This photograph is part of “Little Red and the Guardian of the Forest,” a photoshoot inspired by Little Red Riding Hood with a modern spin. Mary Jayne embodies a bold, contemporary version of Little Red, while Nymeria represents the wolf, reimagined as a loyal yet enigmatic guardian. Set in a forest of towering redwoods, the natural environment provided the perfect backdrop for this whimsical reinterpretation of the classic tale. Shot entirely with natural light, the scene’s dramatic interplay of dappled sunlight and shadows helped create a magical, fairy tale-like atmosphere.
Working with Nymeria, the “wolf,” presented unique challenges that made this shoot particularly demanding. Unlike human models, animals cannot take direction or hold poses on command. Capturing Nymeria in the perfect stance, with an expression that evoked both strength and mystery, required immense patience and quick reflexes. I used a combination of treats, sounds, and anticipation to draw her focus, all while balancing the composition with Mary Jayne. The distractions of the forest—rustling leaves, intriguing scents, and the occasional passerby—further heightened the difficulty of keeping Nymeria’s attention.
Shooting with only natural light added to the complexity. The dappled sunlight through the canopy created striking contrasts but uneven exposures. Positioning both Mary Jayne and Nymeria to make the most of the available light without losing the mood of the scene required careful observation and timing. Post-processing in Lightroom was kept minimal, focusing on subtle adjustments to balance the light and enhance the natural colors while retaining the authenticity of the image.
This photograph stands out as one of my most challenging because it required harmonizing the unpredictable nature of working with an animal, the dynamic qualities of natural light, and the narrative elements of the composition. The result is a striking portrait that captures the spirit of “Little Red and the Guardian of the Forest.”