This photoshoot at Villa Montalvo was one of those days where everything clicked quickly and naturally. It was my first time working with Marisol Lucinda McCann De Jesús and hair and makeup artist Wilson Quang, and from the start the energy felt easy, collaborative, and focused on creating something strong without overthinking it.
Villa Montalvo is always a great place to shoot. The gardens, long pathways, and classic architecture give you a lot to work with, but they never overwhelm the subject. We were able to move through the space, try different angles, and let the setting support the story rather than define it. It is the kind of location that encourages movement and experimentation.
Marisol selected the featured dress from BRAXTON herself, which immediately made the shoot feel personal. The design has presence, but it also moves beautifully. As she walked and turned, the fabric caught the light in a way that felt dynamic and expressive. It worked just as well in wide shots down the garden paths as it did in closer portraits near the stone fountain.
What stood out most was how comfortable Marisol was in front of the camera. She brought a clear sense of intention . Nothing felt forced. Her movements were confident and fluid, and her expressions shifted naturally from strong and direct to playful and relaxed. The emotional tone stayed consistent throughout the shoot. Defiant. Resolute. Unapologetic. But always approachable and real.
Hair and makeup by Wilson played a huge role in pulling everything together. The styling was polished but not heavy, which is exactly what you want for an outdoor shoot with a lot of motion. The hair held its shape while still feeling soft, and the makeup enhanced Marisol’s features without taking attention away from her expression. It photographed beautifully in natural light and stayed consistent as we moved from one setup to the next. Working with Wilson for the first time was a great experience, and the level of care and precision really showed in the final images.
We also included one of my favorite necklaces from Butones Jewelry. I have featured Butones Jewelry in several previous projects, and it continues to be a go to for editorial work. The necklace added just the right amount of detail and texture, working seamlessly with the BRAXTON design without distracting from the overall look. It is the kind of jewelry that quietly elevates an image.
As the afternoon went on and the light shifted, the shoot naturally evolved. We moved from more energetic, full body shots to calmer portraits that focused on expression and detail. Those transitions felt organic and gave us a well rounded set of images that all felt connected. Villa Montalvo made that easy by offering variety without requiring a change in mindset or mood.
First collaborations always come with a bit of discovery, and this one was no exception. Finding a rhythm with Marisol and Wilson happened quickly. Ideas flowed easily and there was plenty of room to experiment. Those are the shoots that tend to produce the strongest work, when everyone is engaged and having fun while staying focused.
This Villa Montalvo photoshoot was about confidence, collaboration, and enjoying the process. Fashion that moves. Styling that supports the story. A model who brings clarity and energy to every frame. The result is a set of images that feel strong, intentional, and genuinely fun to create.
Photoshoot Credits
- Model: Marisol Lucinda McCann De Jesús
- Hair and Makeup Artist: Wilson Quang
- Fashion Designer: BRAXTON
- Jewelry Designer: Butones Jewelry
- Photographer: Paul Tocatlian
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