The goal of the project was to take a portrait in a studio.

The final result of this project came through a lot of experimentation. I took a lot of pictures before coming with this concept. The cloth around the model's face was a jacket
I happened to have in my backpack. I wanted to highlight the model's green eyes in this shoot. Her green eyes and mustard yellow jacket complemented each other well. The model's eyes are perfectly framed between her eyes and hair fringes creating a sense of mystery. In this shoot, I was able to capture the process of getting to know someone, from stranger to friend.

The project was received well by my professor and classmate. The first shot reminded some of the famous National Geographic "Afghan Girl" shot of the lady in the scarf staring directly at the camera.

I find that this piece is akin to the feeling of meeting someone new. Sometimes, you have to slowly unwrap layers of your personality before revealing a more complex and intricate self.
The first shot shows the unfamiliarity you first experience when meeting someone new. The model's eyes communicate uncertainty and a little bit of fear. The second shot shows the process of slowly letting your guard down. The model seems more comfortable and playful but not enough to directly look at the viewer. Finally, the third shot shows familiarity. The model has let her guard down and has released her trust to the viewer. She is smiling with her eyes because she feels free and happy.