That afternoon wasn’t planned to be perfect—it just became something I’ll never forget. What started as an experiment in self-expression, in trying to learn how to photograph, turned into a story I’ve held onto for over a month. This post is about the sun dress, the golden hour light, and the golden beginning of something I didn’t know I was starting: my portfolio, my creative practice, and this site—dzh0.com.
I’d never photographed someone before with the intention of building a professional portfolio. The idea felt bigger than me, but also exactly where I needed to be. I brought my camera, Alba brought her presence, and Ivan brought his handcrafted dresses. I didn’t know what we were building yet—I just knew I wanted to spend the afternoon with them and see what could come of it.
While photographing Alba in the sun dress, we noticed a striking couple walking down the street — dressed so beautifully we couldn’t help but approach. They smiled, we asked, and they said yes. Just like that, we had a spontaneous moment of connection, and one of my favorite shots from the day. It reminded me how open the world can be when you’re open to it too.
We shot over 1500 photos that day. I spent three hours fighting with my camera settings, shifting the ISO, shutter speed, and exposure trying to get it right. Many photos came out too bright, some too dark. It was frustrating—but I was learning.
Editing later was its own challenge. I can usually bring out how a moment felt through Lightroom, but with so many variables (and as an amateur) I found it hard to make one image match the next. Different color tones, different angles, different energies. It took time—and the courage to believe these images still had something to say.
It took me a month and a half to come back to these pictures—not because they weren’t good, but because I didn’t feel ready to treat them right. I needed to grow, to sit with them, to learn how to see what was really there.
Now, I know: these images aren’t just my first portfolio—they’re part of my memory. This blog is a living archive. A place where I can look back in 10, 20, 50 years and remember how it all began.
We didn’t wait for the golden hour—it just happened. We were in the right place at the right time, without realizing it. Suddenly, the light wrapped around Alba and everything clicked. Not technically (my settings were still off), but emotionally. Something real was captured.
Ivan was shouting directions—excited, animated, in full creative mode. Alba moved with confidence, guided by his energy. Behind the lens, I was trying to breathe and frame the shots, overwhelmed but driven. “EDUARDO, you have to flirt with the lens,” Ivan yelled. “You have to do what I’m doing, but through the camera.”
I was trying.
For Alba, I hope this post helps share her grace, her expression, her stillness and movement all at once.
For Ivan, I hope it honors the art and joy he poured into every thread — and the energy he brought that made it all possible. He organized this shoot, styled it, and pushed us outside of our comfort zone. Without him, this moment wouldn’t have happened.
This entire shoot came together. If you’re reading this, maybe you’re starting something too. I hope it reminds you: your first attempt doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be real.
Now that the story’s been told, some of our favorite moments from that day — the light, the laughter, and everything in between. (Computer Friendly)
Some of the best stories start without a plan. One moment you’re wandering through your day, and the next you’re knee-deep in blooming tulips at Holland Park, camera in hand, capturing something that feels like magic.
We didn’t have a plan just a shared idea: build a portfolio. Something we could point to. Something real. It was Alba’s idea to step in front of the camera. Ivan Traykov made it happen — like he always does — full of energy, styling ideas, and the kind of
