Oceans Apart - Creative Mentorship Program
Maleyah’s second mentorship session was one I’ll never forget. Titled Oceans Apart, the concept for this shoot was inspired by one of her favorite artists, Adele, and her hauntingly beautiful song Love in the Dark. The lyrics speak to the ache of growing apart from someone you once loved deeply, whether it’s a romantic partner, a friend, or even a version of yourself. That kind of emotional drift can feel like mourning a loss, one that’s invisible but heavy all the same.
This wasn’t just a photoshoot, it was a visual interpretation of emotional distance. Of letting go. Of the hollow quiet that follows when someone who used to feel like “home” suddenly feels like a stranger. The pain of that is sharp in its own way, it’s not loud or dramatic; it’s lonely. It’s walking on the beach with the sound of the waves crashing in your ears, but feeling entirely alone.
Growth doesn’t happen in comfort, so I built this session around a set of intentional challenges. The day was unexpectedly cold and windy, the kind of weather that seeps into your bones and makes it difficult to stay present. But Maleyah didn’t back down. She showed up fully, despite the elements, and pushed through the discomfort with a quiet strength that impressed me deeply.
Working through the wind and chill, she tapped into that sense of emotional isolation. Her movement, her stillness, even the way she carried her expression, all of it spoke to the ache of parting ways with something once cherished. There’s a certain vulnerability that comes with embodying that kind of sadness, and she held it with maturity and honesty. I was so incredibly proud of her.
This session was more than just another chance to create, it was an emotional stretch, an invitation to explore a deeper emotional vocabulary through art. And Maleyah rose to the occasion in every way.
I’m so excited for the growth ahead and honored to walk alongside her on this journey.
Until next time,
