Seeing ourselves with kinder eyes
Victoria Vincent’s exhibition, <em>This is Me. You. As Fine Art,</em> celebrates the beauty of being seen just as we are. Photo: Victoria Vincent
Letting our guard down and allowing ourselves to be seen as we are can often be a daunting thought. Many of us carry insecurities and inherited ideas about beauty that shape how we, often harshly, see ourselves. But breaking through that weight, whether it comes from past trauma or years of quiet self-doubt, can be liberating, empowering and incredibly healing. It can also be the first step on the journey toward self-acceptance.
Words: Amy Russ
Local photographer Victoria Vincent is tapping into that very transformation through a passion project that’s been years in the making. When you first meet Victoria it’s easy to see why people feel so comfortable in front of her camera.
She’s warm, down-to-earth, and instantly puts you at ease, qualities that shine through in her latest exhibition, This is Me. You. As Fine Art, a celebration of self expression, vulnerability, and the magic that happens when people show up just as they are.
Marlborough Magazine shares reflections from two of these women, each of whom stepped into the studio with their own stories, insecurities, and hopes. We asked them about beauty, confidence, self-image, and what it meant to truly be seen. Their answers are raw, surprising, and deeply moving, and they challenge us to see beauty in a way that is honest, human, and completely unfiltered. Together, their words and images remind us that self-acceptance isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence, permission, and seeing ourselves with kinder eyes.
The idea for the project was sparked back in 2019, shortly after Victoria moved from Wellington to Nelson. Having spent years photographing weddings and boudoir sessions, she noticed a shift in the kinds of clients reaching out, ones who weren’t preparing presents for partners.
“There were women who just thought, ‘stuff it, I want to do something for me’,” says Victoria.
Hearing their stories, she recognised the silent weight that many carry and how powerful a photograph can be in changing that narrative.
“For some reason we carry that shit around with us. We don’t see ourselves as others see us.”
No matter the style of photoshoot, Victoria’s approach stays the same: no pressure, no judgement, just real moments, real smiles.
“Every session is relaxed and organic, with no intended outcome.” she says. “It’s about creating space where people can feel safe and let their guard down. For me, capturing that genuine smile and genuine laugh, is the ultimate expression of beauty. My job is to catch them unaware, being truly themselves. They need to trust in the process, and trust in their own body and movement.”
For Victoria, it’s been a journey of growth, too. “This project has empowered me just as much. I realised I had to back myself the same way I’ve been encouraging them to. It is because of these women that the exhibition is happening.”
The exhibition features portraits of local women, many of whom had never done anything like this before. For some, it’s been emotional, and even healing.
“The response has been amazing. Photography is a magical potion, some of these women have had huge shifts in how they see themselves. I’ve seen it happen time and time again, it’s pretty special.”
The exhibition may have been sparked by Victoria’s vision, but she says it’s the women in front of her lens who bring it to life.
This is Me. You. As Fine Art. | August 1 – August 30 | Nelson City Framers
This is me: Christine Washington
How would you have described your relationship with your own image – and has that changed since being photographed?
Seeing the photos for the first time was incredibly rewarding and went beyond anything I expected. They took my breath away and stirred deep emotions.
What made you say yes to this experience – and to being seen in this way?
I’m 69 now, and I wanted the lens to capture my smile – because that’s the essence of who I am. Aging isn’t easy; your mind still feels young, but your body starts asking for compromises. This portrait is a moment in time, a way of honouring where I’m at. It’s also something I’ll leave behind for my granddaughters – a piece of my legacy. I hope they’ll look at it one day and say, ‘Nana was a strong, independent woman’. And I hope they’ll carry that strength forward.
How has your idea of beauty – in yourself or others – shifted over the years?
Beauty is all about how you choose to see it – and true beauty always comes from within. As you get older, life will throw more challenges your way. But the choice is yours: face them with grace, grow wiser, and rise – or let them weigh you down. Either way, your beauty is yours to define and own.
What does self-confidence mean to you now – compared to when you were younger?
I’ve always been confident, but as I’ve grown older, that confidence has settled into a deeper sense of contentment. When you’re young, you’re still navigating life, often guided by mentors along the way. As you grow older, you gain wisdom and begin to truly embrace who you are. Life, in many ways, gets better with age.
Can you describe a moment in life when you felt truly powerful – or deeply proud of yourself?
I owned my own businesses, and through them, new opportunities emerged. I embraced each one and took pride in what I achieved. The tough times didn’t break me – they made me stronger.
How do you think society sees women as they age – and how would you like that to change?
Women need to embrace their power and lead in a way that’s true to them – because our daughters are watching and learning. That’s how we teach future generations to feel at home in their bodies and face life’s challenges with strength. When a mother stands strong, her children learn to do the same. We need to foster this in our young people – and that means mentorship, encouragement, and guidance through the moments of self-doubt. They can do it. We did. Sometimes, they just need someone to believe in them until they believe in themselves.
Why do you think it matters for women to take up space – to be visible, unapologetically?
Women need to own their space. Walk into a room and claim your power – why not? Men have been doing it since the beginning of time. It’s time our girls did too. We need strong women leading in our communities, and it starts with believing we can. Because we can.
What do you hope people feel – or understand – when they see your portrait in this exhibition?
I want them to see the smile and think – I want to be like that – strong, confident, and unapologetically owning it.
This is me: Sinead (Nae) Travers
How would you have described your relationship with your own image – and has that changed since being photographed?
My relationship with my image has been very strained for as long as I can remember. Even as a young girl, I struggled with how I looked, and I would (and do) pick apart every little detail. As I have gotten older – and especially since doing this campaign – the relationship is healing, it may not be perfect, but it is improving. I hold more grace for myself.
What made you say yes to this experience – and to being seen in this way?
I like to push myself – that is where I see the most personal growth. Saying yes was a bit like taking that first leap into deep water – just send it. I have always felt that I looked ‘hard’ and masculine, so to have the opportunity to perhaps see myself in a softer and more feminine way was a huge driver to say yes to this.
When you first saw your portrait – what did you feel?
HOLY CRAP, THAT’S ME? I was stunned, but in the most positive way. I was shocked that I had actually done it, and that I could look like that. Correction: I DO look like that. What followed was a massive wave of pride, and a sense that ‘Little Nae’ would think I am so strong and beautiful.
How has your idea of beauty – in yourself or others – shifted over the years?
It has relaxed a lot over the years. I love when I see people embrace their natural beauty – fresh skin, natural hair and just being. I am not afraid of getting older and seeing greys or laugh lines anymore, because they tell a story of a life lived unapologetically.
What does self-confidence mean to you now – compared to when you were younger?
Self-confidence now means doing the things that scare me and trusting myself that I will be OK, I will be safe. It isn’t always about what we look like, maybe a little more about how we hold ourselves, no matter what life throws at us. Ultimately that is how people remember us when we are gone, right?
Can you describe a moment in life when you felt truly powerful – or deeply proud of yourself?
Honestly, when Victoria was photographing me. I was proud that I let my guard down and allowed myself to just be there. She helped show me that my strength and power are what make me soft and feminine – something I have struggled to feel. I walked away feeling like I could conquer anything in my path.
How do you think society sees women as they age – and how would you like that to change?
I think society is cruel to woman as they age. We see it constantly online, so many people doing everything they can to look 20 years younger because society has influenced us into believing that if we don’t, we are old, ‘washed up’ or unworthy. Yes, look after your body and your skin, but there is nothing wrong with looking 30 when you are 30, or 40 when you are 40 and so on! Your skin and body have lived a life; let it shine and share your stories.
If you could speak to your younger self – what would you say about beauty, confidence, or worth?
I would say: Darling you are a fighter. You are strong, beautiful and amazing in your own way and that is what makes you so special. Give yourself grace because you are ENOUGH. Keep that head high and walk proudly. I have your back, always.
Why do you think it matters for women to take up space – to be visible, unapologetically?
Because we are just as important as any other human being. We bring life into the world. We are powerful and intricate and vital, so why shouldn’t we have a voice and be visible?
What do you hope people feel – or understand – when they see your portrait in this exhibition?
I hope people feel encouraged to do it themselves, or at least do something that lights a fire within themselves. Do the scary things, see your own beauty for what it is and LIVE. Take up space and be proud of who you are.
A Beautiful Photo - Victoria Vincent - Family, Boudoir and Branding Photographer