hen I first met Eriko Shimojo, I knew this was going to be more than just another photo shoot. Eriko’s confidence radiated in a way that immediately captured my attention—something that’s not always easy to find in the world of photography. You see, Eriko lives with alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss, but she doesn’t let it define her. Instead, she embraces her unique beauty, and our session together was about more than just taking pictures—it was about showing what real self-love looks like.
Photographing Eriko was an eye-opening experience, not just because of her striking presence but also because of the message she carries. She is the embodiment of a woman who has accepted her body in its purest form, bald spots and all. It's a journey so many women struggle with, but Eriko’s openness and positivity made me think about the challenges women face in learning to love themselves, especially when their bodies don’t conform to traditional beauty standards.
Let’s be honest—society has been merciless when it comes to what women should look like. According to a study published in Psychological Medicine, women’s dissatisfaction with their bodies begins as early as adolescence, driven by societal pressures and media representations of beauty. Another study found that 91% of women are unhappy with their bodies and resort to dieting to achieve their ideal body shape, even though less than 5% of women naturally possess the body type often portrayed in the media source.
When it comes to hair, or lack thereof, the emotional weight can be even heavier. Eriko’s alopecia wasn’t just a physical condition; it came with the usual societal judgments. But her resilience is part of what makes her such a powerful figure in front of the camera. As The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology points out, women with conditions like alopecia are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, often feeling alienated or different. And yet, Eriko flipped that narrative on its head. She’s not just someone who “accepts” herself—she truly loves her body for everything it is and everything it isn’t.
As I clicked away, the photos told a story of their own. Eriko’s bald head gleamed under the light, and her laughter filled the studio. Each shot felt more authentic than the last. This wasn't about hiding or pretending. It was about embracing.
Working with Eriko reminded me of how photography can capture something deeper than just a pretty face. It’s about telling the story of self-acceptance, of loving your body in a world that constantly tells you not to. Her energy in front of the camera was magnetic, a far cry from the statistics that show how many women struggle with body dissatisfaction.
At the end of the shoot, Eriko looked at the images and smiled. “This is me,” she said. And honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect moment.
In a world that often makes us feel like we’re not enough, women like Eriko serve as a reminder that loving yourself, alopecia and all, is not just a possibility—it’s a reality. As a photographer, I’m honored to capture that kind of self-love, and I hope these images inspire others to do the same.
To see more of Eriko's journey, follow her @erikoshimojo
