Frauke's UNFOLD experience: from insecurity to self-confidence

I remember well how Frauke initially reacted to my photos of UNFOLD. She sent me a message telling me how beautiful and pure she thought my work was, but also how insecure she felt. She literally said, "I wish I had the courage to participate, but I am far too insecure for it and far from photogenic."

Those words touched me. I explained to her that at UNFOLD you don't have to be "good enough" first to be allowed to show yourself-you 're already good enough, just the way you are. That idea appealed to her, and she decided to try it anyway.

A quiet, healing session

When Frauke entered my studio, I noticed she was a little tense. The most normal thing in the world, because you don't have an experience like that every day. I then always find it important to take my time and calmly explain my way of working.

Afterwards, Frauke said:

"The session was very relaxing and healing. It felt like a kind of meditation. I had complete control over what and how I wanted to show myself."

I love to see how someone can blossom in such a short time. There came a moment when Frauke really began to shine. The peace, the warmth-it seemed like she could be totally in the moment, without judgment of herself.

The biggest fear: being 'not useful'

Frauke was afraid her photos would be "not usable." She thought she wouldn't produce beautiful results. But after a while, she understood that it's not about perfection, but about the story behind the images-and that story is already beautiful.

"All I had to do was be myself and open up. The pictures tell my story, and that in itself is great."

When she saw the results, she became emotional. She could hardly believe that she could look so beautiful and powerful without having to do anything special - beyond just being herself.

The best moment, looking at the results together.

Another view of yourself

What especially touched me is how Frauke said she discovered new sides of herself that she really liked. She could finally see beyond her insecurities. That's exactly what I believe in with UNFOLD: we all have a pure, powerful side in us, but often we don't see it ourselves.

"I am immensely proud of myself for doing this! I'm going to try to hold on to this new view of myself."

That's fantastic, isn't it? I believe this can go far beyond that one photo shoot; it is a seed of self-confidence that hopefully will continue to grow in her daily life.

Maybe like you?

Frauke's story shows that you don't have to be perfect or super confident to participate in UNFOLD. Indeed, it is precisely for people who want to overcome those insecurities or at least look at them in a different way.

"No reason for stress," Frauke says. "You're in good hands and it's really empowering!"

You are enough

Frauke's session showed me again why I am so passionate about this. It touched me deeply when I received this message from her after the session:

"Thank you for this wonderful experience! You glued a few broken pieces to my self-image today! And also thank you so much for the safe familiar environment!"

This is exactly what UNFOLD stands for-an experience that goes beyond a pretty picture. It is about growing and learning to embrace yourself.

I hope Frauke's story can inspire you, too. Maybe you'll find that - like Frauke - you have more courage in you than you think. You are good enough the way you are now, and I would love to help you begin to see that for yourself.

Curious or have questions? Schedule an introduction or send me a message on Instagram.

Danny Van der Elst
Photographer & Founder of UNFOLD