This post I’d like you to meet Jiao. She works as a financial assistant and describes herself as a quiet, but goofy girl. She enjoys the great outdoors, but likes drawing and reading at home the most. Jiao has approached me with an idea for a concept shoot that revolved around mirrors.

I thought it was a neat idea. After all, reflective surfaces and mirrors have fascinated people for centuries. From Egyptians depicted holding a hand mirror, to a magic mirror in Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale, Snow White, to a mirror in every household and possibly purse. It can tell the truth. It can distort the reality. It can create an illusion.

We brainstormed ideas and came up with three looks that go from nature to the city to the studio.

CONNECTING WITH NATURE

Armed with mirrors and a small prism (more on this DIY project later in the post), we headed to the fields of Nose Hill Park for our first look.

I’ve also asked Jiao to answer a few questions about herself, so you’ll get to know her a bit better.

Jiao, what are you currently reading?

The book I am reading now is “1Q84”, written by Haruki Murakami, one of the most famous and profoundly influential novelists in the world.

What are some things that most people don’t know about you?

There’s one thing others may not know about me: I like EXTREME SPORTS. I want to learn paragliding and scuba diving this year 🙂

Wow, this definitely surprised me! What scares you the most?

I am a little afraid of height, but not other things like snakes, darkness or zombies 🙂 . Guess I am a brave one!

What’s your favourite food?

I like Asian food, especially sushi.

Do you have any upcoming travel plans?

I’m always curious about exploring new places and going on adventures. I’m currently planning on visiting southeast Asia in June or July (hopefully). 

“We create the story, and at the same time the story is what sets us in motion.”

–1Q84, Haruki Murakami

REMOVING TRACES OF REALITY

We wanted to do something edgier for the second look. After some Internet research, I found inspiration in Lindsay Adler’s “Prismatic” fashion editorial for ZINK Magazine. So I hunted around the city for small rectangular mirrors (and let me tell you, it’s not an easy task), and ended up making two prisms. Stephen Avenue was chosen as a primary location with the tall, steel “Trees” sculpture as the background.

Photographing through a prism made every image different, abstract and unexpected. It’s definitely something I would want to experiment more in the future.

“There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality.”

-Pablo Picasso

SIMPLE ELEGANCE

The third look was shot in the studio with three different mirrors, and reflects quiet elegance.

“Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.”

-Audrey Hepburn

Merci Jiao et mille bisous!

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE MIRRORED REFLECTIONS SHOOT

(from left to right and clockwise)

1. Making funny faces.

2. Prism fascination. Once you look through it, you can’t stop.

3. Posing just before the light turns green.

4. We had to go inside the head. Night light.

XOXO,