1
2
3
4
5
6
7
In some way, we meet people who helps shape our way of thinking and our outlook of life, just through their own life philosophies. Mentors, they’re the ones who willingly, or sometimes reluctantly, take us under their wing and show us our true potential in a way that we couldn’t do alone. They have a lasting impact and, in turn, we pass on the knowledge we’ve accrued to someone else, thus repeating the process.
In high school, Leandro and I met through our badminton team, where, in my freshman year, we were the only two boys out of a team of, maybe 30+ other girls. I mainly joined the sport just to fill a PE credit just so I can do marching band, which probably doesn’t sound convincing as a reader, but it’s true. I was and still am a hardcore geek, so don’t get it twisted. Nevertheless, I’ve always seen Leandro as an older brother. His outlook on life is decisive and confident, and he’s not one to second guess his choices. All the while, he’s also incredibly personable and has great charisma when talking with people. Over the years, it was his advice that really got me to understand how I could go about my life similarly too.
One of the key components that anyone can identify about Leandro’s personality, however, is his keen sense of style. In other words, he dresses really well and is just naturally has a cool and laid back demeanor. In organizing this shoot, I wanted to emphasize his personality, not only through his expressions, but rather through his sense of fashion. Colors are an important factor to consider, so as we’re shooting throughout San Francisco, I’m actively looking at the colors of his background to juxtapose him so that he doesn’t blend with what’s behind him, but rather sticks out in the foreground.