This is my favorite portrait of Ava. She was taking a bath when I asked her to pause for me, so I could take a few photos. That’s why her hair is completely wet. Then, I made a few sketches and worked on it for a while in the studio. The result pleases me because it is so genuinely spontaneous. Her look is unassuming. Her makeup is smeared. There’s no pretense, no games, no drama—it’s just Ava. The stark black background adds to the vulnerability of her nakedness and of her expression, with her slightly open mouth so very human.