Paula Simons.

For Paula, what started off as work in fashion photography began to take on a life of its own as she started exploring herself and doing inner work, growing more into herself as an artist and a woman. From Sweden, living on the pacific coast of Costa Rica from the age of 22, she started connecting deeply with nature and exploring herself through her innate call to creativity and art. Her photography work started naturally reflecting the inner journey she was on and helped her connect to the essence and purpose her work, and the healing powers of art. All influenced by practices such as meditation, yoga, surfing, dance, women’s circles, plant medicines, and the creative artist community and female entrepreneurs she was surrounded by. Her work became a vessel for transformation, both for herself and clients, shining a light on radical self-acceptance, self-love, and the full spectrum embodiment of being a natural, free woman in her fullest expression.

Growing up in Sweden with a passion for fashion photography, she saw a society focused on commercialised beauty and started to perceive that how she had been taught to be a woman in the western world when she was younger, didn’t match who she was becoming. Photographing women, she witnessed insecurities, limiting beliefs and conditioning that she could recognise from her own inner journey. Her work evolved into the perfect platform, through photos and captions/poetry, to create a new and healthier narrative in the perception of Woman. The expression of the emerging awakened woman, connected to her true nature, embodying and leading with her powerful inner feminine energy: The Divine Feminine within.

This also gave her the means to share what she had learned on a personal level with the women she photographed, and to follow their journey of self-love, self-acceptance and expression. Paula shoots women without makeup, in their most natural state, to confront the norm of how women are portrayed in media today, as well as get to photograph the raw real beauty that every woman carries, if she learns to embrace it.

Paula also spends time creating other forms of art, such as poetry and music, using it as a therapeutic tool for inner exploration and liberation, and hopes that her freedom of expression helps others find their soul and hearts unique artistic voice and live in that aligned embodiment. She’s worked with hundreds of women, with many different retreats in Costa Rica, focused on healing, women's work, body image awareness etc. as well as offers personal photoshoot embodiment packages.

"In working with clients, I observe and explore how their essence is wanting to come through, and all the different expressions this can take depending on the woman I'm working with.

I focus on capturing truth, and finding the authentic essence in each shoot. In branding and fashion photography, this looks like working with companies that align with my values and creating a container where we find clarity in and capture the soul of each project."

Currently: Stockholm, Sweden / Second home base: Jacó Costa Rica

Testimonials

“Paula was the most creative, inspiring and empowering artist I've ever had the honor to work with. She made me feel so comfortable in my own skin. I was able to completely let go of any expectations, fears and doubts and be present in the moment with her - creating authentically raw art in the most sensual and playful way. Pure magic. And the images! Just wow. They are SO beautiful beyond my wildest imagination or any expectations I could ever have! I couldn't be more satisfied about the the experience!”

“It was a blessing to see the unbelievable artist in action. She made the session feel comfortable and easy, and her natural ability to guide me and my body was much appreciated. Her talent and wisdom shine through my photos and 10 fold, in person! She truly showed me the beauty I hold inside and out. As well as deepened my connection to the beauty of Mother Earth and how I (and everyone) reflect that!! I am ever so grateful to have experience such a meaningful photo shoot.”

“Having a photo session with Paula was the easiest and one of the most playful things I've done as an adult. She is an all around amazing artist who creates a safe and loving space to be your most natural self. My heart leaps when I look at my photos she took and when I think of our time together in Puerto Viejo. Thank you Paula for showcasing the Divine Feminine from such a raw and beautiful perspective. Your work is so appreciated.”