“In my culture an intimate picture of the body is not something natural. My country of origin is a paternalist one. Women used to serve men and used to hide their body for very long. I always felt different from what the society was trying to impose on me. But exposing my body was always an issue. I felt curious about it but insecure doing so. In fact, I was simply not proud of my body.”

A wedding dress hung into a window of soft, afternoon light. Fresh, cool air and the smell of Tuscan cypress and olive groves. Loose, brushed hair and lace culottes. A bride pausing behind a curtain of pale ivory heirloom lace, ready to dress for her wedding day.

The inspiration for Elena’s portrait came from her love of walking outdoors and the beauty of the location we choose. In spring Land’s End’s wispy grasses have a delicate green hue which is the perfect dress shade for Elena. This minty green paired with the light yellows of sunset in spring and the caramel tones in her hair created a delicate, fresh but warm palette.

There is something about Paris, Parisian apartments, and Parisian living that people instinctively find thrilling and glamourous. Too often the “Paris” look is overdone and made into somewhat of a caricature. For Joyce’s story and shoot, we wanted to keep it real and effortless, yet polished.

Here’s a peek into Valentina’s boudoir session in Rome: A golden silk slip. A heavy brocade settee. Effervescent Dom Perignon. A slight smile. The sun bathing Piazza del Popolo in golden light.