How to actually enjoy having your photo taken
In the pleasure garden with Maggie Nowak
In the Pleasure Garden features monthly reflections from women solopreneurs about what nourishes them, from pleasure and self-care rituals to building businesses that sustain us rather than deplete us.
For Maggie Nowak, the question isn’t "how do I look?" It's "how do I want to feel?"
As a photographer and coach, she's after something far more interesting: authenticity, presence, and the confidence that emerges when a woman truly feels seen. Through her company Story Within, she helps women step into visibility, guiding them not just in front of the camera but in how they see themselves.
In this interview, Maggie shares the morning rituals that set the tone for her day, why connection is always the highlight of her work, and her three tips for feeling more natural, at ease, and fully yourself in front of the lens.
Can you share a glimpse into your world right now. What’s lighting you up these days?
Right now, I’m lit up by possibility. New connections. Synchronicities. A sense of adventure in different areas of my life. I’m giving myself permission to be more open and present than I have in a long time.
What are three pleasurable words to describe yourself?
Alive. Warm. Curious.
Is there a book, podcast, or resource that has deeply influenced you?
The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer was a turning point for me. It opened the door to spirituality and helped me understand the difference between who we truly are and the voice in our head. It shifted how I see possibility and personal freedom.
Name a person, past or present, real or fictional, whom you admire and look up to.
Brené Brown has deeply influenced me. The way she reframes vulnerability and exposure as courage really resonates. At the same time, I don’t tend to idolize any one person. I look to the future version of myself, the woman living a life she truly loves. I often ask, “What would she do?” and let that guide me.
What are the first things you do every morning?
Express gratitude and get the coffee on.
Is there a ritual you could not live without in your day?
Moving my body in the morning. Whether it’s yoga, spin, or weight training followed by a sauna, honoring my body first sets the tone for everything else.
What are some favourite ways you nourish yourself?
A hot cup of tea. A soak in the tub. Homemade chicken noodle soup. Dog snuggles. Yoga. Long walks in nature. A heart to heart with a trusted friend. Putting on a song and dancing in the kitchen. And sometimes indulging in ice cream with caramel- simple, joyful moments that bring me back to myself.
You’re leaving a successful career to follow something that feels more alive. What role does pleasure play in how you now live and work?
Pleasure reminds me to seek balance, seek what excites me, and brings me joy and peace. For a long time, my focus was on strategy, productivity, and getting things done. While taking action and executing on our goals is important, I’m now learning that rest, joy, and connection are just as important. That shift is influencing how I live and how I build what’s next.
What are three things a woman can do to feel more natural and at ease during a shoot?
Start with your breath. Take a slow inhale and a long exhale and repeat four times. Most tension comes from holding your breath without realizing it. Once you soften your breath, bring your awareness to your senses — what you can see, hear, and physically feel. Noticing sight, sound, touch, smell, and even taste pulls you out of overthinking and back into the moment.
Wear something that makes you feel confident. Not what you think you “should” wear. Choose pieces that make you feel strong, beautiful, or fully yourself. When you feel good in your body, that energy translates far more than any specific outfit.
Shift your focus from appearance to energy. Instead of asking, “How do I look?” ask, “How do I want to feel?” Grounded. Playful. Powerful. Soft? That internal shift changes what the camera captures.
For someone who hates having their photo taken, what's your number one piece of advice?
Give yourself permission to be imperfect. The most compelling images aren’t the most polished, they’re the most honest. When you let go of trying to get it “right,” you relax, and that’s when something real comes through.
Your work is rooted in authentic expression. What does that actually mean in practice when you're behind the lens?
I’m not chasing perfection. I guide you, but I’m watching for the in-between moments, the genuine laugh, the gesture that feels true, the subtle shift in your eyes. Authentic expression is about capturing what feels true.
What’s the most pleasurable part of your work day?
Connection. Whether I’m with a client or speaking with someone at a networking event, that moment when the conversation deepens and we have a moment of connection and we really see each other is always the highlight.
I’d love for you to share about microscopic pleasures that you have recently experienced:
A taste: Kiwi
A sound: the click of my camera shutter
A sight: Spruce trees outside my office window
A smell: Japanese mint oil
A touch: The warmth of a mug of hot tea on my fingertips
More about Maggie Nowak
Maggie Nowak is a photographer and coach and the founder of Story Within. She creates intentional images that capture authenticity, strength, and the quiet confidence of women stepping into visibility. With more than 20 years of experience in strategic leadership and mentoring, Maggie brings depth, clarity, and thoughtful direction to her work. Her approach blends creative storytelling with reflective inquiry, helping women show up with presence, alignment, and a stronger sense of self.
Website: storywithin.ca
Instagram: @storywithin_bymaggienowak
