Mertxe Hernández – Fashion, Mirrors, and a Hint of Penélope Cruz

From Barrio to Boutique District

Mertxe Hernández opened her boutique in Barcelona over ten years ago. Back then, the street was a narrow alley in a quiet barrio. Now it’s widened, polished, and full of tourists—many just trying to find the Picasso Museum. She’s not complaining, but the vibe has changed.

Penélope in the Frame

Halfway through the shoot, I checked the back of the camera and did a double take—she looked just like Penélope Cruz. A pleasant shock.

Shooting in her shop was a bit of a puzzle. I wanted the mirror in frame to show the space, but the boutique was narrow. Keeping both me and the flash out of sight meant cramming gear into corners and wedging an umbrella into a changing room.

The key light hit her at a sharp angle. I used a ring flash to lift the shadows without blowing out the white chair near the lens. Her dark hair blended into the black clothing rack, so I pulled out a few coloured pieces to frame her better.

A Good Portrait, and Good Company

We got there in the end. She was a joy to photograph—relaxed, up for trying things, and patient through all the lighting tweaks. I thought about posting more shots (there are some great ones with her shoes), but this is the portrait I like most. It’s also the one the article will run with.