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Untamed Magazine
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BEAUTY
AN INTERVIEW WITH
Jessica Flores
The concept began with
an emotion before it
became a visual.
"
Editorial photographer Jessica Flores creates fashion, beauty, and conceptual imagery driven by emotion, narrative, and intentional visual storytelling.
MEET THE
PHOTOGRAPHER
CLEVELAND, OHIO
"
How did the concept of this shoot come about?
The concept began with an emotion before it became a visual. I kept coming back to the feeling I get from the song "Spitting Off the Edge of the World," that moment of standing at the threshold of the unknown. I wanted to translate that emotional tension into imagery. Visually, I drew inspiration from photographers Bartłomiej Kurela and Michael Bell. I admire Kurela's beautiful chaos and movement, while Michael Bell's work brings a clean, intentional contrast and a collaborative spirit. I wanted to explore where those influences could intersect through my own perspective. Lucyann as the model immediately came to mind. I knew her features would photograph well and she delivered the attitude! The contrast between her dark hair and luminous skin echoed the duality I was after—light and shadow, where vulnerability and possibility exist all at once. Every creative choice was made to reinforce that emotional narrative.
Walk us through your creative process from start to finish.
The process starts with an instant vision. The images just appear in my head. From there, I build a mood board to translate that feeling into references. I share that with the team, then on set I direct posing and movement that serves the concept. But I also leave intentional room for play, because that's where the unexpected magic happens.
What’s something unique about how you shoot or approach a session?
I believe the most compelling images are created by fostering a collaborative space where the subject feels empowered to co-create, inspired throughout the process, and truly seen—not just photographed, but genuinely recognized for their individuality and story. That sense of acknowledgment softens people in the best way and allows their true essence to come through. That creates a presence the camera can hold, and viewers can feel it.
What do people feel when they see your work—and what do you want them to feel?
I want people to pause—to feel something genuine and reconnect with their own creativity. If an image lingers after they've looked away, sparks a memory, or inspires them to create something of their own, then it's done exactly what I hoped it would. Art has the power to move people long after the moment it was created, and that's the kind of work I strive to make.
What do you want your work to say about you, even when you’re not in the room?
I hope my work says that I create with intention, curiosity, and respect for the people I photograph. I want it to reflect someone who values collaboration. Art is collaborative, even across time. I believe every artist is shaped by the people, experiences, and art that came before them. We create because someone else created before us, and perhaps someone will create because of us someday. If my photographs encourage another artist to pursue their own vision or remind someone that their story is worth telling, that's the legacy I'd be proud to leave.
"Meet Lucyann Korpusov — a rising
model whose distinctive presence blends
confidence, femininity, and mystery. Drawn
to fashion and visual storytelling from a
young age, she has found her way back
to a passion that has always been a part
of her. With a darker,
fierce aesthetic and a natural ability
to transform in front of the
camera, she brings intensity
and individuality to every image."
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your modeling career?
Modeling has been a passion of mine since I was a child. I was always drawn to fashion, not only for the clothing itself, but for the confidence and individuality that come with being able to express yourself through an image. I loved experimenting with different styles, environments, and aesthetics, and I was fascinated by the way a photograph could capture an entire feeling or story. As I grew older, I began to put that dream aside in pursuit of what I thought was a more "realistic" career path. It wasn't until I made the decision to move independently from Boston to Ohio that I really began to understand how much I was capable of when I trusted myself. Starting over in a new environment gave me a different sense of independence and, more importantly, the courage to revisit something I had never truly stopped loving. That was when I decided to give modeling another chance. What started as something I had always dreamed about quickly became an opportunity to challenge myself creatively and professionally. I began receiving opportunities I never imagined I would have, and each experience reinforced something I had slowly come to realize: if I genuinely want something, I am willing to work for it and grow into it. For me, modeling is ultimately about more than appearance. It has taught me to be comfortable in my own skin, to carry myself with confidence, and to continually refine the way I present myself to the world. I'm still building my story, but I'm proud that I chose to return to something that has always felt like a part of who I am.
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What inspired you to become a model?
I think my inspiration for modeling has always come from the freedom of self-expression that comes with it. From a young age, I was drawn to fashion, photography, and the ability to transform an idea, an outfit, or a feeling into an image. To me, modeling has never been solely about appearance. It's about presence, individuality, and being able to communicate something without having to say a word. A very important part of my return to modeling was my friend Jessica Flores, [@jessicafloresmodel]. She was one of the people who encouraged me to revisit a part of myself that I had put aside. She saw something in me that, at the time, I wasn't able to see in myself. Her support gave me the confidence to take that first step back into the industry, and I'm incredibly grateful that she recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue it.
Was there a defining moment that made you realize modeling was your true passion?
There wasn't one single moment, but there was a very clear turning point for me. When I began getting back into modeling, I realized how naturally I connected with the creative process. I remember going into those first shoots with a combination of excitement, nerves, and confidence. The more I stepped in front of the camera, the more everything started to feel instinctive. I also began receiving opportunities that I genuinely never imagined I would have when I first decided to pursue modeling again. That was when I started asking myself why I had ever convinced myself that this wasn't something I could do.
What has been the most exciting or memorable shoot you’ve worked on?
One of my most memorable shoots so far was a shoot centered around an automotive-inspired aesthetic. What made it stand out wasn't only the final imagery, but the experience of bringing a very specific concept to life. There was something powerful about combining fashion, cars, location, and attitude into one visual story. It also challenged me to think beyond simply posing and to really consider what I wanted the image to communicate. I became much more aware of my body language, facial expression, movement, and the relationship between myself and the environment around me. That shoot reminded me why I love modeling in the first place. I don't want to simply be photographed-| want to contribute to creating an image that has a distinct identity and leaves an impression.
How would you describe your modeling style?
7. My modeling style is rooted in a darker, feminine aesthetic-fierce, seductive, and slightly mysterious. I'm drawn to imagery that carries emotion and creates a sense of intrigue, where the styling and expression feel like pieces of a larger story rather than simply a beautiful photograph. I also see my Vietnamese and Russian heritage as an important part of what makes my look distinctive. I've learned to embrace the contrast in my features rather than conform to one definition of beauty, and I want that individuality to come through in my work. Ultimately, I want my images to have presence. I want to be able to transform depending on the concept while still maintaining something recognizable as my own-confidence, femininity, intensity, and a sense of mystery. My goal is for someone to look at an image and feel compelled to look twice, because there's a story there they want to understand.
“I don’t want to simply
be photographed—I want to contribute to creating
an image that has a distinct
identity and leaves an impression.”
UNTAMED
MAGAZINE
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