Through my own lens, I’ve learned to appreciate the parts of me I used to overlook. For years, I only saw myself through the distorted filters of self-doubt and criticism. I’d focus on what I thought was wrong—the parts that didn’t align with society’s ideals or my own unrealistic expectations. But picking up a camera and turning it on myself changed something profound.

At first, I hesitated to take pictures of myself, afraid of what I’d see staring back. But as I began to experiment, I realized that the lens doesn’t just capture what’s on the outside—it reveals what’s within. In those quiet moments behind the camera, I started noticing things I had ignored for so long: the way my eyes light up when I laugh, the strength in my posture, the softness in my smile.

Every photo I take is a step closer to seeing myself as I truly am. I’ve stopped trying to hide what I once thought were imperfections. Instead, I’ve embraced them as unique pieces of my story. My stretch marks tell of a life lived; the small lines around my eyes reflect years of laughter and growth.

Through this process, I’ve come to understand that self-love isn’t a destination—it’s a journey, and every photo is a marker along the way. With each picture, I celebrate not just who I am today, but the person I’m still becoming. Through my own lens, I’ve found a deeper, fuller love for myself.