Seeking Inspirato with Cecily Flight in Morgantown, West Virginia
Editorial note from Maddison, founder of Daily Inspirato
I’m doing something a bit different this week. Typically, I interview women about their Dynamic Personal Styles and tell their stories to Clothing Confidence. In today’s article, our feature strips away the clothing to artfully depict the raw human form of nakedness. Drop the Clothing in Clothing Confident. I was inspired to switch it up this week when I came across Cecily’s work. Imaginative, whimsical, poetic, and more –– her photography is worth talking about, particularly in the present moment. I hope you enjoy.
A Penchant for Wander
Listed among the kindest people I’ve ever met, traveler, photographer, and lover of all things natural, Cecily Flight (@CecilyFlight) is a native West Virginian with a bout of Wanderlust that isn’t likely to be cured any time soon (COVID be damned!).
I found her on Instagram and happened to catch her while she was still in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Cecily is an artist whose core practice, at present, is photography. She creates whimsical portraits of women set in nature; everything is au naturel.
I found a few of her photos so moving that they are permanently ingrained in my memory (the photo above being a main example).
To me, Cecily’s photography is less about “sex” and more about the magic of the female form. Her photos speak to me like poetry, like there’s a story, or film script, to each one.
Cecily seems to think that way as well. She often has something to say with each photo. It’s not just a string of cryptic emojis. Poetry or sharp observations accompany each photo. For instance, to frame this photo, Cecily writes:
“They took away her canvas only to discover that
SHE was the art”
This depth drew me to reach out to Cecily. She cuts through the unimaginative and offers something perceptive.
Cecily is a truly authentic person who requires her art to reflect those same values. I’d say she’s achieved that goal.
We met at a coffee shop called Blue Moose to get a social-distanced caffeinated beverage together, and I immediately dove in head first –– how did you get your start? What do you love about photography? Why nude?
“I love creating a space where people feel comfortable to be in their own skin, whether it’s naked or not.”
I’d say we’re off to a good start.
A Validated Vision
Cecily started shooting film for her current portfolio, consisting mostly of nudes, last year. LAST YEAR.
“I'm very proud of myself from where I started and in terms of doing only film now because I exclusively do film. It’s like listening to a record player; it’s vintage, and it feels good. It’s visceral.”
Cecily and her film camera, out in the wild. Taken by me!
Photo of me, by Cecily Flight. See more photos from our shoot together later in the article.
Though, she’s no stranger to the camera. Cecily modeled before she stepped behind the lens.
Her “aha” moment was when she was modeling for one of her childhood best friends. She realized that she had a creative vision. Like her friend, she could be behind the camera, not just in front.
“I see things and I feel like there’s beauty in what I see, so … I want to bring it to life. I started shooting my friends. Then other people wanted to collaborate. I went to LA and shot a lot of amazing women.”
And so it began. She’s often still in front of the camera, but exploring the title of “photographer” has been an exhilarating adventure that’s opening up new horizons for her.
Cecily remains humble, even after her breakout year. She continues to support her fellow female creators, cheering them from afar and wishing them success.
“I have had to come to terms with the fact that society tells us to compete and compare ourselves with other women constantly and try to be better than females or fem identifying humans. Over the past two years I’ve realized that’s not a thing. When I meet women who are insanely beautiful inside and out I think to myself “you f******* go, Glen Coco! Keep going!”
Didn’t Booker T once say “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else” — good words to live by.
A Creative Streak
So, why naked? The burning question.
“I’ve always wanted to get naked — not in the [sexual] sense. I remember my one best friend in high school ... we would sneak out at night and go to this park, and I’d be like ‘Let’s go streaking through the park! Get naked and go run!’ We’d just be naked and wild. So I think I’ve always been ok with just being naked.”
Memories and experiences like these led Cecily to nude photography because Cecily is comfortable being naked.
Cecily is comfortable being naked.
Let that sink in.
Cecily, looking comfortable being naked. Photo by @CecilyFlight
Are you comfortable being naked?
I found her open and shameless perspective on nudity freeing. Particularly, as I reflect on the fact that as a culture, we tuck bodies into the most secretive parts of the internet.
Cecily doesn't see nakedness that way. It’s a creative expression.
“When another human allows themself to feel safe and comfortable, when they're naked especially in front of me, I'm like — I just feel so f****** inspired.”
Nudity Is Natural
...and she’s not alone.
It should be just as kosher to reference nude Roman sculptures of pagan gods, as it is photography by Ruth Bernhard, or Cecily Flight.
Bodies are beautiful; the human form is beautiful. People have been sculpting, painting, photographing, and otherwise depicting nakedness for as long as humans have been hanging around.
When we accept our bodies, first, we feel good no matter what we’re wearing ... or not wearing. It’s not about mere exhibitionism. The point is that you’re grateful for your body. You accept the way you are, just as you are.
This is the root of self-confidence. Feeling good without any clothing is the foundation of it all.
Embracing our sensuality and recognizing how good it feels to be present in the body is mission critical in the roadmap to Confidence.
How do you feel underneath it all? Qualms, excitement, reservations, acceptance, or fears?
Cecily says, own it. Reclaim it. Because after all, it’s yours to own (no matter what anyone else has told you).
“The fact that the labor of women is mainly controlled by the male gaze and men in general, the fact that we can reclaim that power of our sexuality and be open about it, and not hide it and keep it only for men, but say, ‘Hey, this is me. I’m showing my body off because I’m a sexual being, and that is totally healthy and fine.”
All of the glory be to Cecily.
Female Vision, Female Creation
Cecily is a part of a movement reclaiming the female form from a male gaze that objectifies and sexualizes the subject. In placing nude models in a natural context (Mother Nature?) and shooting primarily with an eye for beauty, contour, light, rather than a sexuality that only satisfies male desire, she tries to free nude women from their artistic history of objecthood.
Ironically, photography is a very male-dominated field. Cecily, and her female peers, will hopefully shift that.
“If you really look at the photographers out there, most of them are men. There are so many female artists, photographers, models ... but why aren’t they also at the top from a social media perspective?”
Cecily is so right.
When I look at my Instagram feed, I follow male photographers who shoot women, sometimes nude. Where are the female photographers?
Obviously, I seek female photographers (hey 👋🏼 Jess Webb!) when I can for Daily Inspirato because the female energy is what the brand is about. Cecily seems to think that makes a difference as well.
“When women can capture other women, we think differently, and it shows in photos because we are viewing things differently. The energy is literally different with a female photographer vs. a male one. When I listen to female comedians, it’s just different humor. I love male humor, but I also love the female energy and perspective.”
As a female photographer, Cecily does capture women differently. She has a point of view, and comes through her photos.
Living authentically is Living confidently
Cecily, someone who is comfortable being nude, ALSO has insecurities. They’re impossible to escape, even in someone as progressive and authentic as Cecily. It’s not a problem, it’s a practice. Some days, we feel better than others.
“There are always, always, always fears and doubts and anxieties. I live with a lot of anxiety, just in general. But I feel like I’ve always been different. In school, college, and even with my friends I’ve always been doing my own thing. I don’t know if it’s confidence or just a state of being content. But I do feel confident in some ways, and then not so confident in others. Sometimes I’ll wake up and judge my body. I don’t have it down. Like I’m going to shoot naked people, I’m confident in that.”
When Cecily made those comments on confidence, my heart sang. She nailed it. I couldn't agree more. Living authentically, being “different,” and going to the beat of your own drum will always make you feel more fulfilled than not.
Want to pick up a camera, even though you’re not a “photographer?” Do it. Want to write that book, even though you’re not a “writer?” Do it. We limit ourselves based on our limiting beliefs — don’t be your own road block. Living authentically means listening to that little voice in the back of your head that says, “but what if we tried…” — try it now.
“I feel like I’m living authentically and I think the confidence seeps in by nature. But, it doesn’t mean I don't live with anxiety, because I do live with it. It’s a flow of dealing with the ideas I’ve been conditioned to use to judge myself. Just being is my state of confidence. Just existing without the pressures of capitalism or the male gaze, or whatever society tells us to be or do.”
She does what she wants to do. When she’s doing what she wants to do, she’s living authentically. When she’s living authentically, she’s more confident.
What does living authentically mean to you?
The coffee shop Cecily and I went to, the Blue Moose, happened to have “I <3 I screen-prints” for FREE by one of Cecily’s friends. The movement is about believing in you and your beauty. How perfect is that!?
A Little Self Acceptance Exercise
Let’s accept our nakedness, right here, right now. Take some photos, for yourself.
Turn down the lights, light a candle, and snap a few shots (iPhone WORKS).
But before you do, begin with a reflection.
Write out three things you’re grateful your body has done for you in your life. You had a baby, you ran that 5k, you are able to walk, you can eat, breathe and sleep every day — anything from basic to amazing counts here. We want to start from a place of gratitude and acceptance.
Write out three positive affirmations about yourself. You’re kind, smart, motivated, beautiful … the list goes on.
NOW - if you don’t want to take photos, a-ok. But at the very least, when you’re getting ready to shower this evening, consider looking at yourself… not in a critical way, but a holy shit that’s me! way. You’ll be grateful that you did.
Maddison x Cecily Flight
On a beautiful, crisp, Saturday morning, Cecily and I met up in a West Virginia field to shoot together. I am honored to share the [clothed, PG] photos. She is BEYOND talented.