She was born into privilege and expectation—none of which she ever quite fit. Still, she played the dutiful princess. Quietly obedient, carefully composed. Be pretty. Be soft. Be no one.

When most people think about getting their photo taken, they think about poses — where to put their hands, how to angle their face, how to “look good.” But intentional portraiture asks something different, something deeper: What would it feel like to be seen for who you actually are?

It isn’t easy to hide who you truly are. You may have learned to wear a mask—performing, meeting expectations, surviving—but it takes immense energy, and stepping out from that can feel frightening.