Simona 236

This portrait of Simona in 1970's style Zenni glasses was taken during the series 150 - 158. Here we are allowed a look behind the curtains. Sometimes a brief moment of real eye contact between model and photographer is needed. This is how it's often done during the posing in the section with strong glasses. The amazing thing is that such occasions were quite rare during the photo shoot with Simona and this moment of lifting the glasses was a spontaneous moment from the model's side.
This portrait marks the end of this memorable photo shoot. Simona is the 54th Lady behind Crystal Veil.

My camera recorded the phenomenal speed at which the photo shoot with Simona on Bray beach was done. The very first portrait was taken at 19.49. We took only one short break (five minutes) at the end of the series in the 1970's style Zenni glasses shown here, resuming the photo shoot at 20.38. The final portrait was taken at 20.56. All in all, 324 photos were made within just a little over an hour, changing glasses (forty times) included. Phenomenal speed indeed, yet there was no rush feeling about it. This and the fact that 60% of the 324 photos was posted here gives a good indication of the unusual standard achieved by this exceptional model.

When Simona reacted to my casting call, my schedule was already full to I appointed her "super sub" because of her impressive portfolio and amazing look. Eventually it turned out that an early evening shoot suited both of us best. When Simona arrived at the station, I recognized her from a distance, thinking "She has all the hallmarks of a great model. This is going to be good, really good". During the walk from the station to my B&B, new impressions were added. Although a real cosmopolitan by now, Simona comes from the Czech Republic and I recognized some similarities with other models from what was formerly called "Eastern Europe". Modest, polite and civilized were the key words that sprang to mind.

When Simona saw the glasses lying in readiness for selection, it was clear that she was really fascinated by glasses. Part of this may be that she only got her first pair of glasses during the preceding year. During the selection it was a real pleasure to watch her and hear her reactions.

When we started the actual photo shoot, Simona got into her stride almost straightaway, taking directions when given, but also adding great ideas of her own. Very soon it dawned to me that the superb posing by this gorgeous model was not a role played but rather an extension of her own character.
Simona describes her unique look, eyes and smile as her best assets. She was absolutely right but the list was far from complete. A beautiful bone structure. Full lips - very important, especially during the section in strong glasses. A strong contrast between her long blonde hair and the black leather jacket.

It's often said that well-chosen glasses make the eyes of their wearer speak but in Simona's case, this was clearly an understatement. Her beautiful eyes became even more eloquent behind prescription glasses. And her captivating smile could easily make an iceberg melt.
After the switch to strong glasses, it was amazing how fast she adjusted herself by using the power of imagination. The result was a natural, credible look, just as if all these strong glasses were her own. The eye contact with her appreciative photographer was no less than formidable.

Another amazing thing about Simona and her marvelous posing was the transformation after nightfall. It was just as if she revealed another side of her personality. Strong, powerful posing indeed, especially in the black and white photography. In most photo shoots, there is just a nuance difference in general feel when a colour portrait is changed into a black and white version. I never saw photos in which the black and white version had so much impact. Simona clearly saved the best for the last.

Simona, it's safe to say that you added yet another standard to my project. Can it get any better? Is it time for me to finish the project? In the words of Ray Davies in his song Shangri-La:

"Put on your slippers and sit by the fire
You reached your top and you just can't get any higher
You're in your place and you know where you are
in your Shangri-La"

The only pity is that the most beautiful blended myodisc glasses in my collection did not make the journey to Ireland. I'm convinced that you would have raised the standard to an even higher level in the pink Flair glasses. So perhaps it can get even better in the future after all :).

Thank you so much for a pleasant evening with marvelous results! Simona, I wish you a brilliant continuation of your career as a model and actress in Australia. And drop me a line if ever you are back in Europe.... The Flair pair and many other fantastic glasses are patiently waiting for you!