A Quiet Morning in the Studio

Photographing a Former Model’s Family and the Magic of Letting Moments Unfold

I first met Gulnaz during my art project Our Existence is Resistance. There was something steady in her presence, something familiar. A former model, graceful and composed, with the seasoned calm that only comes from having stood in front of the camera many times before. So when she reached out to update her boys’ model tests, I knew it would be a special kind of session.

What made this session even more meaningful was that it wasn’t the first time I had photographed Gulnaz and her family. A year and a half ago, we captured her in the late stages of pregnancy with her husband and older son, as well as Leo still in her belly. Gulnaz mentioned that they printed those maternity photos for their walls, which touched me deeply. To have my work become such a lasting part of their home was an honor.

This time, Gulnaz brought her family with her—her husband and their two sons, aged five and one and a half. The little one, Leo, needed some time. He had just woken up in the car, and the world, as expected, felt a little too big at first. We let him explore, quietly, at his own pace. There was no pressure, no rush. That’s what I appreciated most—how aligned Gulnaz and I were. We both understood that letting the child take his time was the best way to invite the moment in.

Leo eventually came to the camera, curious. His father had a great idea—“Let him see it.” And Leo did. He touched the buttons, looked at the camera from behind, and I joked, “Maybe this little guy belongs on my side of the camera after all.” It was that playful, easygoing moment that made the whole shoot feel effortless. After a second of looking at the lens, Leo was ready to stand in front of it, and we captured some stunning shots. He was so photogenic that it was a joy to work with him.

Gulnaz wrote to me after the session, saying thank you for the welcoming, calm atmosphere. She said it felt good to be back on set. And I felt the same. It’s always a pleasure to work with someone from the industry—someone who understands the rhythm, the silence, the pacing of a session. Someone who doesn’t rush the magic.