The Transformative Power of Being Photographed: A Personal Journey
Embarking on the journey of personal branding, I've preached the importance of authenticity and vulnerability, encouraging women to embrace their true selves. Yet, I've found myself hesitating to share my own self-portraits, a reflection of my struggle with vulnerability. This paradox lies at the heart of why I do what I do—understanding the profound impact of being photographed, of offering up parts of ourselves, and the vulnerability it entails.
Photography, for me, is not just about capturing images; it's about creating stories that reflect deep connections and an inward journey to self-discovery. It's about honoring all parts of who we are, shedding the self-judgments and prejudices we carry against ourselves. The aspects we often hide, fearing they're not good enough for the world to see, deserve to be celebrated too.
This journey of acceptance and liberation is deeply personal. Growing up in a conservative, religious family, I was taught to feel ashamed of my body, leading to years of self-criticism and envy towards women who radiated confidence. Despite always presenting myself well, it never felt like a true reflection of who I was but rather what was deemed acceptable by my family's standards.
Creating self-portraits has been a transformative experience. Sharing these images and the stories behind them has connected me to other women who've faced similar struggles, creating a bond over shared experiences and personal battles. Becoming a mother intensified this journey, as I set aside my own identity to fully embrace motherhood. But as my daughter grows, I find myself returning to the quest of rediscovering my identity.
My 40th birthday marked a significant milestone—a photoshoot to see myself in all my complexity: the dark and light, the soft and hard, the beautiful and the flawed. It's a step towards self-acceptance, acknowledging that I have much work to do but also recognizing it as a starting point.
This journey is not just about me; it's about reaching out to other women who are on their path of self-discovery, needing someone to reflect their beauty, both inward and outward. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to embrace their vulnerabilities, to see their true selves through the lens of compassion and understanding, and to recognize the transformative power of being photographed.
