Having worked with models for more than 15 years, and changing my perspective from looking into a model to being looked at as a model for an experimental shoot yesterday, every part of my being confirmed that:

For a model to truly open up to be themselves, it takes a photographer (as well as a fashion stylist, makeup artist and hair stylist) to connect first with themselves and therefore equally with the model. Or vice versa, if models are connected with themselves, they can similarly reflect this quality of connection back to the photographer (fashion stylist, makeup artist and hair stylist). Eventually, there should be no other way but having this connection instantly and simultaneously exchanged between both sides of the camera.

Whether it is a selfie or a picture being professionally taken, it is connection (with oneself and with others) that opens up to what is truly beauty-full.