Over the course of 16 months, Lotte van Raalte photographed 46 women, aged 13 to 94, in their most natural form. A documentation of the observant photographer's encounters with these women - a celebration of individuality, life and the beauty found in both vulnerability and strength. An ode to the female body. The result is the launch of her first photography book, 'BODY'.

BODY originally started as research towards the female body. "Each time I photographed someone, I was left fascinated, curious and inspired at the same time. I think my fascination with the female body comes from different angles: the fact that women are dominantly sexualised and unrealistically portrayed in the fashion, movie and music industry. The fact that the female body is the carrier of new life, and the tremendous impact that has. And, last but not least, the fact that I'm a woman myself."

The book and exhibition is a strong reflection of Lotte's stand on body representation and the female gaze in the world of photography. As part of an empowering new wave of awareness, she hopes the images will be seen in the context of current projects challenging previous representations and perceptions surrounding the female body - as a celebration of diversity.

The book is designed by Merel van den Berg (Gentlewoman, Fantastic Man), the text is written by writer/curator Lou Stoppard and has been printed into 750 copies at Lenoir Schuring, The Netherlands.