For many years, Aleksandra Dudyn worked in the financial sector of a large corporation. On the surface, she had everything: stability, security. But inside, she knew it wasn't her path. What began as a hobby — photography — slowly grew into her true calling.
In this interview, Aleksandra shares her journey of leaving the corporate world, embracing her passion for photography, and helping women see themselves in a new light.
On beginnings
Vivianne
Aleksandra, thank you so much for joining me today. Could you start by telling us a little bit about yourself and your background?
Aleksandra
"Thank you for inviting me. My name is Aleksandra Dudyn. For many years I worked in a big corporation, in the financial sector. I had a good position, stability, but inside I felt that it wasn't my path. I had always been interested in photography, but I treated it as a hobby. Over time, this hobby started to take up more and more space in my life."
On presenting women in a better light
Vivianne
You work as a photographer now, and one of the things you are known for is presenting women in a better light. Can you tell us more about that?
Aleksandra
"Yes, this is very important to me. Often women come to a session and say: 'I am not photogenic, I look bad in photos.' And that is not true — it's a matter of perspective. I try to show women in a way that helps them see themselves differently: more beautiful, more confident, more authentic. Photography gives us the chance to capture a moment and show a person as they really are."
On leaving the corporate world
Vivianne
How did you feel on your very first day after leaving the corporation?
Aleksandra
"It was a strange feeling. On one hand, huge relief — finally I didn't have to run in that same race anymore. But on the other hand, the question appeared: and what now? There was no boss, no schedule, everything depended on me. It was a little scary, but also exciting. I remember feeling lighter, as if I could finally breathe."
Vivianne
Many people are afraid of that uncertainty. How did you manage those first months of not knowing what the future would look like?
Aleksandra
"It was hard, I won't hide it. I didn't have any guarantee it would work. But I decided to trust the process. I started with small steps — taking photos for friends, then friends of friends. Each assignment gave me more courage. I kept telling myself: I don't have to know everything right away, it's enough that I'm going in the right direction."
On photography as a calling
Vivianne
What role does photography play for you personally — is it just work, or something more?
Aleksandra
"For me, photography is not just work. It's a way of looking at the world. When I have a camera in my hand, I slow down, I see more details, I appreciate moments. Especially in working with women, I feel it is something bigger — that I can show them their own beauty, strength, and softness. It's also my way of giving something good to others."
On challenges and identity
Vivianne
What were the biggest challenges you faced after leaving the corporate world?
Aleksandra
"The hardest things were two. First — financial stability. In the corporation, the salary came every month and I didn't have to worry about it. And here suddenly I had to organize everything myself, find clients, plan expenses. That was stressful. The second thing was identity. For years I was 'Aleksandra from the corporation,' with a specific position. When that disappeared, I had to answer again: who am I?"
Vivianne
And how did you redefine that identity?
Aleksandra
"It took time. At first it was hard to say: 'I'm a photographer,' because in my head I had this voice: that's not true, it's just a hobby. But step by step I started to get used to it. I said out loud: 'yes, I do photography,' and I believed it more and more. Now it's natural for me. I am a photographer and I am proud of it."
On strength and support
Vivianne
What gave you strength during those difficult times?
Aleksandra
"Two things helped me a lot. First — the support of my loved ones. I had my husband who supported this transition, he said: 'you can do it, do what you love.' And second — photography itself. When I was stressed, I picked up the camera and went to take pictures. It calmed me, reminded me why I do this. It was my therapy and source of energy."
On courage and purpose
Vivianne
What surprised you the most about yourself on this journey?
Aleksandra
"Probably that I am braver than I thought. In the corporation I often compared myself to others, I had doubts whether I was good enough. But here, when I started working on my own, I discovered strength and determination within myself. I realized that I can take risks and trust myself. That was a huge discovery for me."
Vivianne
And today, how would you describe your purpose in life?
Aleksandra
"My purpose is to show people beauty — the kind they often overlook in themselves. Especially women, who are often very critical of their appearance. Photography allows them to look at themselves more gently, to see their strength, sensitivity, uniqueness. If someone tells me after a session: 'I didn't know I could look like this' — that is the greatest reward for me."
On advice for women over 35
Vivianne
What advice would you give to women who are in a similar place — in a corporate job, but feeling that it's not their true path?
Aleksandra
"First of all — listen to yourself. We often silence that inner voice because we're afraid of change. But if something exhausts us and something else brings us joy, that is a sign. You don't have to quit your job immediately, you can start with small steps — a course, a workshop, a new experience. The important thing is to notice what gives you energy. And then dare to take the next step."
On looking back
Vivianne
Looking back now, do you regret leaving the corporation?
Aleksandra
"No, not for a moment. Of course there were difficult moments, sometimes doubts, but overall I feel it was the best decision of my life. Finally, I live in alignment with myself, doing what I love. If I had stayed in the corporation, I would regret it every day."
Vivianne
What has been the most beautiful moment for you since you made this change?
Aleksandra
"There have been many, but I remember one client who, after a session, said with tears in her eyes: 'For the first time in my life I see myself as beautiful.' That was incredibly moving for me. In that moment I understood that photography can be more than just pictures — it can be an experience that changes the way we see ourselves."
On rewriting your story
Vivianne
If you could share one message with women over 35 who are searching for purpose, what would it be?
Aleksandra
"That it is never too late. We often hear that it's inappropriate to start certain things, that it's too late for change. That's not true. Maturity is a huge advantage — we have experience, we know what we want and what we don't want. And it is precisely now that we can create a life that truly belongs to us. You just have to believe in yourself and take that first step."
Vivianne
Thank you so much, Aleksandra, for sharing your story with us.
Aleksandra
"Thank you. I hope my story will inspire other women to listen to themselves and dare to make changes."
Find Aleksandra's work at @oleandraphoto.