She had an odd sense of vulnerability about her despite the bold prints and towering shoes. It was fashion meant to party in or to ‘slay’ the night as I’d heard some people describe it. But here and now, as I look behind the lens to capture this shot, her demeanor doesn’t speak to me as if she’s wanting to kill it or anything for that matter.

A model, stuck in someone else’s clothes though they do look amazing on her. And I tell her that, happy to see such a pleased look turned up toward me and then her agent during a moment that wasn’t supposed to be ever caught on camera. In between shots and poses, hugging herself for warmth on a cold set. Or perhaps to cover the bare midriff, I’m not sure.

I’m not sure why I pressed down on the shutter either when I know we won’t be able to use for the shoot. Yet…I couldn’t just not as well. Something about this moment captured in time spoke to me as she perches precariously on shoes I’d fear just to walk on normally. Fingers clutching on bare arms as she almost huddles. But that face, upturned and with a hint of hopefulness. Part of me wishes she was facing the camera right now instead of her agent. I don’t think it would turn out quite so genuine if she were though.

So I will quietly slip this into a portfolio meant for her, and not the company paying for this ad. Because sometimes you need to share a moment instead of just focus on the why’s or for how much’s. And just maybe, she’ll feel the same sort of inspiration that I did looking through that lense. Thank you, my momentary muse.