[Portrait] Reflections to behold

NEW YORK - When Hong Hei-kyung entered the sunlight-filled ballroom of the New York Metropolitan Opera, her confident stride and face resembling Sophia Loren's instantly commanded attention.

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During the photo shoot Hong did not hesitate to play with the dusty curtains on the wall when asked. Her childlike curiosity revealed a mischievous girly innocence and spunky spirit. However it was not so much her animated gestures, but her sincere gaze that charmed - the intimate warmth that she brought to every eye contact.

As the shoot continued at Hong's favorite Italian restaurant, her reflection in the mirror revealed every bit of an elegant opera singer that one might easily miss the vulnerability in her eyes.

One might not know that behind that glamorous reflection, she was placing a slice of pizza on everyone's plate and telling us to "eat more", just like any loving Korean mother would. Hong's beauty was memorable in the most unpretentious way, just like her singing.

jessekchun@gmail.com

Jesse Chun is a fine art photographer whose works have been exhibited and published internationally. Chun earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in photography from Parsons School of Design in New York. Visit www.jessechun.com (fine art) or www.jessechunphotography.com (editorial).

By Jesse Chun