Peru is a photographer's dream. The landscape is gorgeous and sings with ancient history. The people we met, from the Amazon jungle to the prairie highlands, all greeted us with friendship and warmth.

We traveled to Peru on assignment, connecting with several local organizations devoted to making positive change in their community. One of the highlights was doing a fashion photography shoot for Awamaki, a fair-trade company that supports local women's weaving in the highlands of Peru, and helps sustain their families' livelihoods of raising llama and alpaca, animals that thrive in the high altitudes where they live. While the fabrics are traditionally made using all natural dyes, the clothes have a stylish, contemporary look.

We went with our two models, Sandy (a native Peruvian) and Harriet, out to an ancient ruin in Ollantaytambo for the photo session, evoking the history and heritage of the highlands where the clothes are made. Surrounded by the views of a snow-capped mountain, and a rugged cliff with yet another stone ruin hugging its side, we were surrounded by the impressive vistas that first attracted people to the area thousands of years ago. Yet, Peru is leading a charge in contemporary fashion, evident by Awamaki's gorgeous line of clothes and accessories. We hope you enjoy these photos from our fashion shoot in Peru :) Check out Awamaki's website for information on how to purchase their clothes, and support the amazing women weavers living in the highlands of Peru.

Awamaki Fashion Shoot. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Fashion Photo. — Awamaki Fashion Shoot. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Fashion Photo.

Thanks to everyone who helped out on the shoot! We had a fantastic time!!!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam