Rosanne Olson's new book on female body image

Sharing innermost thoughts with others can leave one feeling exposed, vulnerable — naked, even. These feelings can be even more intense when the subject is the person's own body. But the catharsis can also make a person stronger and more confident.

This theme was made literal in a recent project by Seattle fine-art and commercial photographer Rosanne Olson. Her first book, "This Is Who I Am," released in April 2008, is a collection of black-and-white nude studies of women — none of whom are professional models — from all ages, races, body types and walks of life. Juxtaposed with each photo are the stories of each woman as they courageously discuss their bodies with unflinching honesty.

Rosanne Olson, who has been working in Seattle as a photographer since 1986, was featured in the January issue of Communication Arts. Her work also appeared on the cover of that issue.Wendi Rowlands, Todd Schneider, Mary Seaton and Owen Mesdag recently completed projects documenting fundraising events for the American Lung Association of Washington. Rowlands created a 27-minute video on the Climb for Clean Air...

Rosanne Olson recently photographed this year’s ad campaign for the New York City Ballet, which is currently running throughout New York City and in publications such as The New York Times and The New Yorker.

Olson also has a gallery exhibit in New York, running from May 1 to June 22 at the Robin Rice Gallery, 325 W. 11th St.