I think this the bit where I raise my hand and say, ‘Hi, my name is Elaine, and I’ve been taking my clothes of in the name of art for four months now.’

I started off thinking it would be interesting to do this and see life from the other side of the camera or easel. Having been to art school, many years ago, I’d spent hours as a student, perfecting drawing skills and trying to capture the essence of a model on paper during long afternoons in the art college studios.

Fast forward 33 years, to a few months ago, and I’d been toying with the idea of modelling, so with more time on my hands, I set it as a challenge to myself. A challenge because I hate having my photo taken. I was hyper self-critical of my imperfections as a teenager and seeing my face or body in a photo, made me retreat from anyone with a camera for most of my life. I made sure I was the one always taking the photos.

So, this is my therapy in a way, coming to terms with ‘self’ and as there is no way back to youth and pre-pregnancy firm skin, there is only the way forward, and it has to be celebrated.

And not just the face, no, the world will see everything. The good, the bad, the saggy. The fact that photographers and artists like those bits, is a revelation really.

When James contacted me, and I saw the project he was working on and how he composed his shots, I thought, this is for me. They are beautiful.

This is what I want to do: collaborate and make art.

Having a brilliant photographer appreciate what you can bring to a session, shoot you at your best and then produce elegant photos is an amazing feeling.

For years, I’d felt invisible as an older woman. People can push past, ignore, or be rude to you so often. Now I feel quite liberated, confident and brimming with energy.

So, I’d advise any women who is even vaguely thinking about doing nude modelling, to go for it. At the very least, you’ll meet new people and it will certainly give you some great, new conversation openers too.