There are places that asked you to slow down.
The Pulgas Water Temple is one of them.
This was the first of two photoshoots we created that day with Marisol, before continuing later to Villa Montalvo. Long shadows stretched across the reflecting pool. A classical rotunda rose at the end of perfect symmetry. Cypress trees standing in quiet formation. Everything felt aligned.
And in the middle of that stillness, a woman in deep blue.
These images followed Marisol as she moved with quiet confidence through the park grounds, fully present and at ease in herself. There was no urgency in her gestures, only intention. Each step felt measured. Each pause felt earned.
The deep blue sequined gown from the Kisau Clothing Collection introduced a modern elegance against the classical setting. Bold yet refined.
Around her neck, a delicate necklace by Butones Jewelry added a quiet focal point. The vertical line of the pendant echoed the columns behind her, subtly reinforcing the composition.
Wilson joined us for this shoot and crafted hair and makeup that complemented both the architecture and the mood. His presence shaped the tone of the day.
The result was a fashion editorial grounded in stillness. Cinematic and introspective. Defined as much by scale, reflection, and natural light as by wardrobe and styling.
For me, this series was a reminder that fashion photography was never only about the clothes. It was about what the clothes allowed us to say. Fabric became language. Silhouette became emotion. Texture became memory.
Photoshoot Credits
- Model: Marisol Lucinda McCann De Jesús
- Hair and Makeup Artist: Wilson Quang
- Wardrobe: Kisau Clothing Collection
- Jewelry Designer: Butones Jewelry
- Photographer: Paul Tocatlian
Q&A with Marisol Lucinda McCann De Jesús
Marisol is a California-based model originally from Puerto Rico, drawn to expressive, story driven imagery. She approaches modeling as a collaborative process, focusing on atmosphere, movement, and subtle emotion rather than rigid posing. She is especially inspired by natural landscapes, architectural spaces, and cinematic moods, and she loves creating work that feels intentional, grounded, and timeless.
What inspired you to start modeling?
I’ve always been drawn to visual storytelling and creative expression. Modeling became a way for me to explore emotion, movement, and presence without relying on words. I enjoy collaborating with photographers to create images that feel expressive and authentic.
What do you love doing when you’re not modeling?
I love spending time outdoors, especially hiking and being in nature. I’m also drawn to beautiful spaces and enjoy slowing down, observing, and finding inspiration in my surroundings.
What helps you relax and be yourself during a photoshoot?
A comfortable, collaborative environment makes all the difference. Clear communication, trust, and an easy flow help me relax and stay present. Music and natural settings also help me feel grounded during a shoot.
What makes a photoshoot feel fun or meaningful to you?
When it feels like a shared creative experience rather than something overly structured. I love shoots that allow room for spontaneity, experimentation, and responding to the environment in the moment.
What moment from the Pulgas Water Temple shoot stands out the most?
Being surrounded by the calm, architectural beauty of the space. The setting had a quiet, almost meditative energy that made the shoot feel timeless and serene.
Q&A with Wilson Quang
Wilson is a San Francisco Bay Area based hair and makeup artist originally from Vietnam, with over a decade of experience. Trained in architectural design, he approaches beauty with a strong sense of structure, color, and balance. Known for his collaborative spirit, he refines and maintains each look to support the full visual story.
How did you begin working in hair and makeup?
About 11 years ago, after graduating from university, I worked in architectural design offices. However, doing the same routine every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. felt repetitive and uninspiring. I wanted a career that offered more flexibility while still providing a similar income. Hair and makeup became my choice. Instead of designing architecture, I now design faces.
How do you approach creating a look for an editorial shoot?
I begin by observing the model’s facial features, the outfits, and the concept or mood of the shoot. From there, I apply my foundation in design, including color theory, shapes, structure, and lines. Everything comes together to create a cohesive look that aligns with the spirit of the editorial story.
What role do hair and makeup play in telling a visual story?
Hair and makeup are essential elements in visual storytelling. Every hairstyle and makeup look connects to images from the past, since each era carries its own style and signature. I often draw on these references from the past to create something modern.
For example, when we think of goddesses, we often imagine women with long, softly wavy blonde hair and deep, expressive eyes, sensual yet powerful. The images we have seen over time become raw materials stored in our minds, subconsciously transforming into creative ideas.
What helps a creative team work well together on set?
To me, everyone on set is important. A photographer cannot control everything during a shoot, and neither can hair, makeup, or wardrobe alone. When makeup artists, hair stylists, designers, and stylists work closely together, everyone contributes to refining the model and the details. That is how the final result often exceeds expectations.
For me, good work does not stop at finishing the look. It also means maintaining and protecting that look throughout the entire shoot.
What detail or moment from the Pulgas Water Temple shoot are you most proud of?
The moment I am most proud of was when the model stood between the Corinthian columns, with the reflecting pool in front of her and two symmetrical rows of trees behind her, bathed in sunlight. It felt like a living painting. The model looked like a modern embodiment of a Greek goddess, where classic and contemporary elements met in a single, perfect moment.
For brands, designers, models, and other creatives looking to create inspiring imagery, let’s connect. From fashion editorials to runway coverage to publishing your work, let’s explore how fashion and storytelling intersect, and where your next project might lead.
© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.
Kisau Photography 