Viviane stood inside Soyeux’s photo studio with a small horde of beautiful women. Hopeful models, more than usual, crowded the studio for today was the day they waited for. Soyeux had hired Acel Yu, a well-known fashion photographer, to shoot this season’s collection and Acel had a track record of discovering new models for haute couture. Just one perfect photo by Acel could propel any of the catalog models into a glamorous, high-paying modeling career. The studio buzzed with nervous energy.

One of the models in the crowd spotted the photographer when he took his camera away from his face. “Is that?” she asked.

“I think so!” agreed the other.

“It’s Acel Yu!” exclaimed the first. She was breathless having recognized him.

Viviane turned her head to have a look for herself.

Oh, my goodness, I’ve been preparing for two weeks and he’s really here doing the shoot today. Even Viviane felt the excitement caused by the presence of someone famous in the fashion community.

The clothes being photographed today were from next season’s summer lineup. Models wearing shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, T-shirts, swimwear and the like made their way up to the blank, white screen under warm, bright lights and each had their turn with Acel for only a mere few minutes.

Acel shot photos slower than the typical Soyeux photographer. He took his time with each model, trying to get an artistic shot. Some girls went by quickly. Some took longer. Each time, however, all the girls got a chance to see at least one of their pictures from Acel’s camera. The Art Director, however, was impatient and wished Acel would not be so chummy with the girls, but Acel made it a point to talk to each girl and to learn something about their personalities. He was an artist first and a photographer second and because of that, he had that artist attitude of over-confidence, self-importance and self-worth that swirled around him.

It was Viviane’s turn next. She had a butterfly in her small stomach. She thought about all those extra kickboxing classes she took and all that kale and algae she had ingested for this day.

Viviane’s assigned outfit was a lacy red crop top with quarter-length sleeves paired with a simple, high-waisted pair of white shorts and matching wedge heel sandals. It was definitely a hot summer look with legs full on display.

I wouldn’t have chosen this outfit to go in front of Acel Yu, thought Viviane to herself. I’ll have to make up for it with my personality.

The previous model cleared the floor and Viviane switched on her inner supermodel. With a hefty dose of confidence, Viviane strode out in front of the white background screen with a haughty attitude smile and seductive eyes.

As soon as Acel saw Viviane walk onto the floor with that confident, slightly disdainful look, he immediately took notice of this powerful model. At first, Acel shot a few photos of Viviane going through a few of her typical poses. Pretty soon, however, he started to call out instructions for Viviane to follow as he pressed the shutter button almost continuously.

“OK, please lean forward. Yes, just like that. Give me that sexy smile you had a moment ago. Yes, that one! This time, show me more of those legs. Yes, that’s good. More sexy now. Can you pout? Yes, that looks very seductive. I like what I’m seeing.”

Viviane followed Acel’s direction as best she could, but she worried whether she was doing it right since Acel did not give any negative feedback.

Acel leaned over and asked the Art Director at his side, “Who is this model? Is she one of yours?”

“That’s Viviane Fox,” said the Art Director, “She’s not working under contract. She’s a freelancer.”

That was all Acel needed to know. He called out to Viviane, “Miss Viviane?”

“Yes?” answered Viviane.

“How do you like this picture of yourself?” Acel held his camera out so that Viviane could have a look.

Viviane glided over to Acel’s camera to see for herself. The picture Acel took really showed Viviane at her sexiest with her orange-sienna hair tumbling down and partially obscuring her face. Her predatory eyes pierced through the lens and looked right through the observer. The undulating curves of her body looked soft and inviting.

“I didn’t think I could look that sexy.” Viviane surprised even herself at the difference a talented photographer could make.

“You’re a beautiful soul and the camera can see that,” claimed Acel. “I’m but a sculptor, releasing from the stone the spirit within. Your feminine sensuality comes from within and I am drawn to release your spirit.”

Viviane had never heard anyone describe her like that before! The butterfly in her stomach came back. “I’m flattered, Mr. Yu,” she said.

“Please, call me ‘Acel’. It feels closer. I don’t want there to be distance between us. Please come see me after the shoot.”

“Um, all right!” Viviane, still a bit flabbergasted by Acel’s interest and attention, could not say ‘no.’

She stepped away from the white background screen since her turn was over and ceded the floor to the next model. She left the spotlight wondering what Acel meant by asking her to see him after the shoot. It was all very new, exciting and nerve-racking for her all at the same time.

After exhausting the line of models and each girl having a turn, the Soyeux photo shoot ended. Acel and the Art Director discussed the last details of the day’s pictures. Models packed up their belongings and left the studio. Many hoped that some of today’s pictures would be selected for inclusion in the next catalog. Viviane, however, did not leave. She lingered on the set waiting to speak to Acel as he had asked of her. Acel, noticing Viviane waiting, broke away from the Art Director to speak to her.

“Thank you, Viviane, for waiting for me,” said Acel. “You know, your Art Director is all business and no artistic vision. It’s no wonder I was asked by the company executives to breathe some life into this catalog.” Acel emanated over-confidence.

Although there were only a few people left in the studio, Viviane felt crowded with Acel’s ego filling up the room. “Do you want something from me?” she asked.

“Yes!” said an enthusiastic Acel. “Come to my studio tomorrow and let me shoot pictures of you in my environment. I’m working on a big campaign for a well-known designer, maybe you have heard of her, Louna Lapin?”

Like a light going on her head, Viviane recognized the name of Louna Lapin! She was a famous fashion designer of haute couture whose designs were worn by celebrities. Although Viviane was nine years older than the star-struck twin girls Anaelle and Marielle, she started acting like them.

“Yes! I have!” said Viviane all starry-eyed.

“Come to my studio and we’ll do a test shoot with her latest collection. I was attracted to the images you gave me and I need someone with your spirit on this campaign. Tell me you’ll come and we can create the art of this imagery together.”

“I will!”