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.
