
Confidence means knowing that you have the ability to get the job done. It starts from there. Being confident you can do it.

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
A daughter’s love knows no bounds as well, but few can match the love of a mother’s heart. This unbreakable bond between mother and daughter often grows even stronger as the years go by, and no matter how old your child becomes, it will always be one of the strongest relationships in your life. Here are some ideas on how to spend quality time with your mom this weekend, strengthening your bond together while making memories that will last forever.
People are busier than ever before. In today’s society, it seems that families are getting smaller, and parents don’t have as much time to spend with their children as they would like.
It’s not about how much time you spend, but what you do while you are together. Rather than taking your daughter shopping or to a restaurant, go on a hike or camping trip together and make it into an adventure. You’ll both enjoy yourselves far more, and create some great new memories as well.
The joy of spending time with mum while getting your portrait taken.
The last couple of years was hard for parents and their children that live far away from each other. They have not seen each other for a long time and spending time together seemed like a luxury. I was overjoyed to hear when grandparents managed to visit their kids and grandkids. Finally, mothers were reunited with their daughters.
When I created these photoshoot experiences, for moms and daughters, I did not imagine how important time spent together is. I took it all for granted… and after doing a couple of these shoots, I realised what an amazing thing it is to spend time with mum, get pampered with lovely hair and makeup done up – together, and make memories. To hold your portraits in your hands, portraits that will outlive you and will be the most cherished thing to have in the years to come.
Dear mum, I cherish you in my heart forever and I want to spend time with you. Will you join me in a photoshoot that we will enjoy in the years to come?
I had the honour to have Mary Jane Roy in front of my camera. This was her first professional photoshoot, complete with wardrobe, makeup and hairstyling. At the age of 67!
I met Mary Jane through the Professional Women’s Network (PWN) Netherlands years ago and we had an instant connection. (Turns out we were born on the same day :) )
What captivated me about her from the start was her kindness and warmth, and mostly her ability to see the good in others, motivating them to be the strong and resilient people they can be.
Mary Jane Roy is fighting for a “multi-generational future where younger and older employees feel welcomed and valued”. I would add that they are both irreplaceable and imperative in today’s society.
This is what she said about her experience with us:
“Yesterday, I had one of the best experiences of my life! As a result of the combined efforts of Tammy Parrish and Cristina Stoian, I had my first professional photoshoot, at the age of 67! A professional make-up artist Stefan Alina was also available, as well as a videographer @Kristina Nesterova , who recorded much of the session.
A huge thank you, to all of you. It was something I SO didn’t want to do (but it was time), and it turned into a fun few hours. It’s for this reason, I say it was one of the best experiences. It stretched me, which is to grow.
You had me laughing my way through a situation for which I definitely had to muscle up my courage!
I haven’t seen the results yet, but from these professionals, I know the end result will be cherished by me.
”
I strongly believe 50+ is fabulous! I cannot get enough photographing them, offering a platform to be visible and appreciated in our youth-obsessed world. Me and Tammy Parrish are committed to see that happen! Let’s do this!
Many thanks to all the team that made it all happen:
Tammy Parrish stylist
Stefan Alina Make-up and hair artist
Kristina Nesterova videographer
marleen rameckers Jewelry
#ageism #50plusisfabulous #portraitphotography #makeportraits
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.