See a Stunning Portrait of Caitlyn Jenner

In the past year, 66-year-old Caitlyn Jenner has changed completely and yet not at all. Yes, the former Olympian and reality TV star came out as transgender and began living life as a woman. But many friends who knew Jenner during the Olympic days describe an outgoing superstar, always ready with a joke and happy to sign an autograph. Now, Jenner has jumped at what she describes as the biggest hurdle in her life with the same proffered handshakes and good humor.

At the shoot for TIME’s Person of the Year issue, which took place in early December at New York’s Trump Hotel, Jenner asked every person’s name, down to the last assistant, and kidded around during one of only a handful of photo shoots she has ever done as Caitlyn. She emerged newly dressed with a self-deprecating “Ta-dah!” and joked about her new place in the spotlight. “Do you know how many boring photos I’ve taken in my life? ‘Just stand in the background. Don’t get in the girls’ way. Stand waaaay in the back,’” Jenner said, laughing. “Not anymore.”

Kim, a fashion and editorial photographer, says he wanted a “stripped down and non-made up Caitlyn.” The star endured some criticism for her glamorous and traditionally feminine appearance when she came out on the cover of Vanity Fair this summer. Kim says he was after a “more sensitive side,” wanting to create an image that would complement the impact Jenner has made this year, in her efforts to advocate for the larger transgender community.