ON ESSENCE.
Reviewing, reflecting, reimagining… How many retrogrades are we in?
Lately, I’ve been deeply processing what it means to live an essence-driven life.
In 2004, I chose this path with the nonchalance of a 17-year-old—having no idea where it would lead or why I was drawn to it. Looking back through these slides, I see the passion, the joy, the connections, and the abundant life that photography has gifted me. Through it, I’ve been able to define and refine what an essence-driven life truly means to me.
To me, authenticity is the courage to question the narratives that have replaced our essence—to challenge them, to recalibrate them, and to return to who we truly are. This is me, recalibrating. Showing up—not from what I know, but from what is calling me forward. (I have no idea why I’m sharing any of this, just trusting that it’s meant to be.)
Things are moving, shifting, evolving. I am unsure, yet faithful. I am scared, yet excited. At times, I feel paralyzed by the old patterns that try to keep me safe and small. But—like the root of my name—I am summoning all my valour to show up, to be seen, and to serve in the way I was always meant to.
Let this be a love letter to my craft—not a farewell, but a deep bow of reverence for leading me to this exact moment. I can’t wait to share more of what’s brewing. It still feels too tender to put into words, but when it’s time, you’ll know.
LUV YOU.
To my femmes,
To all those who paved the way for this moment to unfold and be captured—
I hold the deepest reverence for you.
We are intrinsically wired for connection.
This image embodies that truth.
It carries a sense of timelessness, as if it could have been taken a century ago or a century from now.
On this significant day, my hope is that, regardless of gender, we may all feel a deeper sense of connection.
Connected to nature.
Connected to ourselves.
Connected to those who matter most—
and even to those we have yet to meet.
Connection gives rise to compassion.
Let us rise, together.
« When women have cleared space, the wild nature will better thrive »
-Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Women who run with the wolves
“From the back to the middle and around again
I’m gonna be there ‘til the end
100% pure love
From the back to the middle and around again
I’m gonna be there ‘til the end
100% pure love.” @crystalwaters
@raiodeflor = 💯 pure love ❤️
#portrafeed #portrafeed800 #kodak #kodakgold400 #portra800