It’s not easy to love yourself when the world is constantly telling you that you’re not good enough. But you have to start somewhere.

It’s not easy to love yourself when the world is constantly telling you that you’re not good enough. But you have to start somewhere.
Confidence means knowing that you have the ability to get the job done. It starts from there. Being confident you can do it.
The other day I was taking a portrait of a wonderful strong beautiful woman, who survived the brutal C. She lived her life being of service to her family and yet at 50, she was doing this photoshoot for herself, doing a photo shoot for the first time, doing something for herself.
She was still not sure this was something she deserves, as she received this photo session as a gift from her husband for her anniversary and had to be convinced to do it even though she has been thinking about it for a while.
My heart is still shattered in pieces knowing that in this world, people feel less than, not worthy of, not being good/beautiful/insert adjective here.
How do we get to a point where we realize our own worth? That we are worthy of love and respect, just because we exist. Not because of what we do or don’t do, but simply because we are.
It is my hope that this woman sees herself through my lens, the way I see her. Worthy, whole, and complete. Just as she is. Worthy of love, respect, and admiration. Simply because she is her.
As you embark on this new journey. Please repeat this mantra after me: “I am worthy of good things and I deserve to treat myself well. This photoshoot is a reflection of that belief. It’s a chance to step outside of my comfort zone and do something that makes me feel good.
I’m excited to see how this turns out, not just because of the end result, but because of the process. This is an opportunity to connect with myself in a new way and create something beautiful. Whatever happens, I know that I am worthy and deserving of love and care.”
Marianne Williamson’s words ring true for me.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.“ – Marianne Williamson
With things opening and everyone starting to mingle more and be social, it seems that not everyone is on the same page with “coming out” of the hibernation mode. Many of us became adjusted to isolation and have anxiety about showing up in the world again. Mental health, poor nutrition, unhealthy choices and lack of self-care all play a part in this.
Give yourself time and be kind to yourself. There’s no need to put on any hats you don’t want to.
How many times you hear you have to be loud and be out there and hustle to get your job done.
I’m here to tell you there’s another way, one more kind, more closer to who you are. I call it the quiet storm. Just because you’re the quiet type, it does not mean you’re not powerful. In fact, whenever we whisper, people stop what they’re doing and start listening, like you’re going to say something magic. Try it next time.
Being kind wins over every time. So why not be authentically you and show your gentle power instead of someone you’re not.
While I am exploring printing, I discovered this company producing books on demand, Fotofabriek. I decided to try it out and I like the result. With my latest photoshoot, portraying the mother and daughter relationship, I had an idea to go one step further and make a coffee table book. I photographed them at different ages and I thought it would be interesting to see the development. I also love coffee table books. On any given sunny day you can find me on a coffee corner, browsing through their coffee table books collections.
The book is a design element in your house featuring you and your daughter. It will remind you both of your lovely experience together and book quality time together.
You can make a coffee table book at this site.
As you know, last year I have become a mother.
It was indeed the most remarkable and unforgettable year, becoming a mother, having a daughter.
It’s been a time of growth, acceptance and much-needed self-love.
It’s incredible to see a new story come to life, to witness it from the early stages, my daughter’s story, to be part of it intimately and also an active role as a parent. It’s a thrilling experience.
I’ve learned so much about life, again and again, it is like getting a new understanding of the world.
While I love my baby immensely and spending time with her has been the main pass of time in the last year, it is time to go back to work.
It is calling me, to be fully fulfilled, there is a side of me which aches to create again. Doing my life’s work, creating with a camera is essential to me.
Of course, my mission feels even more important now, having a daughter. I want every woman to realise her beauty is unmistakable and to understand that her role in the world is both irreplaceable and imperative.
My promise to you is that once you step in front of my camera, this will happen.
Leaving a legacy behind has become to me more important than before, knowing there’s someone to leave it behind to. I will make it a priority to get behind the camera more.
Returning to work will be a balancing act, and I will probably fail a couple of times in the beginning, and that’s ok, I’m new to all this. I hope you’re going to understand my clumsiness. It will all take time.
Anna allows me to play on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for now, and those are my studio days dedicated to you.
I can’t wait to see your comments, bookings as I am ready. |