mihaylovaJPG

Me by Ira Khodarchenko, Part 1

Added 2026-02-14 17:00:06 +0000 UTC

This series will have four parts, simply because there are so many photos.

And this is Part One.

Looking at these images now feels very different. They were taken about three years ago, during a time when I was heavily on steroids and muscle relaxants. I can clearly see the contrast between who I was then and who I am now — without steroids and with those medications reduced as much as possible.

Even though I’m still dealing with swelling, it’s nothing compared to back then. I remember how hard it was to walk, how heavy and uncomfortable my body felt — like an overinflated balloon. Seeing these photos now actually reminds me of something important: how grateful I am that I stopped steroids and made that decision for myself.

At the same time, it’s still interesting — and meaningful — to look back at this version of me through these images.

I also want to say how much I truly love Ira’s style. She sees women in such a powerful way — like icons, queens, goddesses. I absolutely adore working with her; her ideas are always deep, bold, and unusual.

If you remember the shoot with me and the eggshells — that was also photographed by Ira. It’s still one of my favorite shoots of myself, honestly, because of how strange, poetic, and different it was.

So… enjoy 🤍

Photographer's IG: https://www.instagram.com/iryna_ho?igsh=MWdlajRlNTA4Z3lrOA==