One of the things I love most about the 40 Over 40 Project is seeing how different every woman’s reason is for saying yes. Some women are celebrating a milestone. Some are stepping into a new chapter. Some are navigating change and want photographs that reflect who they are in the middle of it. Then there are women whose reasons feel a little harder to summarize because what they are really looking for goes beyond photographs.
That was Lynsey.
When Lynsey first shared why she wanted to participate in this project, her answer felt familiar in a way I think many women would understand immediately. As a wife, mother, provider, and someone who plays many roles in the lives of people around her, she talked about how her own needs and wants had slowly shifted into the background over time. Not because anyone asked her to. Not because she consciously decided to put herself last. Life simply filled in the available space. Work happens. Families grow. Responsibilities multiply. People rely on you. Years pass, and somewhere in the middle of all of it, pieces of yourself can quietly take a back seat.
When Lynsey described this experience as a chance to “resurface,” I immediately loved that word because it felt honest. There was no dramatic reinvention story attached to it. She was not searching for a completely new version of herself. Instead, she wanted an opportunity to reconnect with parts of herself that had become quieter over the years while caring for everyone around her.
As she shared:
“I used this opportunity to resurface, to reconnect with and express my own individuality while rebuilding my confidence and reminding myself that I am already enough.”
I think a lot of women know exactly what that feeling sounds like.
Why Lynsey Said Yes to the 40 Over 40 Portrait Project
As we talked more, Lynsey shared how much her perspective around beauty had shifted over time. For years, women are surrounded by messages telling you what beauty should look like and what parts of yourselves need improving. There always seems to be another standard and expectation waiting around the corner.
Somewhere along the way, Lynsey arrived at a very different understanding.
She said:
“Beauty isn’t perfection. It’s self-acceptance. It’s the lines earned from laughter, the strength built through responsibility, and the growth that comes from life’s experiences.”
I appreciated hearing that because confidence after 40 rarely looks the way people imagine it will. It does not always arrive with some dramatic breakthrough moment. More often, it develops slowly. Experience changes perspective. Priorities shift. Eventually, you start realizing that many of the things you once worried about no longer carry the same weight.
Lynsey also talked openly about wrinkles, freckles, veins, gray hairs, and curves. None of those things felt like flaws she needed to hide. They felt like evidence of a life that had been lived.
I think there is something really powerful in that.
Choosing Authenticity Over Perfection
One of my favorite conversations with Lynsey happened while planning the session.
She mentioned wanting some portraits without makeup.
I loved that idea immediately because it felt completely aligned with who she is.
Lynsey shared that makeup simply is not a major part of her everyday routine. Comfort and simplicity mattered to her. She wanted photographs that reflected the version of herself that people actually know.
As photographers, we talk a lot about creating authentic images, but this felt like one of the clearest examples of what that can look like. She was not interested in creating a version of herself that felt unfamiliar. She wanted photographs that felt recognizable and honest.
One of my favorite stories she shared involved her 40th birthday celebration. At her request, she and her girlfriends went out in matching sweatpant suits with no makeup and their hair pulled back. They spent the evening laughing and simply enjoying being together.
The moment she shared that story, I laughed because it felt like such a perfect reflection of who Lynse is. There was no pressure to create a polished version of the night. No expectation that things had to look a certain way. It just sounded fun for the sake of being fun!
That same energy carried into her session.
Lynsey brought her authentic self to the session, and it made all the difference.
Learning It Is Okay to Take Up Space
Like many women, Lynsey admitted she was nervous before her session.
That never surprises me. Having your photograph taken can feel incredibly personal. Even people who are looking forward to it often have a few butterflies.
During her post-session interview, Lynsey laughed as she described sitting in her car before coming in, giving herself a pep talk while “Eye of the Tiger” played in the background. She reminded herself that she had people cheering her on and that she could do this.
I imagine a lot of us have had moments like that before walking into something that felt intimidating.
Reflecting on the experience, she shared:
“It is okay to be center stage. It is okay to be the person that’s on the stage taking up the entire space, and it is okay to put myself first.”
That isn’t always an easy realization.
For many women, putting themselves first can feel unfamiliar after years of pouring their time and energy into the people around them. So when they finally give themselves permission to be seen, it often reaches far beyond the photographs.
Lynsey also talked about realizing that when she feels supported and emotionally healthy, it naturally shows up in the way she cares for the people she loves. Looking after herself no longer felt separate from looking after everyone else.
What Turning 40 Has Taught Lynsey About Life
Another thing I appreciated hearing from Lynsey was how surprisingly normal turning 40 felt. There was no dramatic shift or moment where she suddenly felt like a completely different person. In many ways, she said she still feels very much like herself. She still wants adventure, still enjoys trying new things, and still approaches life with curiosity. What has changed is less about who she is and more about how she experiences life now.
As we talked, she shared that this stage of life has brought a greater appreciation for slowing down and being present. There seems to be less urgency around documenting everything or rushing from one experience to the next. Instead, she spoke about allowing herself to actually sit in a moment and enjoy it while she is there.
Here’s another quote that stood out:
“Pause and feel the moment… slow down.”
Life already moves fast enough on its own. There is value in noticing where you are while you’re there instead of immediately moving on to what comes next.
The Bucket List Is Still Growing
One thing that became clear while getting to know Lynsey is that she still approaches life with a lot of curiosity. Turning 40 has not made her feel like things are slowing down or getting smaller. If anything, she seems more interested in collecting experiences and saying yes to things she has not tried yet. Her bucket list continues to evolve and includes everything from learning Croatian and trying fly fishing to playing the hand pan and exploring new places around the world.
I loved hearing her talk about future experiences because there was excitement in it. Not pressure. Not urgency. Just genuine interest in continuing to learn, grow, and experience more of life.
When she reflected on advice she would give her younger self, she kept it simple:
“Don’t wait. Make a plan if you have to, and get it done.”
Ending there was fitting because that mindset seems woven throughout so much of her story. Stay curious and make room for the things that matter to you.
Connect with Lynsey
One of the best parts of this project is introducing people to incredible women and allowing their stories to continue beyond the session itself. If Lynsey’s story resonated with you, or if you would like to connect with her professionally, you can find her here.
And Lynsey, if you’re reading this, thank you again for trusting us with your story. You brought so much honesty, and heart into this experience, and it was an absolute joy getting to know you.
Curious About the 40 over 40 Portrait Project?
Every woman who takes part in this project has her own story. Lynsey’s is one of many that reminds me why these sessions matter.
If you’ve ever thought about doing something like this for yourself, I’d love to tell you more about the experience and what you can expect.
Learn more about the 40 Over 40 Project here:
Because the woman you’ve become deserves photographs that reflect who you are now.
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