Hey, it’s Glen – just another day in Bali that reminded me why I fell in love with this work. Sometimes the best shoots aren’t planned around a big brand or tight deadline; they’re the ones born from pure creative spark. That’s what this one was: a relaxed, no-pressure collab with the incredible South African model Rachelle Van Waardhuizen (@rachelle_v_waardhuizen), poolside at Villa Sanctum in Bali.
Rachelle is the kind of talent who walks in and owns the room (or in this case, the villa). At 5’10” (178cm) with brown hair, brown eyes, and that effortless, poised confidence, she’s a fast-rising star from Cape Town – signed with Castaway Model Management in Bali for her local work (plus mother agency Boss Models in South Africa, and global reps like Generation Models, Hero Creative, Gloss, and One League). With over 100k on Instagram, she’s got this graceful yet strong presence that feels authentic and magnetic, translating beautifully to camera whether in swim, fashion, or just being herself.
Villa Sanctum is one of those special places that feels made for photoshoots: a stylish, photogenic retreat designed for creators and dreamers, blending stillness with modern elegance. It has that subtle Moroccan-inspired vibe – think arched elements, textured walls in warm earth tones, lush tropical touches, and a gorgeous private pool that’s perfect for golden-hour magic. It’s serene, intimate, and has this quiet luxury that lets the subject and light do the talking.
We timed it for late afternoon when the sun dips low and everything turns soft and warm. Rachelle in sexy bikinis, water glistening on her skin, relaxed poses on the pool edge, subtle arches and stretches that highlighted her long lines and confidence. The light was golden, bouncing off the water, catching the Moroccan-style details in the background, and wrapping her in that late-day glow that makes skin look alive. No forced setups – just flowing movement, laughs between takes, and letting the moment happen naturally. It felt sensual, empowering, and completely effortless.
These creative collabs are my favorite kind of days: zero agenda beyond making something beautiful together. The images came out feeling personal and timeless – a reminder that sometimes the simplest setups in the right light with the right person create the strongest work.
Huge thanks to Rachelle for bringing her incredible energy and trusting the process. Moments like this keep the passion alive.
If you’re into “sexy bikini photoshoot Bali,” “poolside creative shoot,” “Rachelle Van Waardhuizen collab,” “Moroccan villa Bali photography,” or just love seeing raw, artistic sessions, check out more in the portfolio soon.
Let’s keep creating,
Glen Krohn
Bali Fashion & Swimwear Photographer
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