Breathe
BREATHE is an enquiry into what it means to let go and be fully present in the moment. Realising that I was performing for other people and not living the fullest expression of myself, I began creating art that allowed me to stop performing and simply be.
Through this process, I discovered that slowing down, listening to the body, and leaning into feelings can reset the mind and return us to our essential self—even in a fast, modern world.
So often we are lost in thoughts of the past or the future, rushing through life without truly experiencing it. By anchoring ourselves in the present, we release the pressure of who we think we “should” be and become open to greater joy and aliveness.
Through the lens of photography I am able to express this state of presence. My painterly, dream-like images blur the line between reality and imagination, allowing myself to experience what it feels like to let go and exist as I am.
I often photograph women against vast oceans and endless skies, symbols of infinity and possibility. I believe heaven exists here on earth when we pause, breathe, and notice. Fulfillment comes from embracing oneness with the universe and allowing ourselves to be the fullest expression of who we truly are.
BREATHE
reveals three stages every woman may recognise — and the path back home to who she really is.
INHALE: When My Body Becomes My Truth-Teller
That moment when I can’t ignore it anymore
I’ve been running on fumes for so long, I forget what it feels like to be truly nourished. My chest is tight. My mind won’t stop. I’m performing motherhood, performing success, performing happiness while drowning quietly inside.
The post-it notes covering my desk with brilliant ideas I never had time to pursue. That supplement bottle I stopped taking but can’t bring myself to throw away. The way I lie awake planning tomorrow while my body begs for rest.
My overwhelm isn’t a character flaw. It’s my soul refusing to stay small.
A journey in self portraits
As part of my BREATHE series, I felt compelled to release a series of self-portraits that show the different stages I go through from feeling stuck (when I’m performing my life to please others), to looking as though I’ve got it all together and then finally letting go and learning to lean into the present moment and just be myself.
The four self-portraits taken below were deliberately shot in-studio rather than outdoors as a symbol of being confined within four walls; not yet free to explore and be totally myself.
The Struggle is where this all began, with me learning that I cannot survive performing my own life.
A Beautiful Prison is when I look like I’m holding it all together perfectly, while quietly drowning inside.
The Beauty of You is my first glimpse at what it can feel like to let go and quit people pleasing, coming home to my essential self and relinquishing my power.
Finding Home is exactly that: a realisation that if I can learn to embrace the present moment, slow down, believe in myself, I will feel more fulfilled than I ever thought was possible.
HOLD: The Beautiful Prison of Being Everything to Everyone
The exhausting art of having it all together
I’ve mastered the choreography of competence. School runs and client calls and dinner prep and bedtime stories. Everything’s on time, everyone’s needs are met, from the outside it looks perfect.
But somewhere between being the good mother, good wife, good friend, good professional — I disappeared.
I check my reflection and wonder when I started looking so tired. When asked “How are you?” it triggers that split second of panic where I almost tell the truth. Standing in my kitchen, surrounded by everyone else’s needs, feeling invisible in my own life.
I’m not behind. I’m not broken. I’ve just been trying to breathe underwater while pretending I chose to be there.
EXHALE: The Return to My Essential Self
Permission to stop apologising for taking up space
This is where I remember: “I want to be the leading lady in my own life, not just the supporting actress.”
The moment I realise my sensitivity isn’t weakness. My need for pause isn’t laziness. My complexity isn’t chaos to be fixed — it’s the source of my most authentic work.
I stop performing your life and start living it. I remember that my need for beauty isn’t frivolous. My need to be witnessed isn’t too much.
I’ve got the chance to be content and feel more aligned, right now.
Stay connected to my journey. Breathe.
Instagram: @louisapeacockphoto
Email: lou@louisapeacock.com
Website: louisapeacock.com
For press inquiries, corporate bookings, or commissioned work, please email me.
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