Melding Beauty with Barrenness

Synonymous with casinos, bustling pubs, and animated nightlife, Las Vegas also conceals a less-known treasure trove of exquisite locations for photography enthusiasts. Among them are the city’s many dry lake beds, whose stark beauty forms the perfect backdrop for dramatic photo shoots. An example of this aesthetic blend is this photograph by Raf Willems.

It features the professional model Chauntel, her natural beauty standing in stunning contrast to the dry, cracked earth that sprawls endlessly around her. Instead of treating the aridity of the landscape as a limitation, Raf elevates it, using Chauntel’s radiant beauty to breathe life and intrigue into the stark surroundings.