Ellie Sedgwick is a body image advocate, photographer, and founder of Comfortable in My Skin—a movement dedicated to dismantling shame and empowering people to embrace their bodies, starting with their vulvas. Known to many as “The Vulva Photographer,” Ellie uses her lens and voice to challenge narrow beauty ideals and foster conversations around self-worth, pleasure, and body acceptance. Her journey began with her own struggles around vulval self-esteem, leading her to create a platform that celebrates anatomical diversity and encourages connection through shared stories. Her latest project, Flip Through My Flaps, features photographs of over 500 vulvas, each one a powerful testament to individuality and empowerment. Through her work, Ellie is helping people see themselves more clearly—and more kindly.

How did you come to be a vulva photographer?

My journey began with my own struggles with body image, specifically around vulva anxiety. For years, I struggled with shame and self-doubt. When I started photographing women’s bodies, I realised how many others shared these same insecurities. This journey, along with my own healing process, drove me to create Comfortable in My Skin, a platform and movement dedicated to empowering women to accept and love their bodies fully.

Most people would ask, ‘Why?’ Why photograph vulvas?

Because we need to! Our lack of exposure to diverse vulvas starts with the shortcomings in sex education, especially in schools. For too long, the only vulvas we’ve seen are in outdated textbooks, which give a ridiculously narrow idea of what’s ‘normal.’ I wanted to challenge the stigma, open conversations, and showcase the true beauty and diversity of vulvas.

What has the experience of being a vulva photographer been like?

Emotional, beautiful, moving… I’ve heard everything from “I had no idea what mine looked like” to “This is the first time I’ve ever felt proud of my vulva.” The impact is huge. Watching women go from anxious to empowered in front of my lens is something I’ll never get tired of. Through these group workshops, I saw women reveal secrets they had never told anyone in their lives, from being diagnosed with herpes to insecurities they had about their labia. Often, when they shared these experiences, someone else in the group had a similar experience, instantly shattering the shame as they realised they were not alone.

Ellie Sedgwick holding a copy of her book ‘Flip Through My Flaps’

What is ‘vulva anxiety’?

Vulva anxiety is the belief that something is ‘wrong’ with your vulva because it doesn’t match a limited, unrealistic standard. It’s the fear that yours isn’t normal, that it should be smaller, neater, more ‘perfect.’ It’s the reason labiaplasty rates are skyrocketing. But here’s the truth – vulvas are as unique as faces, and there is no one ‘perfect’ shape.

What do women who get photographed do with their photos?

Some frame them. Some tuck them away as a private reminder of their self-love journey. Some share them with partners as an act of confidence. But most importantly, they keep them as proof that they are worthy, beautiful, and completely normal.

What prompted you to publish your book ‘Flip Through My Flaps’?

When I started the photography for Flip Through My Flaps, I was driven largely by my personal experience. Today it’s no longer just a personal issue; it’s become a public health crisis. One in six Australians are anxious or embarrassed about the way their labia look, and almost a third of Gen Z associates their labia with negative words such as ‘weird’, ‘disgusting’ or ‘ugly.’ This underscores the need for greater education and acceptance, which is why Flip Through My Flaps is needed now more than ever.

Tell our readers about Comfortable in My Skin

Comfortable in My Skin is a movement and community aimed at celebrating body diversity and tackling the stigmas around women’s health. We want our audience to feel empowered, seen, and encouraged to embrace their bodies as they are. By sharing real stories and images, we hope to normalise the diverse beauty of all bodies and break down taboos around women’s health that are often shamed into silence.

What has your experience taught you about sexual pleasure?

That confidence and pleasure are deeply connected. When you’re consumed by insecurity, it’s hard to let go and enjoy intimacy. But when you learn to love your body—really love it—pleasure becomes so much more fulfilling. I’ve learnt that the labia I spent so much of my life worrying about is completely normal. And it’s not just a pointless piece of skin; it has thousands of nerve endings that can be used as a tool for my pleasure.

You are involved in so much more than vulva photography. Could you tell our readers about the education and awareness work that you are involved with?

Comfortable in My Skin has evolved into a platform for education, activism, and empowerment. We tackle everything from body image to sexual health, providing resources, expert opinions, events and workshops. I’m also working to get Flip Through My Flaps into schools and libraries, so young people grow up knowing that their bodies are normal and nothing to be ashamed of. By creating a culture of openness and acceptance, we can rewrite the shameful narratives we’ve been handed and truly embrace our bodies, just as they are.