Recently, I had the privilege of photographing a remarkable lady in her 60s who embodies the strength, wisdom, and beauty that comes from decades of life experience.
A Profound Message
After our portrait session, I asked her what advice she would give to her 20-year-old self. Her words brought tears to my eyes as I stood behind the camera:
"You are enough. Don't let anybody tell you that you are not.
You're beautiful. You're courageous. You're smart. And you are enough."
In a world that constantly tells women they need to be more, do more, and look like some commonly-accepted beauty, her message cuts through the noise with a truth that resonates across generations.
Beauty Beyond Youth
As a portrait photographer, I've witnessed firsthand how women often struggle to see their own beauty, particularly in a society that celebrates youth above all else. This client's portraits reveal a woman in her authentic self - every line, every gray hair, every expression telling the story of a life fully-lived.
Her confidence wasn't something she was born with. It was earned through years of challenges, triumphs, and the gradual shedding of others' expectations. The wisdom in her eyes speaks of someone who has finally understood that worthiness isn't something to be proven - it's inherent.
International Women's Day: Celebrating All Women
On this International Women's Day, I want to celebrate that every woman is enough, exactly as she is - regardless of age, appearance, background, or circumstance.
Too often, women spend decades doubting their value, questioning their appearance, and diminishing their accomplishments. My client's journey to self-acceptance reminds us that it shouldn't have to take until our sixties to embrace our inherent worth.
The Power of Portraits
There's something transformative about seeing yourself through someone else's lens - literally and figuratively. During our session, I watched as she saw herself in my camera display and recognized her own beauty, in many ways she hadn't before. She got to meet the complete, complex, beautiful human being that others encounter, not the flaws we tend to fixate on.
A Challenge for You
As we celebrate International Women's Day, I invite you to reflect on what you would tell your younger self. What truths have you learned that would have saved you years of doubt or insecurity?
And perhaps more importantly, how can we ensure that the young women in our lives don't have to wait decades to learn that they are enough - that this message reaches them while they're still forming their sense of self?
Share Your Thoughts
I'd love to hear what resonated with you about this client's story. Are you interested in learning more about her experience during our portrait session? What she's most grateful for now? How this photoshoot compared to others she's done?
Let me know in the comments below, and be sure to check out the accompanying video reel on my Instagram page to hear her powerful words directly.
Happy International Women's Day to all women - know that, today and always, you are enough.
