Self-Portrait Marathon Session 11: When Confidence Felt Far Away, I Did It Anyway—My Own Personal Branding Photoshoot

This one’s personal.

Not long ago, I stepped in front of the camera for my own personal branding photoshoot — not as the photographer, but as the subject. And I’ll be honest: I wasn’t feeling great about it.

I was in a season where my confidence felt low. My body didn’t feel like “me.” I was dealing with the changes that come with closing out one decade and stepping into another — this year, I’m turning 40. Hormonal shifts, physical changes, all the things. I felt unphotogenic and not ready.

But I did it anyway.

Because I believe in the work I do. I believe in walking the walk. And I know how powerful it is to be seen.

This session, beautifully photographed by my dear friend Adri, is part of my ongoing Self-Portrait Marathon. While I didn’t take these photos myself, I was still the one in front of the lens — and that’s what counts. This is Session 11, and it means just as much to me as the others because of the transformation it represents.

The night before the shoot, I messaged Adri and told her I wasn’t feeling confident. Her response? Grace. Reassurance. Expertise. She guided me every step of the way — from styling to posing to lighting. She held space for me and reminded me of what I always tell my clients: you don’t need to feel ready to be worthy of beautiful images.

That’s the key.

The magic isn’t in waiting until everything feels perfect — it’s in trusting the process and the person behind the camera.

I chose Adri because I trust her. I knew she’d create a luxury experience. I knew she’d pose me in a way that made me feel confident. I knew she’d light me beautifully. I knew she would see me even when I was struggling to see myself.

And the result? I’m proud. I’m grateful. I feel empowered.

This experience reminded me why I do what I do. I get to guide women through this same transformation every day — helping them rediscover their beauty, strength, and confidence in every season of life.

What to remember for your own Personal Branding Photoshoot...

Whether you're building a brand or simply want to celebrate the woman you are, this matters.

I want my clients to know: you are worthy of being photographed at any age, any size, any stage. You don’t need to shrink yourself or hide away until you feel more confident. Confidence often comes after the shutter clicks.

These images are not just for me — they’re for my family, too. For my husband and son to see me showing up. For me to look back on and remember this chapter. For the woman I am now, and the woman I’m becoming.

So here’s your permission slip:

Book the session. Show up as you are. Choose a photographer you trust. And allow yourself to be seen.

With love,

Amanda