The Beauty Standard vs. True Beauty

Welcome to the Portrait Stories newsletter!

I’m Amanda Hsu, and I run a Portrait Studio – Cranberry Studio here in sunny Malta. I’m writing a portrait book filled with beautiful images and inspiring stories.

Experience the Power of a Portrait

I’m a portrait photographer with a passion for capturing elegance and glamour. My job is to bring out the best in every woman, to show her the most beautiful version of herself, and to witness the confidence that follows.

At my studio, we offer professional hair and makeup services, designed to enhance a woman’s natural beauty—from the “just woke up” look to “I’m ready to walk the red carpet.” I’ve experienced this transformation myself during a play day with my hair and makeup team, and it was truly eye-opening. Seeing myself as the kind of woman I usually photograph—like someone from a magazine cover—was thrilling, and the confidence it gave me stayed with me.

The Beauty Standard vs. True Beauty

We all want to feel beautiful, yet society constantly tells us we’re not. We’re bombarded with messages that only a select few, those lucky enough to grace magazine covers, are truly beautiful. The rest of us are left chasing an endless list—exercise, diets, beauty treatments, perfect outfits—just to try and feel better about ourselves.

But I see beauty differently.

Personally, I lean towards minimalism, yet my photography embraces elegance, style, and glamour. Many artists, myself included, pour their energy into creating beauty in their work rather than focusing on their own appearance. The truth is, trying to meet society’s beauty standards is a full-time job. The perfect hair, flawless makeup, coordinated outfits—it’s exhausting. Instead, I choose to focus on my art, where beauty is not about perfection but about presence, confidence, and authenticity.

True Beauty Shines from Within

The glow of a person—her spirit, her radiance—can’t be replicated with hair and makeup alone. That shine comes from within.

One of my favorite moments is when women return for their photo viewing, weeks after their session. They may no longer have the styled hair and makeup, but they shine even brighter because they’ve seen themselves in a new light. They’ve seen their own beauty, confidence, and strength reflected back at them. And that transformation stays with them.

I sincerely wish for every woman to experience this moment.

Special Offer – Limited Time Only

If you’ve never been professionally photographed before or you would like to come back to have another shoot to pamper yourself, now is the perfect time to take on the challenge. We have a special offer available for a limited time. Reply to this email, and my assistant, Irene, will send you all the details.

Let’s create something beautiful together.