and laid feet on the sand in a completely different world.
If you’ve been following so far, you’ve already seen our story of being naked on the beach in Miami. Not to toot our own horns but that set was featured by an international magazine, focused on “The power of the ocean and of love as the ultimate conduit for the lust of life”.
Now to pull the curtain back, that wasn’t our first time at Haulover Beach, nor was it our first shoot together at that beach. We took a trip the year prior and found ourselves on a crowded beach during the middle of the day, with very little time to spare. Tyce stripped down in front of a whole beach of nude people and allowed the moment to absorb her completely.
This was her experience.
free·dom /ˈfrēdəm/
noun
the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.
"we do have some freedom of choice”
the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.
"the shark thrashed its way to freedom"
Do you know how people used to say if you got nervous speaking in front of people imagine everyone in the audience being naked? That's kind of like what this was - only I wasn't speaking in front of people but posing to take pics, and instead of only imagining everyone else naked, I was completely naked myself. Any time I would've usually had to judge, criticize, or compare myself went right out of the window. Instead of focusing on what others were wearing or even doing, I could really only pay attention to the energy that was surrounding me.
The energy of people, who even just for a few hours wanted complete freedom; freedom to roam the earth, feel the sun warming their skin, the sand between their toes, the way the water-cooled them down but just enough to where they weren't too cold to hang out and let the waves slowly push them around for a while. I felt a freedom I have never felt before, sure I have posed nude before but that's usually on a closed set with no more than 2 other people. Being naked with the ocean as a backdrop is something I feel every human should experience - especially those who have had body image issues.
There's something so moving about being by (or in) a body of water that lets you know how small you are, how small your issues are, and facing that with nothing but sunscreen on. For me to say that I could've stayed there all day would be an understatement, for sure. The vibes were immaculate, the sun felt delicious on my skin and there was a perfect little breeze that came every time I started to feel a little too hot. There was an ease, a comfort I felt knowing that it really doesn't matter how I look, I am welcome with open arms.
To feel free in a space that I adore with the person who encourages me to be my authentic self was truly something special. So special that I am now on the quest to find more nude beaches..more chances to sunbathe without worrying about tan lines, to allow the sun to bless all parts of my being, and to really feel free.
-Tyce
