A year ago, when I first arrived in Beijing, it was the dead of winter. And I do mean dead. Beijing’s arid climate was a shock to my system, having flown in from a tropical island. Not only was it cold, at times it was plain miserable. I’m the sort of girl who is made for spring and summer. So when the first signs of greenery crept up, my creativity (and fingers) finally thawed and my imagination came out of hibernation.

For the past year, I’ve been at Tsinghua University in Beijing. I’d heard of Tsinghua’s reputation as one of China’s top schools, but I was unprepared for how lavish the grounds were. It may not have red-bricked, ivy-covered buildings, but it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful campuses I’ve ever step foot on. The grounds were once part of the imperial summer palace, and Yuanming Yuan (the old summer palace) is a mere ten minutes’ bike ride away.

I cannot imagine how much I am going to miss these grounds. It’s utterly massive and I frequently bike off to random nooks to hide from the world with a good book and a blanket. No better way to spend a sunny spring afternoon.

My awesome friend Giulia joined me a few weeks ago for a quick shoot. The light was just gorgeous, and being among so much greenery made the Canadian in me uber happy. Perhaps it was Giulia, or my fondness for fairy tales, or the magic that is shooting during golden hour.. but the entire experience was like capturing the Secret Garden

Would you believe that this is just a random patch of greenery on the side of the road? Giulia, you are such a trooper. Thanks for being such an awesome model. Even when I ask you to climb barefoot onto a tree…

I love shooting in fields. But sometimes, there isn’t one in sight. In such cases, a bamboo forest or two will also suffice.

Shot at Tsinghua’s lotus pond – which is the inspiration of many a classical Chinese poet.  (Can you see why this girl is such a rockstar??)

Giulia reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in Paris When it Sizzles. I think it’s those big, magic eyes of hers.

LOVE the light. This one is straight out of camera. They don’t call it golden hour for nothin’

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Tags: Giulia, Secret Garden, Tsinghua