There are moments in photography when everything aligns. My recent feature in VANGUARD Magazine was one of those moments. A photograph from the shoot was selected for the cover, with additional imagery filling the inside pages. To see the story we created take shape in print was a powerful reminder of why I do what I do.
The Vision Behind the Shoot
This photoshoot with Sophia Sean was unlike many others. Typically, I contribute to the direction, suggest wardrobe, or bring pieces from my collection. But this time, Sophia came prepared with a vision of her own. She selected the location, Pulgas Water Temple, and brought a dress that felt as though it had been designed for the space.
The dress, from Dark Feathers Movie Auction by Crystal J. Huang, combined timeless elegance with a sense of drama. Its flowing silhouette and intricate lacework mirrored the temple’s classic columns and echoed the reflective stillness of the surrounding water. When Sophia stepped into the setting, the story began to write itself.
White Reverie
We titled the editorial White Reverie. At its core, it was about Sophia’s relationship with fashion. How she moves. How she inhabits a garment. How she transforms a space with her presence. Instead of confining the shoot to a rigid concept, we allowed the moment to unfold naturally.
The Pulgas Water Temple offered a setting steeped in symbolism. Graceful columns stood tall, a reminder of strength and history. The pool reflected the sky, adding a dreamlike dimension to the story. Each frame balanced elegance with spontaneity, capturing Sophia in moments that felt less like posed portraits and more like fleeting reveries suspended in time.
Grace and Strength Among the Columns
One of the defining moments of the shoot happened between the temple’s massive stone pillars. Sophia stood with arms outstretched, framed by geometry and symmetry. The white dress, with its bold slit and wide sleeves, emphasized her strength and poise. In that moment, she wasn’t just wearing fashion, she was embodying it.
A Shift in Energy by the Water
Moving toward the water, the energy of the shoot shifted. The atmosphere softened. Sophia’s gestures became lighter, more fluid. At one point, she lifted the hem of her gown, letting it fall in waves that caught the light and air. Her reflection in the pool doubled the effect, creating a scene that felt both grounded and ethereal.
This was where spontaneity played its role. Instead of rehearsed poses, Sophia embraced the environment. She allowed herself to move freely, to play, to let the dress and location guide her. It was a reminder that the most memorable frames often emerge when you let go of control.
A Celebration of Collaboration
What makes this feature even more meaningful is the collaborative spirit behind it. From Ricky Sarmiento’s artistry in hair and makeup to Crystal Andres-Canave Timbol’s exquisite jewelry, each detail contributed to the overall harmony of the shoot. Sophia’s initiative in shaping the vision gave it authenticity, while the setting of Pulgas Water Temple grounded it in timeless beauty.
As I look back at the cover and pages of this VANGUARD Magazine issue, I am reminded that photography is never a solo pursuit. It is the culmination of shared ideas, creative risks, and a willingness to step into the unknown together.
Photoshoot Credits
- Model: Sophia Sean
- Hair & Makeup: Ricky Sarmiento
- Jewelry: Crystal Andres-Canave Timbol
- Dress: Dark Feathers Movie Auction by Crystal J. Huang
- Location: Pulgas Water Temple
- Photographer: Paul Tocatlian
If you are a brand, designer, model, or creative looking to tell your story through powerful imagery, I would love to collaborate. Let’s connect. Together, we can create visuals that not only capture attention but also leave a lasting impression.
© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.
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