Photography, for me, has always been about people, places, and the way clothing come alive through movement and light. This shoot with Amen reminded me of why I love fashion photography. It was honest, creative, and deeply personal. Together we built a story of strength, beauty, and heritage, captured across three very different settings.
We began at the San Francisco Legion of Honor, where quiet stone columns framed her elegance. Later, we walked down to Mile Rock Beach, where the ocean pulled us into its rhythm. Amen carried each look with grace and intention. From green to black to white, she brought her own voice into every frame.
What makes this shoot even more meaningful is that Amen styled everything herself. She did her own hair and makeup, chose her own earrings and cuff, and paired them with necklaces from Butones Jewelry.
The gold pieces she wore carry deep roots in Ethiopian tradition. Jewelry in that culture is not just for decoration. Circular earrings speak of life and continuity, while hammered cuffs reflect strength and pride. These pieces are stories in themselves, handed down through generations.
Elegance Among Columns
At the Legion of Honor, Amen wore a vibrant green dress with oversized rosettes. The stone columns around her felt like part of the design, echoing the structure of the gown. There was a stillness in the way she walked, a quiet power that made the moment timeless.
The dress breathed with her, each fold alive against the backdrop of history. The green fabric glowed in the soft light, while the gold jewelry caught every detail of sun. Standing there, she looked both modern and eternal, as if she belonged to the space and yet reshaped it with her presence.
Strength by the Shore
The next chapter unfolded at Mile Rock Beach. Amen changed into a black dress that moved with the wind. The ocean roared behind her, but she seemed to command it, her body moving like a dancer in dialogue with the waves.
The fabric floated around her, catching spray and sunlight, while pearls from Butones Jewelry softened the edges of the look. The contrast of black against gold felt raw and powerful, yet elegant. Her earrings and cuffs reflected the sun, glowing like shields of heritage. On the shore, she carried strength, pride, and freedom all at once.
Serenity Among Rocks
The final look brought quiet back into the story. Amen wore a white linen set, loose and easy, as if made for the sea. Walking barefoot across the sand, she carried lightness with every step. Against the dark rocks, she almost glowed.
This look was simple, but simplicity has its own beauty. She sat on the cliffs with calm and reflection, the ocean rolling behind her. The pearls rested gently, while the gold jewelry tied it all back to her roots. In this moment, she felt serene, grounded, and luminous.
Threads That Bind
Three looks. Three moods. Yet one story. At the heart of it is Amen, not only as a model, but as a creator of her own narrative. She styled herself, brought her culture into the frame, and gave every image life.
For me, that is what makes this shoot special. Fashion became more than clothing. It became connection. Between past and present. Between heritage and expression. Between stillness, strength, and serenity.
Photoshoot Credits
- Model: Amen
- Jewelry Designer: Butones Jewelry (necklaces)
- Photographer: Paul Tocatlian
If you are a brand, designer, model, or creative who wants to tell a story through photography, I would love to collaborate. Let’s connect and create work that is authentic, inspiring, and unforgettable.
© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.
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