A first hand account from model Jordan Blankey

Last Summer (June 2019) I traveled to the beautiful state of Tennessee to work with one of my favorite photographers, Maria Arellano. She is the owner and creative artist behind the camera at, Maribella Portraits. I got to enjoy a TOTAL, “Girls weekend” with Maria, her mom, her beautiful daughters, and Suzanne Polito (owner of Red Bird Photography.)

Maria had already scouted shooting locations and the options were endless when you are on top of a wooded mountain, way out in the country. Driving the switchbacks, you find abandoned barns, rustic cabins, mountain streams, historic graveyards and churches, thick grassland fields, wild flowers, and blooming trees. Of course, Maria sees art everywhere! Her objective was to build material for her website and to show/teach just how many options and styles a photographer can do with just a single dress.

I arrived at our prep location bare-faced with my hair pre-curled and pinned (mini buns all over my head.) I was so excited to get to shoot with Maria again! She is not only an artist but also a teacher. Maria is always laid back and gives constant feedback and direction before and during shoots. This makes a model and developing photographer’s job much easier! We got to do a fun live, impromptu video about photo shoots and what all is involved. It isn’t often I sign up to do a live video, bare-faced with mini buns all over my head, but I will always make an exception for Maria.

Next step was the hunt for the perfect shoot outfit! I usually bring several fun accessories, thrift dresses, and various other pieces for the shoot, just in case. Options are always good and you never know what cool outfits you can put together. We always have fun digging through the clothes and deciding what to use for shoots but the decision for today was easy. Maria went straight for my recent find, an antique floral applique, pink tulle gown. I really hopped that dress was the one she would pick for the shoot! Once the outfit was selected, Maria started building my hair and makeup around her developing vision. She completed the look with natural pink tones for makeup and soft cascading curls for the hairstyle.

Shooting began in the studio. We did fun posed positons with various studio props and some with heavy floral accents. Next up on the agenda was an outdoor, golden hour shoot. Thankfully we did the studio shoot first because as soon as I step outside I knew my curls would fall out and summer is THE worst with high humidity.

We all piled into Suzanne’s new black 4-runner, (coolest off-roading vehicle in existence) and started down the mountain jamming to awesome music. We may have lost the road a few times but it always popped back up as we crested huge hills and sharp turns. Thankfully Suzanne was driving!

Location One:

Our first location was a lush, green pasture framed by pink blooming Mimosa Trees. We may or may not have “slightly” trespassed but the location was just too perfect. We only “borrowed” it for a few minutes. I felt like a princess getting to twirl in my pink gown and sit in the tall grass. The property was surrounded by a rustic wooden fence that we also included in some shots.

Location Two and Three

As we walked down the road Maria found and old, ivy covered, tree along the road with golden light creeping through. Lastly, we got to the river and a wading pool. We were all excited to shoot in the water and it was a first for me. The water was very cold but the location was beautiful and serene. I waded out and we started shooting knee deep with the dress floating as the sun was setting. When Maria asked if I was interested in getting ALL in, I jumped at the chance. However, I didn’t realize until the last second just how cold mountain water can be, even in June. It took a few minutes, along with a little grumbling, but I got adjusted to the temperature. Having my dress and hair floating around me, even in cold water, made me feel original, special, and so beautiful.

Final Thoughts:

Working with Maria, is always a dream. You have to be open and see where her art and ideas will take you. Most importantly, she finds beauty in everything! She tells you, “It’s our difference’s that make us all beautiful, special, and original.”

Finding a photographer that builds you up and teaches you to embrace yourself is what true art is all about! Thank you Maria for your visons and dedication. It is always an honor to work with you.

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
~ William Arthur Ward

Jordan Blankey is a 17 year old model who has worked on may projects with photographers from all over the United States.

In front of the lens with Maribella Portraits | The Subject of your photography, modeling for a Houston Photographer