The Women that Shaped Us

Two women smiling and looking at each other while sitting at a wooden table in a greenhouse or garden center.

A portrait and conversation experience for women and their children, across generations.

This experience is created for:

  • mothers and their teenage sons or daughters

  • adult daughters and their mothers

It’s a quiet, unhurried space to sit together, talk, and be seen, just as you are, in this chapter of your lives.

“The images feel effortless, like real memories. I have very few photographs that capture emotion in quite this way.”

What it is

The Women That Shaped Us is a guided portrait experience centred around conversation, presence, and connection between women across generations.

You’ll be gently invited into a shared conversation using thoughtfully written prompt cards, some deep, some light, you choose. Nothing rehearsed, nothing forced. As you talk, I photograph quietly and intuitively, allowing the moment to unfold naturally.

This is not about perfect images.
It’s about preserving relationship, tone, and truth.

Why?

Relationships between mothers and children evolve.

Teen years bring distance and becoming.
Adulthood brings reflection, gratitude, and sometimes new understanding.

Often, we move through these transitions without stopping to mark them.

This experience exists to honour the bond as it is now, before it changes again.

What makes this different

  • No posing, no performing, no pressure

  • Gentle prompts that open meaningful conversations.

  • A calm, supportive environment

  • Space for silence, laughter, emotion, and honesty

  • Photography that feels like memory, not direction

You don’t need to “know what to do.”
You only need to arrive.

“For the first time ever, my mum loved every single photo. That says everything.”

How sessions are offered

The Women That Shaped Us is released in small, limited sessions throughout the year.

Dates are not yet announced.

I invite you to join the interest list to:

  • be the first to hear when new sessions open

  • receive early-bird pricing

  • have priority booking before dates are shared publicly

This keeps the experience intimate and unhurried.

natural portraits of conversations between mum and daughter
Two women sitting at a wooden table outdoors, smiling and engaging in a conversation. One has long brown hair and is wearing a white polka dot shirt, while the other has curly blonde hair and is wearing a green cardigan.
Person holding a stack of cards with the question, 'What do you carry with you from me?' and a moon icon on the top card.
Close-up of a young woman with long brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a white shirt with black polka dots and a pearl necklace, listening attentively to someone out of frame.

  • "Catarina is a true alchemist when it comes to capturing those “in between” moments of true, spontaneous emotion. Everything is discreetly choreographed to make you feel totally comfortable, from the relaxed and informal atmosphere of the glasshouse with its soft light to the thoughtfully worded question cards and her calm presence throughout. The resulting images manage to have that wonderfully natural, unfiltered feel. They are images that feel effortless, like real memories. I have very few photographs that capture the emotions of a conversation in quite this way and I will really treasure these."

    The Women That Shaped Us

  • "Catarina isn’t just a photographer… she is an artist who brings true magic to a photo session. What an incredible experience! I still can’t believe how relaxed my mum was the whole time, and she normally hate having her photo taken. Catarina was so discreet and gentle that Mum and I completely forgot about the camera. Mum has just seen the photos and, for the first time ever, she loved every single one. That says everything."

    Marie - The Women That Shaped Us

  • "Catarina manages to capture the subtlety of moments and knows how to dance beautifully with the Light around her. Her photographs are much more than a mere memory of a moment: they are poetry."

    Suzana Siqueira

Two women are sitting at a wooden table in a garden or outdoor space, engaged in a conversation. One older woman with white hair is facing the camera, smiling, while the other woman with brown hair, wearing a fur vest and a patterned shirt, is seen f
A woman with blonde hair wearing a green sweater and patterned blouse, sitting at a wooden table in a greenhouse, looking at a piece of paper.
A young woman with long brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a white polka dot shirt, is holding a small notebook or card in her hand, looking to her left with a slight smile, at an outdoor cafe or similar setting.
A woman with shoulder-length blond hair resting her head on her hand, looking thoughtful, wearing a green sweater and a floral blouse, in an outdoor setting with gardening supplies in the background.

£230

(Early Bird £180)

This experience includes:

  • A guided conversation and portrait session (around 30 minutes).

  • 12 carefully edited images

  • One fine art print of your choice for each person

  • Gentle written guidance to help you prepare

If this experience resonates with you , whether you’re a mum, a daughter, or both, you’re warmly invited to leave your email below. You will be the first to know and access to the Early Bird Price!

  • When you arrive, we’ll settle in and take a moment to pause. I’ll explain the process, and then you’ll take turns asking and answering the questions. I’ll be quietly documenting the session, holding the space so you can relax and be yourselves. There’s no pressure, no right or wrong way, all that comes out is welcome. After the conversation, we’ll take a moment to pause and reflect before you leave.

  • Once your session is booked, you’ll receive a link to a private page on my website. There you’ll find everything you need to feel prepared and at ease before we meet.

    You’ll also find gentle guidance on choosing what to wear. I will never suggest matching outfits; instead, complementary colours and textures work beautifully. Most importantly, choose clothes that feel comfortable and feel like you!

  • Each session is edited with care and intention. My approach responds to what the session calls for rather than following a fixed formula. You can explore my portfolio to get a sense of my visual language and approach.

  • After your session, you’ll receive a private online gallery containing all edited images.

'“Her passion for creating intimate and genuine photographs is truly evident, and her discreet, non-invasive approach made the entire experience so comfortable. It felt less like a photoshoot and more like having a friend around, which allowed us to relax and be ourselves. This, in turn, allowed Catarina to capture the most tender and authentic moments we now cherish.”"

— Maria Nogueira