This shoot is one I smile upon the memory of. The photographic industry is an industry laden with weight upon one’s reputation, yet so often I find the reputations, especially the big ones misleading. Sean Laurenz is as talented as he is genuine, taking photographs that are masterpieces from their first sight as large postage stamps on the back of his canon, to their reception after his careful and genius processing – which unlike some he does entirely himself. Nena Hugo surpassed all of my expectations, fluidly migrating from fashion icon to bohemian beach babe with endless energy and exceptional attention to detail, as well as standing as a phenomenal stylist in her own right. Nick held palm leaves, reflectors and smiles on our faces with equal aplomb. This whole experience was a treat for me

Make-Up and Hair: I kept her skin as translucent as possible with MAC’s Face and Body Foundation, contoured the cheeckbones with MAC’s D Powder in “golden” and then applied “Sunbasque” blush to her cheeks. Eyes were kept simple using MAC eyeshadow in “cork”, “vanilla”, “brule” and “good as gold”, eyes were lined and smudged with MAC’s “Costa Riche” Eye Pencil. Brows were groomed with clear brow gel and MAC’s “Lingering” Eyebrow Pencil. Lips were lined with MAC “Subculture” lip pencil and then filled with MAC’s “Pink Clash” (limited) gloss. Her hair was damp and simply did its own beautiful thing.

Photographer: Sean Laurenz

Photographer’s Assistant: Nick Raper

Model: Nena Hugo from Trigger

Stylist: Nena Hugo

Hair and Make-Up: Samantha Laura Kaye

Shot in Cape Town, 2009