There’s something familiar about working with someone you’ve photographed before. The initial awkwardness is gone, replaced by an easy rhythm that makes the whole process feel more natural.
I recently had the chance to do a photo-shoot with Marly, following her participation in the Chota Carnival Beauty Contest. Marly is someone I’ve worked with previously and that familiarity made all the difference. From the start, there was already a level of trust there. Posing didn’t need much direction, and we were able to focus more on refining small details rather than figuring everything out from scratch.
This time, we chose to shoot in a local restaurant in Chota,
(Roque Restobar), which gave the whole session a different kind of character. The setting was simple but full of small details (textures, colours, and interesting features) that added depth without needing anything elaborate. It also helped keep things relaxed, almost like we were just hanging out rather than doing a structured shoot.
(Roque Restobar), which gave the whole session a different kind of character. The setting was simple but full of small details (textures, colours, and interesting features) that added depth without needing anything elaborate. It also helped keep things relaxed, almost like we were just hanging out rather than doing a structured shoot.
The shoot itself was pretty easygoing. We moved between different spots in the restaurant, adjusting as we went and making the most of the space around us. There’s a point in these kinds of sessions where everything just clicks, the expressions feel genuine, the movements aren’t forced, and you stop thinking so much about the camera.
What stood out to me most was how much more confident she seemed this time. Having that prior experience clearly helped, and it showed in the way she carried herself throughout the shoot. It’s always rewarding to see that growth, especially when you’ve been a small part of the process.
Overall, it was one of those shoots that just flowed. Nothing overly complicated, just good energy, a bit of collaboration, and a reminder that sometimes the best results come from keeping things simple.
A special thank you to Roque and Marly for making this photo-shoot possible
