When I first met Isabelle it was spring 2006,  she was just getting ready to start her freshman year of high school in the fall.  She had traveled to Indiana with her mom from Switzerland to visit her older sister who was a foreign exchange student not far from our studio  at Avon High School. When her mom called I learned that her youngest daughter, Isabelle, had a dream of becoming a model, walking in runway shows and shooting high fashion work for famous designers.  So why call me? She had told her mom that on thing she would really like to do while here in the states would be to have a photo shoot with a professional photographer.  So they had searched for the best photographer in Indianapolis and had decided I was the lucky one! (blush) I was more than happy to oblige and we booked the session for her.

Upon  arrival to the studio, as we unloaded the car and began to get acquainted I was unaware of the magic that was about to unfold. This seemingly quiet and shy beauty, who definitely did not look at all like the typical 13 year old, had me wondering what she might be like in front of my lens. Once we had talked about what was expected during the session and decided on her outfits…  she was dressed in her first outfit.  We began to shoot I was quickly realizing not only does she dream of being a model but she quite naturally has some skills, as well as the assets to make it work. I can safely say we all enjoyed the time spent talking, laughing and capturing images of Isabelle.  She was truly a joy to work with.

As usual at the end of a shoot, especially one where we have such a great creative connection, I was sad that it had to come to an end and you can see why when you look at a small sample of the images we captured that warm spring day.

Let’s fast forward 4 years…

I have kept  contact with Isabelle through the wonderful world of social media we all have come to know and love as Facebook. Recently I noticed a big change on Isabelle’s profile page! No longer is she listed to be at Downers Grove in Switzerland but as living in Manhattan, NY! WHAT?????? and as a model signed with one of the top modeling agencies in the world, BMG Models!  WOW although not at all surprised. Being a bit of a sleuth (stalker) I quickly find the lovely Isabelle on the cover page of the BMG agency page. NICE! and  with Mercedes Benz Fashion Week descending on New York City this week … I see that Isabelle is walking for Project Runways Olivier Green HOLY COW!!!! as well as starring in the new video release Blue with Big Bang, THE hottest band in Asia! This video is listed as most viewed, most popular, most talked about and with more than 3 MILLION views within 24 hours of it’s release! I have to wonder what other new and exciting things Isabelle is up to!?

One more favorite from my session with Isabelle back in 2006. Seriously, she does not look 13!!!

Sooooo. Isabelle Bianchi,
If you are reading this… Congratulations on your success so far and making your dream a reality!  I hope we see you in magazines and fashion shows wearing the latest greatest designers and living it up and having a blast! I wish you much love and happiness!  and if you ever happen to be in Indy, give me a call and let’s shoot again! XOXO