CaliToday (18/10/2025): In a world saturated with images, it takes something truly unique to stop you in your tracks. For Chechen photographer Amina Arsakova, that moment came when she spotted a picture of an 11-year-old girl named Amina Ependieva in a local shopping center. She was immediately captivated by a beauty so rare it seemed almost otherworldly.
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| Amina Ependieva |
The young girl possesses two distinct and rare genetic conditions that combine to create a stunningly unique appearance: albinism and heterochromia.
Arsakova’s resulting portraits have since captivated the internet, serving as a powerful testament to the breathtaking diversity of human beauty.
A Rare Combination of Ice and Earth
Ependieva’s appearance is the result of a genetic lottery.
Albinism, a condition that reduces or eliminates melanin pigment, gives her a striking, ethereal look with snow-white-blonde hair and pale, porcelain skin.
Heterochromia (specifically heterochromia iridum) results in a difference in coloration of the iris. In Ependieva's extraordinary case, this manifests as one eye being a piercing, ice-blue, while the other is a deep, warm brown.
The combination of the pale canvas of her albinism with the stark, mesmerizing contrast of her "ice and earth" eyes creates a look that is profoundly and uniquely beautiful.
The Search for a "Hidden Gem"
As a portrait photographer, Arsakova knew she had to capture this one-of-a-kind beauty. But finding Ependieva proved to be a challenge.
The photographer couldn't simply contact the girl directly from the photo she had seen. Arsakova had to embark on a dedicated search, inquiring and networking until she finally managed to track down the phone number for Ependieva's mother.
Thankfully, her mother agreed, and a portrait session was scheduled.
Capturing a "Bashful Personality"
The resulting photoshoot is a masterclass in quiet, respectful portraiture. Arsakova’s goal was not just to document the young girl's features, but to capture her essence.
"Amina turned out to be a very nice and calm girl," Arsakova shared with My Modern Met.
This sense of peace is reflected in every image. Arsakova directed Ependieva in tranquil, minimalist interior scenes. Seated in a neutral space, the focus is entirely on her. The photographer alternates between composed, full-body shots and intimate close-ups of her face, which allow the viewer to truly appreciate her alluring features.
The images are not just a study of genetic rarity; they are the portrait of a person. Arsakova’s gentle direction perfectly captured Ependieva’s "bashful personality" and the serene, quiet strength in her gaze.
While the photoshoot was a success, Arsakova feels her work with Ependieva is not yet complete. The photographer noted that the session was focused on image-making, leaving little time to simply talk.
“Unfortunately, it was not at all possible to find out details about the features of her appearance,” Arsakova said, reflecting the lingering mystery behind her subject. “I hope that in the near future it will be possible to arrange a new photoshoot with Amina and chat in a relaxed atmosphere.”
For now, the world is left with these breathtaking portraits—a quiet, powerful celebration of a girl whose unique beauty challenges our perceptions and reminds us that true art lies in seeing and celebrating the exceptional.
