“I did something. Way out of my comfort zone. I was sick all week, and above all, I cried my eyes out the night before. But I did it. I was way late. I was so embarrassed. But that’s how it was. She said; I’m so glad you are here. I told her I’m really struggling. She said; that’s ok. So, I let her capture me. In all the mess I was. Look at yourself with softness; she mailed me. And I do. And it’s ok.”

Kim shared these words on her Instagram stories a week after our portrait session in Ghent. I’ve tried so many times to give words to our time together, but nothing I came up with was as beautiful as her description. This is exactly what I wish to give my clients: a safe space to be who they are in that moment. Having your portrait taken can be a rough experience. But if we acknowledge that, we can work through it and find quiet beauty within the struggle.