We were in the living room of my quarters at Suesca, in the old Hacienda where we were staying for the photo shoots. The room had an air of historical grandeur, its aged walls lined with artworks that hinted at its storied past. Andrés, somewhat shy and naturally reserved, requested to be photographed alone. Acknowledging his comfort, I asked the other models to give us some space, and they promptly left the room, leaving a quiet intimacy behind.
As I began to set up for the shoot, adjusting the lighting and camera settings, my attention was drawn to a glass vase on the mantelpiece. It housed a striking agave with a towering inflorescence, its elongated flower stalk stretching upwards, a vibrant burst reaching for the unseen sky—what a beautiful plant in bloom, I thought.
The curves and forms of the agave’s flower stalk drew me in, suggesting a visual echo with the subtle arcs and contours of Andrés’ body. His lower belly formed a rounded shape, which flowed seamlessly into the oval vase and its base, creating a compelling visual symmetry with the towering ascent of the agave’s inflorescence. Inspired, I asked Andrés to hold the vase at chest height to avoid making the similarities too didactic. Positioned so, the two distinct forms, each with their own reaching element, pointed in opposite directions, creating a dynamic interplay of lines and forms.
Andrés handled the vase carefully, his movements deliberate and thoughtful, enhancing the composition with his presence. The resulting image was one of harmony and contrast, the organic and the sculptural intertwined. The soft natural light from the window bathed the scene, highlighting the textures and enhancing the mood of serene contemplation.
After capturing several frames of this setup, we moved on to explore other compositions, but this particular arrangement remained my favorite. There was something profoundly satisfying about the way the elements came together, a testament to the unexpected connections between nature and human form, each enhancing the other in a dance of shapes and shadows.
