If you gave me the hypothetical option of photographing anyone I wanted, I’d ask if it could be someone who had already passed away. If so, I’d choose a Byronic hero like Mikhail Lermontov, or another one of the 19th century Russian Romantics, or even Lord Byron himself.

If I could choose someone living though, I’d choose Tiana.

Perhaps this is because my previous attraction to redheads (which I can attest has been long gone though very well documented) has created something of a bias in me.

She’s been the easiest model to work with by far. We were finished within 45 minutes, both portraits and the shoot for my project. I owe it to her photogenic face, which can also pull off all sorts of haircuts.

Even when not smiling, there’s a certain grace and strength beneath to her composure.

I love being able to find the hidden beauty in people, so this was a rather empty challenge. Tiana’s beauty is so overt and in your face, there’s no mysteriousness or subtlety in it at all.

Of course, this isn’t exactly a bad thing.