Most photo sessions revolve around some socially perceived life stage. For women — the people who usually initiate the sessions, and are most excited about them — it’s often about celebrating their role in relation to their partner and family. Engagements, weddings, and motherhood are definitely special times, but there are other beautiful, powerful moments in our lives that no one thinks to document.

Also, women who choose not to be married or have children absolutely deserve to have portraits that honor them and their choices. I gotta tell you, sometimes I feel conflicted about contributing to this stereotypical photographic narrative of women.

To offer a little balance, here is a “just because” portrait session, at Millennium Park, with the lovely Natalia; a smart, and strong young woman who just graduated from university, and is about to take on the world with confidence and grace.

Natalia, I loved your self-possessed presence, your focus, and your open-hearted outlook.