My best friend looked at the portraits of me in Paris and said. “You got your makeup and hair properly done? Like a real shoot?” To which I said, “Absolutely yes.”

It was the day before I took the afternoon flight back home. I’d worked 10 out of the 14 days I had in Paris. I had 3 hours’ sleep. I was exhausted, to say the least, but I had to do this.

It was a milestone moment for my journey.

I met my lovely friend Rachel from Le Secret d’Audrey that morning. We shot at sunrise that last day. I needed to have photographs of myself looking like the best version of me – no matter the cost, nor how big my eyebags were! Ha! I am so grateful to Jiyoung for the impeccable hair and makeup, and also Rime Arodaky for her beautiful dress!

If you had asked me to do this 5 years ago, I would have blatantly refused. I prefer to be behind the camera 100000x. This shoot was done because I have a reason…

It was a gift for Sky, my little baby girl.

Anyone who knows me will know that Paris represents my dream and my calling. In my imagination, I see an image of Sky sitting next to me one day perhaps 15 years from now, telling me all about the dreams that have been placed in her heart. She will tell me her fears, her doubts, her insecurities…

Then, I will say to her, “You don’t have to do it alone. Your dreams are placed in your heart for a reason bigger than you will ever imagine. Here, let me show you something…” and I will take out these printed photographs from the vintage box that I found at a Parisian market and tell her all my stories.

I will share with her my greatest challenges, failures, wins and calling. I see a vision of us hugging with her saying, “Mama, now that you have done it, I will do it too. I will chase my dreams.”

What is your dream this year?

Whatever your dream is, don’t waste time living another year without progress. Do it for your children; do it for yourself! You deserve to live out your calling!

If you are stuck with your photography journey and you need someone to hold your hand, I will sit on that couch with you and guide you through your next steps toward reaching your dream. I have 10 seats for my workshop in Paris. You can find all the information here.

Your dream is truly not that far away.