Yamano Lira

Some images from a shoot with Japanese model Yamano Lira. Yamano was visiting the area for fashion week and it was make up artist Angela Wang who found Yamano and approached me about testing with her. Angela was very excited about working with this model and she did everything, make up, hair and styling. Yamano was an excellent performer, very natural in her modeling style she does a great job of not being conscious of the camera. The good thing about that is that you, the viewer become less conscious of the fact that you're looking at a photograph and a connection, however momentary and fleeting is established between you and the subject. I can light something pretty, and we can make it up and dress it up real nice but it takes the model to make it come alive. Like any good performance, the performer needs to sell it to us, take us out of our current reality and capture us on an emotional level, and Yamano has this kind of command.
The top image, is actually inspired by Valazquez, I wanted the formality and classic feel but also to break with that, turn it on it's head by creating an abstract image but still stay rooted in that formalism.
The bottom one we were looking to capture the energy and emotion of movement and Yamano gives this to us with an added sensuality that only she can deliver. 
Many thanks to Angela for putting this together!