A Womans Worth - Steph Shanks Photography

Embracing Your Value Beyond the Surface

For most of my life, I saw myself through a broken mirror—a reflection distorted by the expectations of others. I spent years trying to be what people wanted, constant people-pleaser, afraid that if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be loved or accepted. It took time, but I finally realized: my worth was never something to be earned. It was something I had all along. But let me be honest—it wasn’t an overnight realization. It came after years of putting myself last, saying “yes” when I wanted to say “no,” and feeling like I had to earn my place in every room I walked into. I remember one particular moment when I caught my reflection in the mirror and barely recognized the person staring back. Not because my face had changed, but because my light had dimmed. I had spent so much time trying to be what I thought others needed—a good friend, a perfect mother, the person who never let anyone down. And yet, I was exhausted, resentful, and lost. That was the day I asked myself: What if I stopped seeking approval and just started living?

Self-Worth Starts From Within

For years, I based my confidence on what others thought of me. If people praised me, I felt worthy. If they didn’t, I felt invisible. I was chasing validation like it was oxygen, never realizing that I had been holding my own breath the whole time.

The hardest truth I had to accept? No amount of external validation will ever make you feel worthy if you don’t believe it yourself.

I had to start talking to myself differently. I had to start looking in the mirror and saying, “You are enough. Right now. Just as you are.” And at first, it felt ridiculous. But little by little, I started believing it.

The Power of Owning Your Story

Your journey—every challenge, triumph, heartbreak, and lesson—is uniquely yours. It is a story worth telling, a life worth celebrating. Your struggles do not define you, but they do shape the depth of your strength.

I used to shy away from telling my story. I thought, Who am I to take up space? Who am I to think my experiences matter? But here’s the truth: Every time we own our story, we give others permission to do the same.

When you own your story, you reclaim your worth, embracing the fullness of who you are without apology.

Breaking Free from Comparison

There was a time when I scrolled through social media and felt like everyone had it figured out except me. I saw women who seemed effortlessly confident, who had thriving careers, perfect families, and flawless skin. And I thought, Why don’t I have that?

What I didn’t realize was that I was comparing my behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.

The moment I stopped measuring myself against an impossible standard, everything changed. Because here’s the truth: Your worth is not a competition.

The moment you stop comparing and start embracing your individuality, you set yourself free.

It’s Time to See Yourself the Way the World Sees You

Your worth isn’t just something to believe—it’s something to celebrate. I know firsthand what it feels like to hide from the camera, to feel like you’re never quite “enough” for the moment to be captured. But I also know the power of seeing yourself through a new lens—literally and figuratively. A portrait isn’t just a photo. It’s a reflection of your strength, your beauty, your story. 📸 Book a portrait session and step in front of the camera with confidence. Let’s create images that remind you of your radiance every single day. Click here to book. 🌿 Join me for a life-changing retreat designed for women ready to refill their cup, embrace their worth, and step fully into their power. Secure your spot now.

Ask yourself, why not me?

🔥 This is your moment. You are strong, capable, and worthy—not someday, but today. The only permission you need is your own.