It is a paradox that each photograph of Valentina is both general and specific: public property and yet personal.

SHE IS still what you might call cute, skinny and unformed like a young girl still wondering what joys life will have in store. It would be hard to believe she is 20, but is already in fact 27 and has enjoyed a long prosperous career as a top fashion model.

The lifespan of a mannequin is short and before age finally catches up with her, Valentina has begun a secondary profession posing for artistic nudes and cherishes the freedom it gives her to simply express herself. In fashion, the model is a walking advertisement in high-heels. As a nude model, you are able to express your emotions; you are no longer a part of the picture: you are the picture.

Valentina does a lot of shooting sessions with her husband, a photographer in the cosmetics industry.