Photographer Jordan Millington Liquorice and Model Karol Santos Celebrate Motherhood

Model Karol Santos was hired by photographer Jordan Millington Liquorice to create a stunning set of pictures honoring parenting.  He discusses the shoot's development, his experience working with the Brazilian beauty, and his future plans with The Daily.

What was the concept for the shoot?
Motherhood. Juggling taking care of your family, taking care of yourself and loving your body post birth.  Motherhood, the beautiful balance of caring for your family, nurturing yourself, and celebrating the body that carried life. It’s about embracing the transformation, not resisting it, and honoring the strength and beauty that come with it.

Where did you shoot these images?
I shot them in my studio in Pennsylvania and just outside in the nearby landscape. Shooting in a controlled environment made the most sense, especially when caring for a child. Stepping outside for one exterior shot added a fun, refreshing element to the experience.

How did you and Karol come together?
I was chatting with the manager at our favorite Italian restaurant when I found out his wife was a major model .When I realized it was Karol, I immediately recognized from several Fenty campaigns and I knew we had to work together.

What was it like working with her?
She was incredibly down to earth and genuinely excited to create images with her newborn daughter, Chloe. The shoot was a bit of a learning curve — Chloe was only two months old, so everything had to move at her pace. Just a minute into the first setup, she started to get fussy, and when Karol mentioned she might be hungry, I asked if I could capture her breastfeeding. Karol was immediately open to the idea, and that moment ended up becoming one of my favorite images from the series. In the end, the shoot was really about listening to Chloe’s needs and making sure she was happy and comfortable, while still creating something chic and compelling. 

What was your approach with the styling?
When styling, I always look for that extra element that makes a moment stand out. Whether it’s through texture, color, or shape. For this project, I wanted to play with rich, tactile fabrics that Chloe could be nestled into, creating a cocoon-like effect. The brown Brunello Cucinelli trench coat was perfect for that. I also wanted to weave in a gentle touch of punk, which is why I pulled a Vivienne Westwood dress and paired it with Hunter boots, an Erdem beanie, and vintage pearls. The goal was to keep it soft and maternal while still expressive, bold, and creative. Jewelry was another big focus. I collaborated with the chic boutique Louis Anthony Jewelers, who provided a bold and playful selection from brands like David Yurman, LAGOS, and Bvlgari. I looked for statement pieces that would really pop against oversized coats and sculptural dresses — like the furry, runway Acne Studios dress that created a cozy, chic “mama bear” moment.

Who were some of the other designers used for this?
I focused on designers who know how to be bold while staying classic and chic, with just a hint of that art-school, slightly kooky edge. The timeless elegance came from Erdem, Brunello Cucinelli, LAGOS, David Yurman, and Bvlgari. The more expressive, out-of-the-box moments came from Prada, Acne Studios, Simone Rocha, Versace, and Vivienne Westwood.

What else are you working on?
 With the legendary and iconic Amanda Lepore, I have a really exciting cover coming out.  Additionally, I have a gallery show in Pittsburgh that will open at the end of October and will include prints of vintage toys that I have been collecting from all around the world!  You feel as though you are speaking with the toy itself because of the enormous printing!  All of the prints are available through Zynka Gallery.