A Look Into: Unbreakable Bonds

Creative Director and Photographer Spotlight: Arya Lalvani

Arya, the talented photographer for Unbreakable Bonds, blends her passions as a UC Davis senior double majoring in Cinema and Design. This particular shoot required careful planning and execution, allowing her to showcase her sophisticated skills. Through her lens, Arya captures the models' essence, weaving intimate narratives of love that resonate long after the photos are taken, transforming fleeting moments into timeless stories. 

She observed that angling played a crucial role in storytelling through her lens. “For example,” she explained, “the tighter shots captured the intimate, butterfly moment of a ‘first date,’ while the wider angles used in the ‘toxicity’ scenes emphasized an unsettling sense of distance and discomfort.” Unbreakable Bonds granted her the creative freedom to delve deep into the emotional landscapes of her subjects. 

Utilizing flashes and low lighting, she harnessed the interplay of angles and body language to reveal the intricate dynamics unique to each type of relationship. Each frame became a vivid testament to the joys and struggles of connection, inviting viewers to experience the nuances of love and conflict in a deeply resonant way. Unbreakable Bonds is a significant addition to Arya's portfolio, demonstrating her storytelling versatility, technical skills, and ability to realize her creative vision.

Creative Director and Modeling Spotlight: Breanna Sanders

Bre stands out as an extraordinarily talented and inspiring figure, serving as both the Creative Director and primary model for Unbreakable Bonds. Currently a fourth-year student at UC Davis, she is majoring in Cognitive Science and Design, blending her academic pursuits with her artistic ambitions.

When reflecting on her creative vision for the photo shoot, Bre emphasized her desire to illuminate the myriad forms of love in our lives, capturing the complex and intense emotions that bind us together. She shared her perspective: "In American culture, we often encounter a narrow portrayal of relationships, typically centered on heteronormativity. I feel incredibly fortunate to have assembled such a diverse group of models for this project, which truly enriches our narrative!"

As a model, Bre committed to portraying a wide emotional spectrum—from the lightness of joy and flirtation to the depths of heartbreak, camaraderie, and even aspects of dominance. She recognized the challenge of conveying these intimate moments through delicate facial microexpressions and subtle body language. Every stylistic choice was meticulously crafted to weave together the diverse stories and expressions of love, enhancing the visual narrative.

The modeling cast met for the first time during this shoot, and Bre was pleasantly surprised by the seamless collaboration that emerged. After wrapping up the day, she expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such a fantastic group of individuals who helped bring her vision for Unbreakable Bonds to life. With heartfelt enthusiasm, Bre hopes that the VUE-ers will engage with the images “artistically, sociologically, and personally” while maintaining a spirit of respect and appreciation for the stories they tell.

Modeling Spotlight: Blue

Lxttleboyblue, known as Blue, is a talented artist featured as a model in the photoshoot “Unbreakable Bonds.” They are also UC Davis alumni, having graduated in 2023 with a bachelor's Degree in English! In their personal life, they express their vibrant spirit through the alternative R&B and Neo Soul music they create. Their love for music is deeply intertwined with a passion for fashion. Blue highlights the connection between the two art forms, stating, “Both are similar in regards to having a vision on display for all to see and critique.” In this fusion of music and style, Blue creates a powerful artistic statement that resonates deeply.

Blue believes that their essence is defined by “faith, art, and the ability to uplift others.” For them, faith serves as a vital anchor, connecting them to their true self and the world around them. The supportive embrace of their community creates safe havens for expressing thoughts and feelings, providing invaluable strength and clarity. In this nurturing environment, Blue thrives and inspires others to shine in their own journeys.

In contemplating the profound theme of “Unbreakable Bonds,” Blue eloquently suggested that love manifests in a kaleidoscope of forms and meanings across the globe. Each heart experiences this timeless emotion in its own unique way, creating a rich tapestry woven from diverse threads of connection. They emphasized that love, while universal, can be a puzzle for those unacquainted with its many intricacies. In its myriad expressions, love can both illuminate and challenge, inviting us to explore the depths of human experience and embrace the unfamiliar with open hearts.

Modeling Spotlight: Nikkie Bahramand

The fantastic Nikkie is one of the models on set for Unbreakable Bonds. She is a third year transfer student at UC Davis, pursuing a degree in biological sciences! The balance between her rigorous course work and her artistic connection is vital to her, and creative outlets keep her grounded amidst her studies. 

When she's not buried in textbooks, you can find her transforming ordinary clothing into personalized masterpieces adorned with eclectic patches, playful pins, and splashes of vibrant paint. Each piece tells a story, reflecting her unique personality and journey. Nikkie artfully embraces the process of crafting as a form of meditation, finding solace in her creative flow. In discussing her expression through art, she mentioned, “I ensure that I don't lose sight of myself, so I dedicate any free time to art.”

Unbreakable Bonds holds a special place in her heart. She shared that her childhood experiences of constantly moving created a deep appreciation for the intimate connections formed through friendship. Each new place became a canvas for forging unique relationships, making those fleeting moments of companionship all the more precious and unforgettable. Joining this shoot alongside such a remarkable group of individuals was a heartfelt experience, and Nikkie hopes that VUE-ers are able to connect to the images and fully embrace the profound love that connects us all.

Modeling Spotlight: Aubrey Vanson

The enchanting Aubrey graces the lens as the radiant model for the featured shoot, "Unbreakable Bonds." Currently navigating her second year at UC Davis, she dives deep into her Design major with fervor and passion. For Aubrey, her designs are not just creations; they are extensions of her identity, a reflection of the connections she cherishes most in her life. Fueled by her creative spirit, she relishes the opportunity to communicate her essence through her personal style, showcasing her artistic vision across various mediums.

Aubrey finds joy in the artful exploration of outfits, textures, and colors, believing that clothing can weave rich, meaningful narratives. As she beautifully articulates, “clothing can hold stories.” Whether it’s a cherished piece of jewelry or a forgotten trinket nestled in an old jacket pocket, these items serve as bridges to the world around us, forging connections that transcend the ordinary.

During this particular photoshoot, Aubrey drew inspiration from the profound theme of "Unbreakable Bonds." With a heart open to the world, she reflects that love is “perpetually around us, whether it's visible or not.” Through the camera's lens, she captures the intricate nuances of love—each frame revealing layers that range from the light and fresh to the deep and profound. Her hope for our VUE-ers is that they find resonance in these moments, sparking memories that reflect their own experiences. Ultimately, she shares her belief that love is a cornerstone of life, and the beauty of our journey lies in evolving together through love’s many manifestations.