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Description
I met Alex my first year at UC San Diego, and it has taken her three years for her to become comfortable enough to let me take a photo of her. Since the beginning, every single time I pointed the camera at her (and I am merciless) she has turned away, shielding her face from the lens. She would tell me things like "If you point the camera at me, it would probably break."

I am really happy about this portrait - not only because it is the first time Alex has really allowed me to take photos of her, but because I feel it tells the story behind the girl who took three years for me to photograph. I love her smile. It is the kind of smile that says, "Oh alright, Chui. I've known you long enough for you to take this one photo ". All of her defenses are lowered for that one moment, and just as quickly (in the second photo) she is back to her old shy self, looking at the ground and thinking, "I can't believe I let him do this."

The best part? Alex told me that she loves the portrait. This one is for you, Alex my friend from the UK. Even though I will never get over your accent, I am glad we have gotten to know one another over the past three.

- Chui

Description
I met Alex my first year at UC San Diego, and it has taken her three years for her to become comfortable enough to let me take a photo of her. Since the beginning, every single time I pointed the camera at her (and I am merciless) she has turned away, shielding her face from the lens. She would tell me things like "If you point the camera at me, it would probably break."

I am really happy about this portrait - not only because it is the first time Alex has really allowed me to take photos of her, but because I feel it tells the story behind the girl who took three years for me to photograph. I love her smile. It is the kind of smile that says, "Oh alright, Chui. I've known you long enough for you to take this one photo ". All of her defenses are lowered for that one moment, and just as quickly (in the second photo) she is back to her old shy self, looking at the ground and thinking, "I can't believe I let him do this."

The best part? Alex told me that she loves the portrait. This one is for you, Alex my friend from the UK. Even though I will never get over your accent, I am glad we have gotten to know one another over the past three.

- Chui