The Beauty and the Shoot
A collaboration outside the comfort zone, between make-up artists and models
Some projects are born simply out of the desire to experiment, while others turn into experiences that leave something deeper behind. Last week’s beauty photoshoot with make-up artists Francesca Pia Auteri and Desirèe Scialpi, together with models Carola Donatelli and Chiara Basilico, definitely belongs to the second category.
Beauty as a dialogue
What struck me immediately was the atmosphere of collaboration. It wasn’t a cold and impersonal fashion set, but a lively space made of exchange and creativity. Francesca and Desirèe, two emerging make-up artists, already showed a clear artistic vision and a strong sense of style. Every shade and every brushstroke on the models’ faces seemed to have its own rhythm — a silent music I tried to translate into images.
Here, beauty photography was not just about “taking pictures”, but about creating a dialogue: with the make-up, with the light, with the gaze of the models.
Models as interpreters
Carola and Chiara were not just posing; they were interpreting. Their looks, their expressions, even the smallest gestures gave life to unique stories. Each of them brought their own energy into the shoot, making every photo authentic and distinctive.
A make-up look can be technically flawless, but it comes alive only when the person wearing it can embody it. Carola and Chiara did exactly that, giving character and emotion to every shot.
Stepping out of the comfort zone
For me personally, this project was a small revolution. It was not my usual field, yet I felt challenged, inspired, and pushed to look further. Stepping out of the comfort zone can be intimidating, but that’s where the most interesting things happen — when you trust others, when you let yourself be surprised, when you accept that the result will be different from what you imagined.
A network of talents
At the end of the day, I didn’t just bring home photographs — I carried with me a shared experience. I am grateful to Francesca Pia Auteri, Desirèe Scialpi, Carola Donatelli, and Chiara Basilico for making this collaboration possible.
And I’d also like to invite you to discover their work: fashion photography and beauty make-up live through connections, and supporting young talents is the best way to let beauty grow in all its forms.
By clicking on the name, you can take a look at the Instagram profiles of the protagonists of this work: