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She sat across from me in the studio, perfectly put-together in her navy pantsuit, designer tote resting on the floor beside her. Her resume? Impressive. VP of Marketing at a global firm. Years of leadership, awards, teams built from scratch. And yet, she hesitated when I lifted the camera.

“I hate being photographed,” she admitted, voice dropping. “The camera’s never liked me.”

This wasn’t the first time I’d heard it. In fact, it’s one of the most common things women say to me—especially high-achieving, brilliant women. The same women who confidently run board meetings, negotiate million-dollar deals, and juggle leadership roles with motherhood… freeze when they see a lens.

So what’s going on?

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The Hidden Confidence Gap

There’s this myth that confidence naturally comes with success. But in reality, many women in high-powered roles still carry old insecurities. Add aging, body changes, burnout, or that internal pressure to be perfect all the time… and it’s no surprise they’d rather stay behind the scenes than step in front of a camera.

Here are just a few of the thoughts I hear from clients:

• “I’ve gained weight and don’t feel like myself anymore.”

• “I don’t recognize the woman in the mirror.”

• “I look tired all the time.”

• “Photos just make me look older.”

• “I’m not photogenic. I never have been.”

Sound familiar?

The truth is, these feelings don’t mean you’re not confident. They mean you’ve changed. Your skin has changed. Your pace has changed. Maybe your life priorities have shifted too. And that’s not something to hide. That’s something to honor.

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Your Portrait Isn’t for Who You Were. It’s for Who You Are Now.

At Pooja Photography, my mission isn’t just to take your picture—it’s to reflect you back to yourself, in your most powerful light.

When you step into my studio, it’s not about striking a pose or faking confidence. It’s about being seen. The real you. The strong, soft, evolving, deeply capable woman you are.

Here’s how I help you get there:

1. A Judgment-Free Space

You’re not walking into a photo session. You’re walking into a safe space where you don’t need to suck in your stomach or pretend to be someone you’re not. I guide you through poses that flatter you naturally—no weird angles or pressure to “perform.”

2. Styling That Celebrates You

I work with expert stylists who understand how to dress real women. Not runway models. Whether you’re curvy, petite, tall, or in between—we’ll find the wardrobe that makes you feel like a boss and like yourself.

3. Lighting, Angles, and Expression Coaching

You don’t have to know what to do in front of the camera. That’s my job. I’ll direct you gently, coach your expression, and find your best angles. You’ll finally get to see the version of yourself the world already admires.

4. A Portrait Experience, Not a Photoshoot

This is more than a headshot. It’s a transformation. You’ll walk in unsure, but you’ll walk out with photos that make you say, “Wow… that’s really me.”

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“Today Is the Best You’re Going to Look”

I know that sounds bold. But hear me out.

You’re always going to be evolving. Life doesn’t slow down. More wrinkles may come. More gray hairs. More wisdom, too.

But right now? This moment? This is the best you’ve looked, because it’s the most you you’ve ever been.

So if you’re telling yourself:

“Maybe next year, when I’ve lost some weight.”
“I’m too busy.”
“What would I even use these photos for?”

I want to gently say: there’s no perfect time. But there is a perfect reason—to honor who you are today.

Because when you finally see yourself as the strong, accomplished, beautiful woman you’ve become, everything shifts. You stop hiding. You show up more boldly in your career, your relationships, your life.

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Let me help you step into that power.

Luxury Portrait Photographer | Bay Area
Helping women see their worth—one portrait at a time.

📍 Studio in San Ramon, CA  | ☎️ 925-967-4245