In the flurry of work emails meetings deadlines and social obligations it’s easy to become wrapped up in the identity our jobs and responsibilities set upon us. To others we introduce ourselves as our titles: ” I’m a project manager.” ” I am a teacher a parent an executive.” these are all important rules but they’re not always the full story.
Rarely do we pause to ask ourselves: Who am I beyond the hats I wear? What brings me joy when no one is watching? How do I want to be remembered when I’m gone?
This is where a portrait session with TOPTIA becomes something more than “just getting photos taken.” It becomes a moment of reintroduction—not just to the world but to yourself.
Portraits as a Mirror to the Soul
A well-crafted portrait isn’t just about good lighting and a 10 out of 10 smile; it’s about intention. It’s about stepping into a space where you’re invited to be seen as you are, not just as you’re expected to be.
For many of my clients, this is the first time in a long while or even at all that they’ve taken a moment to ask themselves:
- What parts of myself have I been hiding?
- What do I want people to see when they look at me?
- What version of myself do I want to carry into the next chapter of my life?
When I consult with some of these clients, I ask a lot of questions, inviting them to ask similar questions. I’m not surprised when some have said they’ve never considered what brings them joy or have never considered anything beyond a current project they’re working on. Many of my potential clients find it refreshing to really sit and visualize themselves from the outside in.
These are some of my favorite moments with clients because they see the invitation to learn more about themselves, and many of them take it without hesitation. It’s in these first moments that I know we’re going to have a great photo session.
During these sessions, we talk, laugh, and take our time. It’s not about rushing into poses; it’s about pulling back the layers. When people begin to feel safe, confident, and present, the portraits we create become a visual expression of their inner story. Many of my clients know I like to take warm-up photos in the first 15 minutes of our sessions. I’m always working to get clients to that point of safety and confidence.
This is Your Book Cover
Think of your portrait as the cover to your story. Not the final chapter, but a moment that reflects your truth. What is authentic and empowering to you? What do you want to put forth to create a legacy for yourself? The image is recreated together, and may someday be what your loved ones show when they speak about who you were. Not just what you did for them, but how you made them feel.
Reclaiming Joy and Self-Expression
So many clients come to me unsure of what they want their portraits to say. However, by the end of the session, they leave with more than beautiful images; they leave with clarity, self-respect, and joy.
They’ve had a reintroduction with themselves. Sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly, but always truthfully.
Ready for Your Reintroduction?
If you’ve been feeling like the expectations around you have blurred your identity, maybe it’s time to reintroduce yourself first to yourself, then the world.
Let’s create something together that feels like a mirror and a message—something that says, “This is who I am. This is who I choose to be.”
Come talk to us on Zoom if you’re curious!
