Sandra
“Being a woman to me is being considered the weak sex and yet being able to withstand more pain. Having more strength and facing life’s hardships with our heads held high. It’s finding strength you didn’t know you had and moving forward even when society is built not to let you do so.”
Sandra is a passionate photographer who captures the essence of female empowerment through her camera lens, from body positivity to self love and acceptance. Initially working in the health field for many years, she recently experienced an emergency surgery that rerouted her career path, helping her to realize the importance of utilizing her time to pursue her greatest passions in life. Her mother has been a guiding force for her to always embrace her individuality and self expression; she hopes her photography can continue to uplift women the way her mother has always uplifted her. Meet Sandra. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
S: Hi, I am Sandra.
I'm 39 years and I'm from the small, yet stunningly beautiful Portugal.
I've been working in the private health sector for the last 15 years. But now, after an emergency kidney removal in May, I am on my way to become a professional photographer.
I have been an amateur photographer for the past 3 years and am now working towards becoming a Professional Photographer. My health scare has only reinforced that will.
K: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
S: My absolute favorite thing about myself is my confidence that comes from a place of love and empowerment, of strength and encouragement. And not something you have to work for like a job or a reward after a lifetime of not loving yourself.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
S: Being a woman to me is being considered the weak sex and yet being able to withstand more pain. Having more strength and facing life's hardships with our heads held high.
It’s finding strength you didn't know you had and moving forward even when society is built not to let you do so.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
S: My inspiration in life is my mother.
For she taught me to love myself. To not compare myself to others physically, emotionally or in any other way.
She taught me that comparison is the killer of the soul and individuality. That I was allowed to express myself without fear of what others might say or think.
She taught me many times that what others say tells much of their personal experiences and insecurities, not mine.
Overall, she taught me to be an Empowered Woman and with my photography I will help other women feel and see themselves as I see all women.
To my mother I can only say THANK YOU so very, very much for how you raised me.
