Time to Be Me. A Self-Portrait

This photo project is a visual diary of my transition into a new stage of life.

A middle-aged woman often finds herself trapped in endless routines—caring for children, parents, a partner, work, and the home. Added to this is the constant pressure of societal norms that glorify youth and success. It’s as if women are forbidden to age, gain weight, or feel tired. But what happens when the body begins to change? When the first wrinkles appear? When a new, unfamiliar reflection stares back from the mirror? Through self-portraits, I explore my personal experience of facing these changes and the inner conflicts they awaken. 

My photographs capture moments of pain and acceptance as I navigate this new reality. The project shows how the body—often reminding me of its presence through aches and stiffness—also becomes a source of wisdom, teaching me to listen inward and reject imposed expectations.These self-portraits are an attempt to answer deep questions: How do you stay true to yourself during times of change? How do you allow yourself to gray, to slow down, to gain weight, to grow older without shame? How do you learn to embrace fading youth while continuing to love and respect yourself—remaining interesting, above all, to yourself?

This project is not just a personal diary but a visual manifesto of acceptance—of maturity as a new form of strength and freedom from external standards.