There is something lovely about seeing a woman stand a little taller.
Sometimes it begins with a crown. Sometimes with a flower tucked into her hair. Sometimes with another woman saying, "Oh... try this one."
By the end of the day, there are beautiful photographs. But they aren't usually what women remember most.
Come as you are.
Leave with photographs that remind you of time spent basking in beauty, play and tender company.
Come as you are.
Leave with photographs that remind you of time spent basking in beauty, play and tender company.
Time for curiosity
Curiosity has time here.
Try things on.
Hold up possibilities.
Borrow whatever catches your eye.
Notice what makes you smile.
The Queen Dress-Up Box is full of treasures, waiting to be explored.
[Gallery: Crowns, capes, jewellery, flowers, fans and other treasures]
A fuller tour of the Queen Dress-Up Box
Crowns. Flower crowns. Capes. Jewellery. Fans. Mirrors. Fabrics. Curious treasures gathered over many years.
Part of the pleasure is the luxury of unhurried choosing.
What happens on the day?
Every Queen Photoshoot has its own flavour, but the rhythm is much the same.
We gather over tea and conversation.
We explore the dress-up treasures together, trying things on, holding up possibilities, discovering colours and textures you might never have chosen on your own.
Women hold mirrors for one another, fasten necklaces, adjust capes, notice what suits, and delight in one another's discoveries.
When you're ready, you'll spend some time with the photographer. There is no rush. You don't need to know how to pose or what to do next. For a little while, you don't have to be your own stylist, cheerleader and photographer.
Between portraits, conversations continue. Tea is poured. Admiring glances are exchanged. New friendships often begin.
By the end of the day, the room feels quite different from when we first arrived.
You leave with beautiful photographs. And, perhaps, with something less easy to name.
You leave with beautiful photographs – and, perhaps, with something less easy to name.
Hosted by Margarita
Queen Photoshoots are carefully hosted by Margarita, founder of ByHeart.
She'll welcome you with tea, help you explore the dress-up treasures, delight in your discoveries, and gently guide the rhythm of the day so that nobody has to rush or figure everything out alone.
It's less about creating perfect photographs than creating the kind of atmosphere in which beautiful photographs naturally happen.
Drawing on her experience in costume design and her work as a coach, she creates occasions that are playful, spacious and gently encouraging.
[PORTRAIT of Margarita]
To delight in one another's flourishing
Imagine a room full of women delighting in one another.
A crown is passed across the room.
Someone says, "Oh... that colour was waiting for you."
Another pair of bracelets is offered.
Nobody is trying to outshine anyone else. Instead, everyone becomes a little invested in everyone else's joy.
It's a gentle kind of magic. One that lingers long after the photographs have been taken.
[Gallery: women laughing together, helping one another dress, sharing tea, choosing accessories, celebrating one another]
The photographs are the visible treasure.
But they aren't the whole story.
What you're seeing is part of something we're gradually growing called Co-Queening Club.
It's less about dressing up than it is about discovering what becomes possible when women delight in one another's flourishing.
If you've found yourself wondering why a day like this can feel surprisingly moving, that's where the deeper story begins.
You may have noticed...
The photographs are the visible treasure.
But they aren't the whole story.
What you're seeing is part of something we're growing called Co-Queening Club.
It's less about dressing up than it is about discovering what becomes possible when women delight in one another's flourishing.
If you've found yourself wondering why a day like this can feel surprisingly moving, that's where the deeper story begins.
The portraits
By the time the camera clicks, something has already happened.
The portraits are simply where it becomes visible.
They become reminders of how it felt to be looked at with delight.
Each portrait is different, because each woman is different. There is no single way to be a queen.
[Gallery: Finished Queen portraits]
You might be wondering...
Do I need to buy anything?
Not at all.
You're welcome to bring favourite pieces from home, but there's no expectation.
Everything you need is already waiting for you.
I'm not glamorous. I don't even own fancy clothes.
You don't need to arrive looking like a queen.
Some women choose regal splendour. Others create something playful, elegant, theatrical or quietly understated.
There isn't a right way — only your way.
Can I really borrow everything?
Yes.
Arrive light.
The treasures are waiting.
What if I'm shy?
Many women are.
You won't be hurried.
You don't need to become someone else to belong here.
I'm not photogenic.
Very few people think they are.
There is no pressure to know what to do.
You'll be guided with warmth, patience and an experienced eye.
Often the loveliest photographs appear once you're enjoying yourself rather than trying to "look right."
Am I too old?
Not for a moment.
Every decade brings out a different facet of the queen you are.
Am I too big?
No.
Bodies are warmly welcome exactly as they are.
This isn't about fitting an ideal.
It's about being seen with tenderness and admiration.
What if I come on my own?
Many women do.
It's often one of the reasons new friendships begin.
You'll be warmly welcomed.
You don't have to qualify.
Not by age.
Not by confidence.
Not by your wardrobe.
Not by fitting anyone else's idea of beauty.
Come as yourself.
You don't have to quality to be a queen.
Things we often hear at the end of the day...
"I nearly didn't come."
"I thought I'd feel self-conscious. I forgot to."
"It felt strangely easy to be myself."
"Everyone was so kind."
"I haven't played like that in years."
"When can we do it again?"
Is this for you?
Perhaps you're celebrating a birthday.
Perhaps you're stepping into a new chapter.
Perhaps a friend has lovingly nudged you in our direction.
Or perhaps you're simply longing to spend a few hours in the kind of company where beauty, tenderness and play come easily.
If you're finding yourself thinking,
"That looks rather lovely..."
We'd love to welcome you.
