Do you remember the stories and movies with Fauns or other mythical creatures of the woods? Does “Pan's Labyrinth” tell you anything? Well, our today's character is similar. I could even say that she is a bit more cunning, pursuing her goals very tactfully. She has the qualities of a skilled charlatan who sneaks through thick bushes to study her subjects. Pretty Machiavellian, right?

Denisa, a model dear to me, played this role with mastery. We are not at the first collaboration and I knew of her skill of studying the characters, getting involved in procuring materials and preparing the meetings for a long time. It was challenging, especially for braiding the hair around the horns that had to be stabilized. Applying complex makeup and whitish hue on the skin was also exhausting. We wanted to embody a creature that is related to the cold season, using shades of white and blue.

Initially we thought of taking the photos in Barnar, a valley that we considered with potential, but as we were late and the natural light lasts less at this time of year, we decided to move to a closer place. And it was ... even closer than I hoped, on the hill behind Denisa's house, in Broșteni. Apparently there is a former copper and zinc mine in the area, and we agreed to give it a try, hoping to find a special setting. It was quite funny to walk the distance from her house to the foot of the hill, as there are a few more households around, and Denisa's hornes and appearance might have seemed strange in the neighbors' perception. But, as we described the Fauns in the beginning, we slipped in without attracting attention. Denisa's cousin, Ana Maria, also came with us, helping out with various tasks. It is always good to have an extra pair of eyes that can see things you would not have thought of.

I was pleasantly surprised by the surroundings and the results speak for themselves. Moreover, we discovered places that we did not have time to use, but that we promised to consider for the next meetings. And what could be more convenient than such a quick and easy access.

On the way back I had the chance to taste the freshly baked baklava, with which Denisa's mother served me. A delight! It was a cool day and a super-productive collaboration, as I truly expected.