In a world that values the “selfie” how often do we truly reflect on the beauty of a portrait? This series of photographs focuses on creating a simple and engaging portrait while primarily relying on natural light.
Although not traditional portraits, this project explored ways in which I could push my portraiture outside of what is currently being done. Through different poses, backdrops, lighting, and creativity I was able to capture emotion and movement in simple still photographs.
I’m drawn to how natural light can bring an image to life through creating motion, depth, and by shifting the focus. I especially enjoy how a non-traditional portrait can be shifted to an object or space rather than a person—like in the photo of the corridor. I try to challenge myself by taking images of ordinary still spaces, and intentionally bringing them to life through lighting and editing.
When the lighting is just so, it is fascinating what the brain picks up on. I love how the brain makes different shapes and creates stories of the space—it’s hard to not make conclusions or create interpretations of portraitures—but I like to leave that up to you.
Each photo was shot on film, and then edited digitally. This allowed me to truly experiment with different natural light while further developing my film experience.
