I remember the conversation with her mum. She said “I would love to give her a photoshoot as a gift for 18th birthday. But I am not sure, if she will agree. She hates her body. She almost does not speak to the people. She has an incredible bond with her horse.” – It was not first “case” like that in Luxembourg. But it was a moment when I said “stop” to traditional attitude towards my photos and I created my own, personal “confidence boost” photography, asking for help my own therapist to make sure that I am not going to make more harm. I just wanted to give to the world a bit of love. Less judgment, more understanding and support.
As a photographer, I work closely with girls and women, many of whom struggle with low self-esteem, stress, or anxiety. There are various reasons for these problems…
Whether you’re part of the equine industry or not, it’s in Luxembourg that I’ve noticed something very clear: how we see ourselves, and how we feel seen, deeply affects our mental health.
Mental health challenges among girls and women in Luxembourg are more common than many people realize. According to the HBSC 2022 survey, nearly 15% of girls aged 11–12 are at risk of depression — and this number grows sharply in the teen years, reaching 34% by age 17–18 (HBSC 2022 report). It means that 1 of 3 girls suffers from depression or anxiety disorder. Even when I see the number “34%” it’s so hard to read it. But when I adapt these rates for the girls who I have worked with – it turns out, that I have seen a lot of women with quite difficult health condition. For adult women, depression is still a serious concern. About 11.7% of women in Luxembourg report depressive symptoms, higher than the European average (RTL Today). These numbers reflect just the diagnosed or reported cases — many more women experience anxiety, low self-esteem, or stress daily. There are many factors that contribute to depression and low self-esteem, especially in young women:
- Social pressure and media comparison: Constant exposure to social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy.
- Lack of support networks: Feeling isolated or disconnected from peers, family, or colleagues increases risk.
- Stressful life events and uncertainty: Academic pressure, career concerns, or personal setbacks can contribute.
These factors often combine, creating a cycle of stress, anxiety, and self-doubt that can be hard to break.
This is where photography can play a surprising and transformative role. It’s not just about taking beautiful pictures — it’s about creating an experience that nurtures confidence, mindfulness, and self-expression. Here’s how:
– Seeing Yourself Differently
When I speak to you during the consultation and later photograph you with care, it allows you to see yourself in a new light. The camera captures your strength, uniqueness, and the qualities that you overlook or underestimate every day.
– Mindfulness and Presence
A photoshoot encourages you to focus on the moment, your body movements and expressions — which reduces stress and engages mindfulness. Research shows that creative, mindful activities can lower stress and anxiety levels (Mindfulness and Mental Health, 2023).
– Empowerment Through Choice
Being part of the creative process — choosing poses, styling, or themes — gives you a sense of control. This sense of agency is known to improve self-esteem and reduce feelings of helplessness, key factors in depression.
– Visual Storytelling for Self-Reflection
Photography allows you to tell your own story visually. Seeing your story through images can help you acknowledge your own growth, resilience, and identity, which counteracts negative self-perception.
A Safe Space for Expression
Especially for women in high-pressure industries, like the equine world, a photoshoot can be a space where judgment is suspended, and the focus is purely on them — their comfort, presence, and authenticity.
If you’re a girl or woman feeling stressed, anxious, or uncertain about yourself, know that small steps matter. Participating in creative activities, like photography, is one such step.
It’s not a replacement for professional mental health support when needed, but it can complement therapy, mindfulness, and support networks, giving you practical tools to feel more confident, resilient, and empowered.
Through photography, I aim to capture not just images, but self-belief, strength, and joy. Every photoshoot is a chance to see yourself differently — to slow down, reflect, and remember that your story matters.
Please do not hesitate to write me and I can explain how I can help you to get back your confidence.
With love,
Hanna
photographie Luxembourg 