Strong, Kind, Humble, Resilient, and Accomplished
When I first met Sandra in the studio, she was so bubbly and approachable. She carries such a bright, expressive energy, so we decided to focus entirely on color portraits—she loves colours, and they suit her personality perfectly! Sandra brought great energy to the shoot, and we had a wonderful time creating several different looks that I absolutely love.
I asked Sandra a few questions about her journey, and I’m so happy that she is sharing her life experiences and her photo shoot experience with us here:
1. How did you mark turning 50? And how did that feel?
Turning 50 felt like a profound milestone, one that called for meaningful recognition. After years of dedication, hard work, and careful planning, I finally found myself in a position where I had the energy, financial stability, and professional flexibility to do something truly special. I chose to celebrate this chapter with a five-week journey, an experience that symbolised not only achievement, but also freedom. It was both empowering and deeply fulfilling to honour this stage of life in such a deliberate and personal way.
2. How has your relationship with time changed as you’ve grown older? Has it sped up or slowed down?
Time has become increasingly precious. Looking back, the past 50 years seem to have passed in the blink of an eye. With my children now grown and no longer having my parents with me, I’ve become more aware of how fleeting time truly is. Rather than feeling rushed, I now feel a greater sense of responsibility to use my time intentionally by making the most of the years ahead with purpose and appreciation.
3. Have your values changed over time? What do you value now?
Over the years, my values have evolved significantly. I have always been a natural giver, often placing the needs of others before my own. However, with time and reflection, I’ve realised the importance of also investing in myself. Today, I value personal growth, emotional wellbeing, and striving to become the best version of myself, both mentally and physically. While I am still working on certain aspects, particularly my physical wellbeing, I am committed to the journey.
I am pleased to share that Sandra is one of the women featured in my upcoming portrait book. More of her story will be included there; I look forward to sharing more updates with you soon.
Here are her Photo Shoot experience:
What inspired you to book this photography session?
As I approached 50, I felt a strong desire to capture my true self. There was a quiet fear that ageing might somehow diminish my identity or confidence. I wanted to preserve an image that reflected my strength, confidence, and authenticity at this stage of my life.
What feelings or hesitations did you have before the session?
I felt quite hesitant, particularly about what to wear and whether I would be happy with how I looked in the photographs. Having been an athlete in my younger years, I had always maintained a lean and strong physique, which became more difficult to sustain in my 40s. That comparison added to my uncertainty.
How did you feel during the session itself?
Any initial fears disappeared almost immediately upon arriving at the studio. The experience was incredibly supportive and professional. From the makeup artist’s preparation to the careful styling and guidance, everything was handled with ease and care. I was made to feel comfortable, confident, and completely at ease throughout the session.
What was your reaction when you first saw the final photographs?
I was truly speechless. I fell in love with myself once again. The images captured something deeply authentic. Amanda had managed to reflect who I truly am in a way I hadn’t expected.
How has this experience changed the way you see yourself?
This experience allowed me to fully embrace turning 50. When I look at those photographs, I see more than just an image. I see a woman who is strong, kind, humble, resilient, and accomplished. It has deepened my appreciation for both my past and my present, and I now look toward the future with optimism.
What would you say to a friend who feels nervous about booking a session?
I would wholeheartedly encourage her to do it. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, to step into the spotlight, even just once, and celebrate who you are.
If you would like to book a photo session to experience how it feel to be professional photographed and discover different sides of yourself, feel free to contact us by filling out the form here:https://amandahsu.com/contact/
Amanda