This image was shot in October 2020 when restrictions from the second lockdown were alleviated. I took a trip with photographer Doreen Kilfeather and her 20 year old daughter Elsa to a remote inlet of West Cork to create a personal photography project featuring the collection of designer Simone Rocha. Our project brought together themes of retreat, isolation, maternal relationships, nature, home, loss and connection.

Styling Aisling Farinella | Photography Doreen Kilfeather | Model Elsa Kilfeather | Fashion Simone Rocha

The white space is created by light pouring into the film by accident, but also mirrors how life as we knew it was just wiped away in 2020. The duality of the exposure reflects for me a multi layered year of personal and professional challenges and shifting horizons. Elsa, our model, graduated from secondary school during the pandemic. Just as her eyes are closed here, there was no way she could have seen what was coming down the line. The silhouette of her dress and crown command a mystical strength while her own wide leg jeans and trainers root her to the ground; the image simultaneously  documenting the now and looking to the future.