Every year I give myself the same gift:
a self-portrait.
Not to capture myself as I am,
but to remember who I dare to be at that moment.
For me, a self-portrait is not a photo.
It is a mirror.
A pause.
A way to reconnect with my own essence.
This year, I wanted to do things differently.
I invited Luc to have his picture taken with me—something we had never done before.
And what I intuitively felt was confirmed:
there is a special power that emanates from a couple who show themselves as they are,
without posing, without a façade.
Just two people who together tell a story.
For this session, I deliberately chose soft tones, warm textures, and a simple setting.
Not because it is aesthetically pleasing,
but because simplicity leaves room for what really needs to be visible: connection.
As always, I started with some time for myself—makeup, styling, just settling in.
Not as preparation for the camera,
but as a ritual to be consciously present.
In a world that is constantly in a hurry,
this is my way of slowing down.
When Luc joined us, it almost felt like we were marking a new chapter together.
Not by creating something new,
but by taking a moment to reflect on what already exists —
on the love that, like everyone else, we sometimes take for granted.
I submitted two images from this session at the very last minute for the Legacy Photography Awards.
To my surprise—and with a heart full of pride—
, we won first place in the Senior Portrait category.
An unexpected birthday gift that made this moment even more meaningful.
I am 52.
I haven't felt 25 for a long time,
and I don't need to.
In front of the camera, I feel something much more powerful:
I feel myself.
That is exactly why I am a photographer.
Not to make someone more beautiful than she is,
but to show her what she often no longer sees:
her softness, her strength, her femininity, her story.
Whether it's a new mom, a woman in her boudoir, a couple looking to reconnect,
or someone who is finally ready to see themselves —
my mission remains the same:
✨ Making you feel what your essence is worth.
When I look at my own images and think, "Yes, that's me,"
then I know I'm doing my job well.
Not because I'm perfect,
but because I dare to be visible.
And I wish that for everyone.
You want meaning.
A moment in your life
that deserves to be paused for a moment.
Not to decide.
Not to plan.
But to feel what this moment does to you.
That is why every session at ESSENCE OF YOU
starts with a personal discovery call.
A relaxed conversation
in which you don't need to prepare anything
or make any decisions.
Just space
for your story
and what is truly valuable to you.
Schedule your personal discovery call
(completely non-binding)
by Anja Maesen
