Hello to all my friends,im Menati again, back with a newpphotography of the spirit of celebration, with a young woman named Fatima standing among Christmas decorations, bringing her genuine warmth into every frame.
In the first image, Fatima stands under an arch of pine branches, stars, candy canes, and gingerbread men. Beside her, a classic Christmas nutcracker figure and a simple sign that reads “Merry Christmas.” Her gaze is calm, confident, and her smile humanizes the otherwise elaborate scene. Even the simple rips on her jeans feel natural, as sincere as her smile.
In another shot, Fatima quietly looks at one of the gingerbread men, a fleeting and unposed moment, yet so full of story. It’s as if childhood memories rest in that gaze — subtle and real.
Moving through the series, we see Fatima again in front of the same decorated archway, this time with a slightly different pose; one hand gently near her face, a casual bag in her other hand. Her outfit, the belted coat, and black boots tell a story of simplicity and authenticity — exactly what we look for in Black & White: capturing real human presence.
The last image is different yet intimate: Fatima holding a bouquet of flowers, her gaze soft and directed at the blooms. This moment, removed from the Christmas backdrop, emphasizes her attention to small, beautiful things. The flowers’ delicate texture, emphasized by the black-and-white palette, allows us to see their details clearly — just as we notice the texture of the fabric wrapped around the bouquet in her hands.
The lighting in this set is straightforward and unpretentious: sometimes soft daylight, sometimes subtle reflections from the decorations. Everything feels natural, just like Fatima’s presence, whose simple smile animates these frames.
All these moments were captured with a 24-70mm lens, allowing us to get close to Fatima while still showing the beautiful environment around her. The choice of black-and-white was intentional — to shift the focus from color to feeling and gaze.
Thank you for joining me and Fatima on this visual journey.
Photography by @menati
Camera: Sony A7 III
Lens: 24-70 f/2.8 SIGMA ART DG DN