I'm super excited to share the newest addition to Women Bare! This is ANNA! She got really curious about the photo project after finding out about it through Instagram. When she contacted me and told me she wanted to participate in it because she wants to set a good example for her 10-month-old daughter, I just knew we were the right fit. Anna questions the amount of space that women are given in this time and feels very strongly about raising her daughter as a confident and strong woman.
I've been getting more and more interest in Women Bare and I absolutely love it! I'm very passionate about shooting these powerful images of women to celebrate their body and womenhood. No matter how different we may look and in which stage of life we may be. With this photo project, I’m trying to break through the standard template of beauty that one has and I would love to unite women. Please don't hestitate and get in contact via brechje@warmcuppatea.com if you think this might be something for you!
These are Anna's pictures and the words she'd like to share with us:
Strong women
When you think about strong women, you instantly think about Beyonce, Frida Kahlo or maybe Serena Williams. Women who are outspoken and have a big career. But aren’t we forgetting that even they have their own battles, doubts and struggles?
We need to move beyond this pattern of searching for the most perfect way to structure our lives. We must get rid of the picture-perfect ideals and accept that we come in all shapes and sizes and will not travel the same path. We won’t and will not be part of a one-size-fits-all life.
"A strong woman is not defined by success but by acceptance of self."
In my view a strong woman could be anyone who identifies herself as such and is trying to find a way in life. It is someone who knows or is still searching for what her strength is and knows what her weaknesses are. A strong woman is not defined by success but by acceptance of self.
Growing up in an environment of women who gave up their family, friends and their home country to get married for a better future, has given me perspective about love and making sacrifices.
I'm still having respect for their choices, but this made it clear for me that I do not want to be a person who is dependent on someone else.
I feel a lot of respect for single moms and for women who decide later in life to work on new skills to improve their living situation. As it is never too late to change our/your path(s).
"It is never too late to change your path."
The most important thing for me is that I can say with confidence, especially to my daughter, that even I am struggling with my own confidence. That I too am searching for the right path which may not be perfect.
Does that mean I think I am a strong woman? In my definition, yes. And I hope my daughter will think the same thing about herself.
