Vilija Skubute photography

Vilija Skubute photography Photographer in Manchester, England. Specialising in portraits, headshots, and personal branding.

Vilija adopted a unique style of portrait photography which not only focuses on the aesthetics and beauty of the woman but attempts to search deeper and show the sense of the subject's being. Her portraits have an ethereal quality which have quickly established her as a sought after portrait photographer for both personal and professional clients.

Reintroducing wonderful Raji and her short story, part 1 ( 1 of 2 )When she participated in the 40 OVER 40 project and c...
19/06/2026

Reintroducing wonderful Raji and her short story, part 1 ( 1 of 2 )

When she participated in the 40 OVER 40 project and came all the way from Hampshire she was 47 years old at that time.

Why did you decide to do this photoshoot?

I wanted to mark the changes in my age and reflect on how I’ve grown wiser over the years.
I used to think that if I had more time or money, I would do so many things. But this year, I’ve realised that life isn’t about waiting for the “perfect” conditions. It’s about making time and space for the things that truly matter—right now.

Tell me a little about your background.

My parents are from Sri Lanka, and I was born there, but I grew up in Germany. At 12, I moved to the UK and later completed my degree in Scotland.

Originally, I wanted to study genetics and in Scotland as I loved the country on holiday trips. Whilst there I was asked if I wanted to transfer degrees to study medicine. From a ‘yes’ in that moment, the rest is history and so I became a doctor. As I started practicing, I knew I was on the right path, I felt my passion for changing disease, being in service, and working with people. My next big decision was choosing between surgery or another medical specialty and I trained and became an oculoplastic surgeon.

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The 40 over 40 project consists of 40 amazing women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and above, and is a one of a kind empowering experience, celebrating life. We are too important not to be noticed. Join me on this adventure of being 40 and over, and fabulous.

All details in bio or message me here and will send you all the details about 2nd edition of 40 over 40 portrait photoshoot experience.

14/06/2026

Exciting work to see raw action of photoshoot, the photographer and a sitter.

12/06/2026

Creating beautiful portraits of women is one of the most rewarding parts of my work, but it is also incredibly challenging. Most of the women who come to my studio have never had a professional photoshoot before. They often arrive feeling nervous, unsure of themselves, and convinced that they are not photogenic.

A photoshoot can feel almost like a gym session at times. We move, stretch, change outfits, adjust poses, and repeat movements until everything comes together perfectly. It takes energy, patience, and commitment from both of us. But what keeps me passionate about what I do is seeing the transformation that happens throughout the session.

Amazing Suzi- -40 over 40 participant short story part 3 (3 of 3)Why were you scared to be your true self?I was bullied ...
11/06/2026

Amazing Suzi- -40 over 40 participant short story part 3 (3 of 3)

Why were you scared to be your true self?

I was bullied on & off as a child, sometimes for things as silly as smiling too much, that stayed with me.
It made me feel like I always had to fit in, even though I’ve always felt I was a bit different. Now, I’m starting to question things more — I am on the NHS waiting list for ADHD.

Over the last couple of years, some of the strategies I used to go about my daily life and manage my work load, mental load of being wife, mum, good friend, etc.,etc., have gradually started to fall away.
It has made me rethink my work ethic and how I want that to look like and ensure that it is fully structured to ensure I am working to live, and not living to work. The health and wellbeing of my children & I will be taking priority from now on.
I’m still trying — finding motivation, planning, and learning new ways to move forward.
I’ve always been and intend to always be a kind and calm person, however, now I’m also learning to protect my energy. I won’t let anyone drain it anymore.

What are you most proud of?

My children — who they are becoming.
I’m also proud that I’m returning to things I love, like dancing and singing and I am dram ensemble member. I’m no longer afraid to try new things.

People often say I’m strong and resilient, due to everything that has happened over the past few years. But honestly I feel like I’m just getting on with life. Life doesn’t stop because you’re hurting — I still have my children, and I still have to keep going. Also there is a lot of life yet to live and i intend to make the years happy ones for myself, and all those around me.

Beautiful hair and makeup by Viktorija Alekne Pro MUA
Wonderful story and portraits of Suzi Brd

————————
The 40 over 40 project consists of 40 amazing women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and above, and is a one of a kind empowering experience, celebrating life. We are too important not to be noticed. Join me on this adventure of being 40 and over, and fabulous.

All details in bio or message me here and will send you all the details about 2nd edition of 40 over 40 portrait photoshoot experience.

Amazing Suzi- 40 over 40 participant short story part 3 ( 3 of 3)Why were you scared to be your true self?I was bullied ...
11/06/2026

Amazing Suzi- 40 over 40 participant short story part 3 ( 3 of 3)

Why were you scared to be your true self?

I was bullied on & off as a child, sometimes for things as silly as smiling too much, that stayed with me. 
It made me feel like I always had to fit in, even though I’ve always felt I was a bit different. Now, I’m starting to question things more — I am on the NHS waiting list for ADHD. 

Over the last couple of years, some of the strategies I used to go about my daily life and manage my work load, mental load of being wife, mum, good friend, etc.,etc., have gradually started to fall away. 
It has made me rethink my work ethic and how I want that to look like and ensure that it is fully structured to ensure I am working to live, and not living to work. The health and wellbeing of my children & I will be taking priority from now on. 
I’m still trying — finding motivation, planning, and learning new ways to move forward.
I’ve always been and intend to always be a kind and calm person, however, now I’m also learning to protect my energy. I won’t let anyone drain it anymore.

What are you most proud of?

My children — who they are becoming.
I’m also proud that I’m returning to things I love, like dancing and singing and I am dram ensemble member. I’m no longer afraid to try new things.

People often say I’m strong and resilient, due to everything that has happened over the past few years. But honestly I feel like I’m just getting on with life.  Life doesn’t stop because you’re hurting — I still have my children, and I still have to keep going. Also there is a lot of life yet to live and i intend to make the years happy ones for myself,  and all those around me.

Beautiful hair and makeup by Viktorija Alekne Pro MUA

————————
The 40 over 40 project consists of 40 amazing women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and above, and is a one of a kind empowering experience, celebrating life. We are too important not to be noticed. Join me on this adventure of being 40 and over, and fabulous.

All details in bio or message me here and will send you all the details about 2nd edition of 40 over 40 portrait photoshoot experience.

03/06/2026

We love the gadgets and tools that help us create something truly beautiful and special. Photography is full of little treasures like that — endless accessories, modifiers, and creative tools that can completely transform an image.

One that I’ve recently fallen in love with is the Spotlight Smooth. The shapes, patterns, and atmosphere it creates open up so many creative possibilities. It allows you to play with light in such an artistic way, adding depth, mood, and something unexpected to every portrait.

What I love most is that there never seems to be an end to what you can create with it — every session becomes an opportunity to experiment and bring a new vision to life.

01/06/2026

Portrait photoshoot adventure with optical snoot and gels.
Surprising how many wonderfully beautiful portraits can be created!

31/05/2026

When the day of your 40 Over 40 Photoshoot arrives, we come together in my studio for so much more than just a photography session. It is a chance to slow down, relax, reconnect with yourself, and truly see the woman you are today.

From the moment you sit down for professional hair and makeup, the transformation begins. As you enjoy trying different outfits and stepping in front of the camera, something beautiful happens. The worries and self-doubt start to fade, and confidence begins to shine through.

The entire journey is designed to be enjoyable, uplifting, and empowering. It is time dedicated entirely to you—a celebration of your story, your beauty, your achievements, and the incredible woman you have become.

Photoshoot with
Beautiful hair and makeup by

Amazing Suzi - 40 over 40 vol. 2 participant short story part 2( 2 of 3 )What is the best part of your work?As I have wo...
28/05/2026

Amazing Suzi - 40 over 40 vol. 2 participant short story part 2( 2 of 3 )

What is the best part of your work?

As I have worked and still work with younger people, I find that I can build really good relationships with them. I find, not dissimilar to my own children, their sense of humour is different — more edgy, more real. 

I am also still a bit of a child at heart, so I connect with them easily and meet them at their level. I remember one young person who would only answer my questions if I let him do my nails — and he was actually really good at it! 

If you met yourself 20 years younger, what advice would you give her?

I would say: don’t care so much about what other people think. It only matters for a short time.

After losing my husband, I realised just how short life is, and how suddenly everything can be taken away. That changed my perspective completely. 

Now I think: you either like me or you don’t, and that’s not my problem anymore.
Life is too short to hide who you are. I have so many funky dresses, leggings, etc., and I shouldn’t be afraid to wear them and be myself.

Beautiful hair and makeup by .aleknemakeup

————————
The 40 over 40 project consists of 40 amazing women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and above, and is a one of a kind empowering experience, celebrating life. We are too important not to be noticed. Join me on this adventure of being 40 and over, and fabulous.

All details in bio or message me here and will send you all the details about 2nd edition of 40 over 40 portrait photoshoot experience.

Address

Manchester

Telephone

+447443774319

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