ghibli princess in nyc

model + stylist: lyena kang

creative directed and shot by maia feruzi

Saturday August 19th 2023 2:00pm

📍Central Park, NY

shot on: canon eos rebel t3i 18-24mm 70-300mm

concept

This was the first time I met Lyena in person and it was everything I dreamed of and more. I had been following her journey as a model, photographer and overall creative for years online and was constantly thoroughly impressed by her work ethic, innovative ideas, and energy. She is one of those souls that pours her full authentic self into every endeavor she takes on and it shows. It was only my second creator meetup and as a socially anxious person I was nervous but from the moment we met I was supremely comfortable albeit a little starstruck by her inner glow. I hadn’t really come up with an overall theme for our shoot besides exploring central park and channeling some flowy picnic vibes based on the photos she sent me of her dress. As soon as we started to shoot my creative spirit kicked into high gear.

I had never worked with someone who had such insane control over their facial expressions down to the minute details and were able to so clearly express different stories and emotions in each shot. The story of finding a ghibli princess playing in central park started to come into focus more and more. She picked up a leaf at the park and I was transported into the Secret World of Arietty. She basked in the sun on the bridge and I was watching Sheeta discover the Castle in the Sky. As she lounged on the rocks Sophie was waiting for Howl in his garden. With each different movement she transported me to a different magical world and I couldn’t help but scream after almost every shot. I could feel our energies flowing together and harmonizing in a perfect symphony of creation. Other than my squeals of excitement after each shutter click I don’t remember saying much, instead I simply just chased her around and captured the journey she took us both on. We channeled, whimsical, ethereal, soft, adventurous, joyous, and pure magic.