Axminster-based photogrpaher on a mission to empower women.

An Axminster-based photographer is on a mission to empower women and has been inspired to create a “cheeky calendar” after receiving a ban from social networking site Facebook.

Hays Lynch, who runs Tigerfly Photography, was surprised to receive bans for posting images deemed to breach the site’s standards over nudity and pornography.

One of the images, which led to the suspension of her account for five days, was reported to the social networking site because it included a pregnant woman showing her bump and covering her breasts.

The 37-year-old received a further seven-day ban for a photograph showing a naked woman sheltering under an umbrella with her bottom showing.

“It was cheeky and about embracing the horrible weather,” says the mum of four.

“It was not rude or sexual. It is about empowering women and helping them to feel comfortable in their own skins.”

She added: “It frustrates me. It is laughable because so much good comes from the photographs.

“It has liberated so many women.

“I certainly wouldn’t want to offend anybody.”

The image went down a storm with followers on her Facebook page, who have come out in support for the photographer, who is originally from Kilmington.

She is hoping to get her “cheeky bums” calendar under way in the coming weeks and has already had people contacting her to get involved.

Hays hopes to have a public vote to decide which charity the proceeds should go to.

She told the Midweek Herald that she feels the filtering system should be more consistent.

Hays added: “I will continue to break the rules and push ridiculous rules.”

The Midweek Herald understands that photos containing nudity violate the terms on Facebook and will be removed if they are reported to Facebook by other users. The policies are based on the same standards that apply to television and print media.

The sites terms and conditions state users will not post content that: is hate speech, threatening, or pornographic; incites violence; or contains nudity or graphic or gratuitous violence.

It also says it can remove any content or information posted on Facebook if it believes it violates its policies.

Anyone wishing to take part in the calendar can contact Hays by calling 07943 786255 or visiting www.tigerflyphotography.co.uk