Meet Arenda! This stunning lady joined me in studio for her 40 over 40 portrait session in Johannesburg, and what an experience it was. Her session was all about taking time for herself; to celebrate, to breathe, and to have a day where she was the centre of attention instead of always being the one holding everything together.

As a Johannesburg portrait photographer, I love guiding women through these empowering sessions. Arenda’s portraits are a reminder that portrait sessions are not just about photographs, they’re about celebrating resilience, beauty, and personal milestones.

What drew you to this 40 over 40 campaign?

The last five years of my life have been anything but easy. They’ve been marked by deep valleys, personal battles, and a constant struggle to reconcile the idea that I’m no longer “young.” Turning 40 was not just a number—it felt like a turning point that forced me to confront so much of what I thought life would be by now. It was tough, painful even, to let go of the version of life I once imagined.

But as Brene Brown says, there comes a moment when you must Rise Strong. For me, that moment came in the midst of heartbreak, grief, and the unimaginable—the passing of my mom. Her death was more than just a loss. It was one of my biggest fears coming true. It shattered my world, leaving behind silence where her voice once brought comfort. I truly felt like it was the end of everything I knew.

Yet somehow, through the pain, I found a flicker of hope.

A mustard seed of faith.

And that’s all it took.

Because when God steps in, even the smallest faith is enough for mountains to move. His grace carried me when I could no longer carry myself. His strength became my anchor. And slowly, out of the ashes, I began to rise—not the same as before, but stronger. Wiser. More grounded. Still broken in some places, yes—but also more whole than I’ve ever been.

This campaign is not about having it all together. It’s about rising anyway. It’s about believing that you are strong, you are worthy, and by the grace of God, you will finish this race with perseverance. Whether you’re 40, 50, or beyond, your life is still filled with purpose.

Let this be a reminder: Your story matters. Your faith matters. And even when it feels like the end, it may just be the beginning of something greater.

If you could go back and tell your 20 year old self something that you think would change your life, what would it be?

I am fully committed to living by the “Let Them” principle, as outlined by Mel Robbins in her book Let Them. This mindset encourages embracing freedom from the opinions and expectations of others. It’s about focusing on your own values, goals, and growth—without being held back by the fear of what others may think or say. By choosing to let them think, say, or do what they will, I reclaim my energy and stay aligned with my purpose and peace.

What are you post proud of yourself for?

Despite the challenges and setbacks I have encountered, I have continued to move forward and remain fully engaged in life.

Has there/is there anyone in your life who has made a massive impact, if so, how?

My mom was—and will always be—my greatest inspiration. Nothing ever got her down; she faced life with resilience, grace, and an unwavering sense of purpose. She truly lived life to the fullest, always able to see the beauty in the world around her and believe the best in others. As the Principal of a Christian school, she lived out her passion for teaching and left a lasting impact on countless children, helping them grow into the best versions of themselves. She was the center of my world—the steady, guiding force in my life. Through her, I learned to appreciate the simple, profound wonders of life: the sound of the ocean, the texture of seashells, the stillness of the Kruger National Park, and the quiet magic of the bushveld and its animals. I am who I am because of her. She made the world brighter, warmer, and better just by being in it.

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

This campaign is currently sold out.
If it returns later this year, you’ll be the first to hear.

Click on images to be taken to their blogs

📍Johannesburg, South Africa 

This campaign is currently sold out.
If it returns later this year, you’ll be the first to hear.

Do Arenda’s 40 over 40 campaign portraits look like something you might want for yourself too?

While this campaign is currently sold out. You are welcome to submit your details below to be added to the waiting list. If it returns later this year, you’ll be the first to hear.

Are you interested in spending a day in studio having your dream portraits created, laughing and celebrating you, then you need to fill out this form!