Sienna’s lips curved upward. This group had wormed their way past her defenses over the past months. “If Master Derek agrees to take you on a shopping spree to Missoula, I’m sure it can be arranged.” She kept her tone measured, knowing the implications of leaving the Ranch’s sanctuary. Most residents restricted their shopping to the Ranch stores or the nearest town, but her students were so invested in a proper fashion shoot it would require a visit to larger retail centers.
“Won’t you be coming with us?” Bobby leaned forward, disappointment evident in his eyes. The newest submissive in her class had attached himself to her from day one, his protective instincts picking up on her carefully hidden vulnerabilities. His gentle persistence reminded her of a mother hen with a reluctant chick.
“I’m afraid not.” The words came out clipped as her expression shut down. The students recognized the warningsigns and backed off from further questions. The Ranch’s borders had marked the limits of her travels for the past two years, excluding the monthly visits to Dr. Williams in Porter’s Corner under Master Derek’s vigil.
The memory of her escape from the hospital still haunted her. Stan’s men had tracked her twice. The first time was to a gas station in Spokane where she’d hidden in the eighteen wheeler’s sleeping cab while they questioned the driver. The second time was in Wallace, which was the driver’s final destination, and where she’d had to find another way to keep running. How they’d known she was there she could only guess but she had spent three terrifying hours crouched behind dumpsters until they gave up searching. Days of begging for rides ended at Rawhide Ranch, after she had stumbled and fallen, exhausted from looming infections of her wounds. Two years had passed, but the fear remained embedded in her bones. She resolutely shook off the memories and looked over the students.
“Now, who can tell me what the key to fashion photography is?” Forcing a smile on her face, she posed the question, hoping to keep them entertained rather than them probing into her life.
“Ooh, ooh!” Elise’s hand shot up which set her pigtails bouncing. “Pretty dresses that twirl!”" She demonstrated by spinning in her seat, earning giggles from her fellow Littles.
“No, silly!” Blake, sporting a Captain America t-shirt, rolled his eyes. “It’s about the poses. You gotta do that thing where you stick your hip out and pout.” He demonstrated, throwing his hand behind his head in an exaggerated model pose that sent the class into fits of laughter.
“It’s about making the clothes look good,” Kay Watts, a recent addition to the sub pool chimed in from the back. She had shown an invested interest in a photography career. She shifted as she shook her head at the Littles’ antics. “The photographerneeds to capture the design elements while creating an appealing image that sells the garment.”
Kay’s response sparked an explosion as everyone pitched in their ideas.
“What about a wind machine?”
“And sparkly backgrounds!”
“Can we have a puppy in the pictures?”
“Only if it matches the outfit!”
“What about a dashing shirtless Dom in leathers?” Patsy, Kay’s friend, all but bubbled with excitement.
“Or a Daddy with a crop!”
Sienna leaned back, relaxing as their enthusiasm washed over her. The darkness receded as their joy filled the room. When Chloe suggested they should all wear tutus, “Even the boys!” Sienna’s genuine laughter joined the chorus. The sound surprised her since it was so unfamiliar. She hadn’t laughed out loud for such a long time, but she welcomed it as warmth spread through her chest.
“We could definitely consider all those ideas for a shoot,” Sienna interjected. Her eyes were bright at their zealousness. “Kay touched on an important aspect, but fashion photography runs deeper than pretty dresses and perfect poses.”
She pushed off the desk and moved to the whiteboard. “Think of it as orchestrating a visual story. The clothes are your main character, but you need the right stage and the perfect lighting. Teamwork is essential and they must all work in harmony. The models are chosen carefully since they’re crucial in bringing your vision to life.” Her marker flew across the board, sketching quick examples. “When these elements align, magic happens.”
“So, it’s not just about pointing the camera and catching the right moment?” Sienna was touched by the intensity of Kay’s interest as she leaned forward with an animated expression.
“A cell phone can capture an image, but a photographer creates art.” Sienna capped her marker. “Without mastering light, understanding composition, and building trust with your team, you’ll never elevate your work beyond a simple snapshot. The clothes must tell their story while capturing the current cultural pulse.”
“So, that’s why Vogue looks so different from Instagram posts.” Bobby’s eyes widened with understanding.
“Exactly.” Sienna nodded. “Those magazine shoots can take days to plan and execute, not to mention hundreds of photos to get that one perfect shot. Every detail matters. From the angle of a sleeve to the shadow cast by a hem.”
A knock echoed through the room before the door swung open. Sienna’s heart floundered as Master Crone’s tall frame filled the doorway. Her marker clattered to the floor.
“Ooh! Who is that?” Ines Tots, a Little who was actively searching for a Daddy all but swooned in her seat.
“M-Master Crone?” Heat flooded Sienna’s cheeks at the breathless squeak that escaped her lips. Clearing her throat, she attempted a more professional tone. “What can I do for you?”
“Hmm…” His eyes glimmered, as what could only be described as a naughty smile, curved his lips. “That’s not the kind of question you should ask in a full classroom, Ms. Weathers. You might blush at my response.”
A crimson streak spread from her cheeks down her neck and disappeared beneath her collar. Several students stifled giggles while others fanned themselves dramatically. In the front row, two Littles clutched each other’s hands. Their eyes were wide as they took in his imposing presence.
“I... ehm…” Her recently recovered quick wit abandoned her.
“This is a photography class, isn’t it?” His lips twitched in an annoying sign that he was enjoying her flustered state. Thetwittering from her students grew louder, and she shot them a quelling look that had absolutely no effect.
“It is.” She fought to control the croak in her voice. “Is there a reason for your visit, Master Crone?”
