When We Start to Disappear: A Photographer's Perspective on Aging, Identity, and Social Media | by Holly Awwad

There’s a shift that happens as we age. Not just in our bodies or our homes, but in how the world sees us. Or more accurately, how the world stops seeing us. For women (especially those of us in creative industries like photography) this change can feel drastic. One day you’re being tagged, celebrated, engaged with on social media, and the next… you’re watching your insights drop and wondering if anyone’s still paying attention.

As a photographer, educator, and mother, I’ve felt this in deep in my soul.

From Motherhood to Creative Reinvention

My early years in photography were wrapped around motherhood. My kids were my inspiration, my muses, my models. I captured everything: tiny hands holding flowers, playground adventures, days at the beach… moments that shaped my style and honed my voice as a visual storyteller. Those images filled my portfolio, built my following, and made my work relatable to other mothers walking similar paths.

But then the kids grew up. They wanted to be in front of the camera less and less (or not at all). I had to find a new creative direction… one that didn’t revolve around childhood magic.

When Social Media Stops Seeing You

At the same time, I noticed something else happening. The posts that once garnered likes and comments started getting quieter. My stories were seen by fewer people. My face appeared less on my own feed because I didn’t feel like it belonged there anymore. After all, the algorithm seems to reward youth and trends, and if you're a woman over 40 who’s not playing that game, it’s easy to feel invisible.

This isn’t just about social media numbers. It’s about identity. About how intertwined our roles become with our relevance.

Redefining Identity After Motherhood

As mothers or caregivers, we’re often so deeply immersed in nurturing others that we forget how to nurture our own creative voice. As we age, and our children need us less, we’re suddenly left holding space for ourselves. And sometimes, that space feels unfamiliar or empty. The transition is quiet, and if we’re not careful, we fade with it.

Creating with Purpose, Not Performance

But here's the truth I’ve been learning and trying to embrace: this season of life holds just as much value creatively, emotionally, and professionally. It just asks us to show up differently.

I've found new energy in teaching, mentoring, and helping other photographers rediscover their voice. I’ve channeled my creativity into nature and macro photography, where stillness and detail are honored over speed and trends. And I’ve learned to speak honestly about these shifts because I know I’m not alone.

So if you're a woman feeling like you’re disappearing… you’re not. You’re evolving. And your voice, your vision, and your experience matter now more than ever.

We Don’t Age Out of Creativity

Our creativity doesn’t expire with youth. It deepens.

The loss you might feel is real. But it doesn’t mean you’re done. You’re just being invited into a new chapter. One where you can create without chasing trends. Teach from lived experience. Share your story with honesty instead of strategy.

And yes, people may not click “like” as often. Algorithms might not favor you. But that doesn’t diminish the value of what you’re doing. The art. The wisdom. The showing up. We don’t age out of creativity. If anything, we age into it.

Image taken by Melissa Ortendahl Photography

Still Here. Still Creating. Still Valuable.

This isn’t the blog post I would’ve written ten years ago… but I’m proud of that. My work, my identity, and my purpose are all still unfolding.

If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your story. Are you a creative woman navigating the same transitions? Have you felt yourself disappear? And if so, how are you finding your way back?

Let’s start talking about it. Because visibility isn’t just about algorithms, it’s about connection. And we’re still here.