Valentine’s Day Throwback: with Mayra
Valentine’s Day has always been a time for reflecting on love, connections, and the special moments in life. As I sat here wondering if I should post anything today, I decided to take a stroll down memory lane—and I’m so glad I did. While browsing through my archives, I came across a photo shoot from 2020 that immediately sparked a sense of nostalgia.
In 2020, I had the opportunity to work with a variety of new models, and one of them was Mayra. She was a natural in front of the camera, and we had such an enjoyable time working together. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to share anything today, but then I remembered this particular shoot with Mayra—her red dress and my maroon backdrop—and knew it would be the perfect Valentine’s Day throwback.
Here’s a fun behind-the-scenes tidbit: I didn’t have a red backdrop at the time at my studio. So, I made do with a maroon one, hoping I could tweak the color in Photoshop later. Little did I know this would turn into an opportunity to explore the new AI features in Photoshop, and I’m thrilled with the results. It’s amazing what a bit of creativity and some editing magic can do!
We shot several different looks that day, but there was something about this particular one that stuck with me. Maybe it’s the way the vibrant red dress popped against the rich backdrop, or maybe it’s the energy and elegance Mayra brought to the shoot. Either way, it felt like the perfect fit for this time of year.
And here’s a little challenge for you—did anyone spot the heart in the background? It’s subtle, but it’s there, and it was my little nod to the spirit of Valentine’s Day.
Looking back, working with Mayra on that shoot was a highlight, and it’s a reminder of how much fun and creativity can come out of spontaneous decisions. So, happy Valentine’s Day to all of you—whether you’re celebrating with someone special or simply taking time to reflect on the beauty in your own life. I hope this throwback brings a little warmth to your day.
RE-EDITED 2025
