A Portrait Story Two Years in the Making

Some stories need time to unfold. And Asiya’s? It was one of them.

I first met her a few years ago and instantly felt it—that unmistakable spark. She had this vibrant, joyful energy, like someone lit from within. I remember thinking, I’d love to photograph her one day. But as life would have it, the timing wasn’t quite right. So we waited. Two years, to be exact.

And then, the stars aligned.

When we finally began planning her portrait session, Asiya shared something personal: growing up, she’d been more of a tomboy. Now, she wanted the shoot to explore a different side of herself—one that leaned into softness, strength, and femininity. It wasn’t about becoming someone new. It was about revealing another layer.

With that intention in mind, I asked her to pull pieces from her wardrobe that spoke to that energy. A week before the session, we reviewed everything—silhouettes, textures, colors—and curated a look that felt authentic, yet elevated.

On the day of the shoot, my wonderful HMUA Ellie welcomed Asiya like an old friend. Their laughter filled the studio before we even started taking photos. And while Asiya may have felt a little nervous at first, you could feel her blooming with every frame. Confidence rose. Shoulders relaxed. By the end? She didn’t just show up—she owned it.

The session was electric. I left the studio that day and couldn’t wait to dive into the edits because I knew—without a doubt—we had captured something extraordinary.

Some portraits come easy. Some arrive on their own timeline.

This one? Absolutely worth the wait.