From deep within the jungles of the Amazon, and the high peaks of Mongolia to the dusty deserts of Rajasthan, Romanian photographer Mihaela Noroc travelled around the world with one objective in mind, to take pictures of women’s faces.

In her book titled The Atlas of Beauty, Noroc showcases some of her spectacular work. How did she get all these extraordinary portraits? One secret, Noroc explains in the video above, is to blend with the way of living wherever she goes, and try not to change things.

Asked why she only photographs women, Noroc says it’s because of the unique challenges. About the photograph of a woman from Rajasthan, she told Forbes: “Rajasthan is a very conservative place, so, even though I could tell that she wanted to be photographed, I was in the position of having to ask permission from her husband. Luckily, I was able to persuade him in the few minutes that I had that it would be a good idea.”

Noroc’s book is a brilliant representation of a global narrative of female pride and beauty.