Her work is brilliant, and that’s an understatement. It’s no wonder and no surprise that I had it on my bucket list and was determined to be photographed at her studio someday. I told my daughter loud enough to alert the universe.

But who knew when that time would come?

Sane Seven is an internationally respected and sought-after photographer. Frankly, I would be lucky even to get a look in. But man, there’s no harm in trying. After all, don’t our thoughts become our reality? Play the game of belief, Sir Anthony Hopkins said in a candid Instagram reel. Did the universe hear me?

A few weeks later, I opened my LI feed one day in July 2023. The first thing I saw was a video post from Sane Seven, calling all women over 40 to be part of her powerful social campaign “Authentic Beauty Project”—a unique opportunity to be photographed by the leading portrait photographer at her studio. 

Limited spaces were available, so I booked my slot without hesitation. The purpose of this project felt aligned with who I am, a woman over 40 navigating this reality. Embracing the changing skin, I’m in as authentically each day as I can. With all the lines of passing time, all my imperfections, however hard sometimes. Growing and owning the constantly evolving woman I am becoming.

Throwing caution to the wind

The confirmation email landed in my inbox, and self-doubt hit me quickly, right on cue. I asked my son if I was even brave enough to do this. His answer was absolutely yes. Since becoming a business owner, being uncomfortable in the wilderness is a daily thing. Throwing caution to the wind and doing new things that scare me is part of this trip. Yes, of course, I should do it.

Why wouldn’t I want to be part of an empowering project like this and experience a photoshoot with Sane Seven? The summer holidays meant I could take my excited teenage son with me. I wish my daughter could go too, but she’d flown to Italy to be with her dad before starting uni in September. 

I’m excited, too, but I’m nervous.

I can’t believe my son and I will meet Sane Seven in two weeks. I needed to get my beauty sleep and drink more water. I want to look my best for this and what should I wear? I’ve got to colour my hair! All these thoughts are nagging at me. Ironically, Sane’s authentic beauty project has come at the perfect time. 

My son and I jumped in an UBER and headed to Sane’s studio.

Marius Janciaukas met us outside, a short walk away, when we couldn’t find the door number. He showed us into the studio, and there, greeting us with the warmest of welcomes, was Sane Seven herself.

We walked towards each other with an enthusiastic spring in our step and immediately hugged each other. It was spontaneous and as if we’d met before, old friends reunited after a long season apart, yet we’d only ever met fleetingly on Linkedin. I had followed Sane’s incredible work for some time.

That good hug set the tone of the shoot. 

While I quickly freshened up and changed into the white top I’d selected for the shoot, Sane chatted with my son and encouraged him to keep working hard to achieve his dream of having a career in the creative industry, which inspired him and made him more determined than ever to succeed. 

Meanwhile, I’m ready to take my position before the camera. Instinctively, I look toward my son for encouragement. He sends me a reassuring, knowing grin. 

I look toward Sane now for direction. 

Lights, Camera, Action

I’m not confident in front of the camera, I have hang-ups about how I look in photos and on video, and these insecurities make it hard for me to be vulnerable, trust my photographer and relax. Sane makes you feel strong, empowered, bold and secure.

Imperfectly beautiful. 

We are women over 40 standing bravely in our authentic truth. Fearless and timeless warriors. Proud of our battle scars. It’s what this shoot is all about. It’s why I’m here. I need this. With Sane’s powerful, nurturing direction, I’m happy. I’m letting go, although I wish I could let go some more. Old habits are hard to break.

Sane believes in me. I want to give it my best shot.

Is this what it feels like to be a super-model? Back to reality, Sane tells me we got some great images. I won’t see them today. I must trust the process.

Sane asked if I could say a few words on video for this campaign. I rehearsed my chosen lines with Sane and my son for a few seconds. I’m outside my comfort zone by miles now, but it feels good. And there’s no turning back now.

I don’t want to go back, and my son’s illuminated eyes, brimming with approval, make it clear why I must keep pushing through, seizing fantastic opportunities that scare me, “feel the fear and do it anyway”, the saying goes.

I want to lead my kids by example. Whatever you want, don’t be afraid, do not be fearful, do it better and be better than I ever could. When we left Sane Seven’s studio that day, I felt like something had changed in me, “Mummy, I’m proud of you”, my son said. I wondered what would happen next. Will I like the way I look in the photos Sane took? Will I like seeing myself on video? 

Watch the #PrimeTime Campaign Short: Sane Seven x The Female Lead here.

It’s nerve-racking. Anxious butterflies flutter in the pit of my stomach. I’m shaking. Giving up a bit of control is slightly terrifying but exhilarating.

Live wild and free courageously.

Be open. Wait and see.