Some shoots are jobs. This one was something else.

Leticia Bufoni came to Las Terrenas for her birthday. Four days, three locations, one villa, and more spontaneous moments than any brief could have planned. Here's how it went.

DAY 1 — EL CASTILLO

We started at El Castillo a stunning villa lent to us by Thib Magnin. The kind of place where you walk in and immediately forget about schedules. High ceilings, open air, the sound of the Caribbean in the background. The perfect base for four days of shooting.

That evening we walked down to the beach and found Pacomer a small, completely unpretentious restaurant right on the waterfront. Plastic chairs, fresh fish, warm light. The kind of dinner that reminds you why Las Terrenas is different from everywhere else.

DAY 2 — EL LIMÓN, PLAYA BONITA, SAUNA

Up before dawn. We drove inland to El Limón and spent an hour trekking through the jungle to reach the waterfall. The kind of hike where you arrive soaked in sweat and the cold water feels like a reward. Leticia moves well in that environment physical, fearless, completely at ease. The waterfall photos were some of the best of the trip.

In the afternoon we surfed Playa Bonita until sunset. The waves were good, the light was perfect, and by the time we got out of the water we were completely frozen. Back at El Castillo we went straight to the sauna one of those unexpectedly great decisions that only happens when you're not overthinking the day.

The evening was pizza and Netflix. No plans, no schedules. Exactly right.

DAY 3 — PLAYA FRONTÓN

Another early start. We drove to Las Galeras, got on a boat, and arrived at Playa Frontón just as the morning light was hitting the cliffs.

Frontón is one of those places that makes photographers understand why they do this work. No road access, no hotels, no noise just the cliffs, the turquoise water, and the light. We spent the whole day there, exploring the coastline and shooting. Leticia was in her element.

We got back in time for sunset at Playa Bonita. The kind of ending to a shooting day that you can't manufacture it just happens if you show up and stay present.

DAY 4 — BIRTHDAY

The last day was hers. Beach, surf, no cameras until she asked for them. In the evening we went to Porto one of the best restaurants in Las Terrenas for a proper birthday dinner. Four days. Three locations. One of the most naturally photogenic people I've ever worked with. Happy birthday, Leticia.

Romain, Tropical Mirage Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic tropical-mirage.com