After 5 Years Ready to Beam - Lies' UNFOLD Experience

The First Step - 5 Years Ago

In 2020 (!) I first received a message from Lies. She told me that my work touched her, but that she was not yet ready to be in front of the camera herself. She wrote:

"I love your photos, but I'm still putting it off a bit for myself..."

Then Lies decided to give it some more thought. But the seed had been planted. Sometimes it takes time to germinate.

The Message That Changed Everything

5 years later, out of the blue, I got a new message from Lies:

"Hey Danny, I think I'm ready now. I want to try. I want to see myself the way you show others."

Her words touched me because they are so relatable. So many people feel insecure about their appearance and think they are "not good enough" yet. But those very doubts are what make your story so valuable.

Lies's UNFOLD Moment

During the session, I watched Lies face her fears. We started quietly, with space for her insecurities and doubts. No forced poses, no perfection-only authenticity.

Step by step, she let go of control. She discovered that she didn't have to "do" or prove anything. She was allowed to just be.

The power of UNFOLD is in that moment when someone accepts themselves, exactly as they are now. With Lies, that happened before my eyes. It was vulnerable, intense and above all real. A great reminder to myself why I do this wonderful work, and a privilege it is to see it happen.

Behind the Scenes - A Special Recognition

While looking at the pictures, something special happened. I saw how Lies looked at herself, full of wonder. As if she really saw herself for the first time. A look of recognition and acceptance. So beautiful to see!

5 Years Later - The Circle is Round

What sticks with me most is how Lies said after the session, "I never thought I would dare to do this. But I'm so glad I did it."

5 years ago, she didn't feel ready. 5 years later, she found the strength to do it anyway. She discovered she was enough all along-precisely the way she is.

This story shows that it is never too late to embrace yourself. Sometimes it just takes time.

More than just images

What made this session so special was the layering of emotions that surfaced. Lies not only dared to show herself, but also to share her story.

From vulnerability to strength, from uncertainty to self-acceptance-it all came together in front of the camera.

In addition, she indicated that the session felt like an opportunity to grow a little again, to feel a little more mature. By stepping out of her comfort zone, she discovered new sides of herself and was able to be proud of who she is.

The Most Beautiful Compliment

Sometimes the best compliment comes unexpectedly. And this time it really hit me. After our session, Lies sent me a message:
"You know what's crazy? I have one of the pictures set as a background on my phone. Every time I turn on my screen, I see myself as I am. Pure, vulnerable and yet strong. It reminds me that I am enough, exactly as I am now."

I could only smile when I read that. Because that's what UNFOLD is all about. That you can look at yourself without judgment, without filter. That you can see that you are enough, exactly as you are.

Lies now carries that image with her every day, as a reminder of her courage and her strength. For me, that is the greatest compliment I could receive.

Do you sometimes have doubts too?

Lies showed me again that vulnerability is strength. That beauty is not in perfection, but in authenticity.

Do you (like everyone else) also have doubts or uncertainties? Maybe right now it feels too soon or too exciting, and that's totally okay. But if you're ever ready to see yourself as you really are, know that I'm here for you.

At UNFOLD, we always start with a no-obligation online introduction. In it you get to know me, can ask your questions and discover if this path suits you.

See you soon,

Danny Van der Elst
founder UNFOLD