Inner Light Portraits: My Process
When I set out to capture a portrait, I’m not simply looking to document a face or a moment. I’m embarking on a journey to reveal a part of a person that may not always be visible—a glimpse into their inner world and unique story. My process is what I like to call “inner light portraiture,” a style that emphasizes emotional depth, introspection, and authenticity, rather than mere appearance.
My journey with inner light portraits starts with a genuine curiosity about who the person in front of my lens truly is. I believe that every individual has a complex, beautiful story, and my role as a photographer is to create a space where that story can unfold naturally. Before we even begin, I delve into a series of questions that help reveal the colors, sounds, and moments that resonate deeply with them. It’s a form of preparation that allows me to enter their world with empathy and insight.
During the session, I rely on natural light—morning or late afternoon—when shadows are soft and forgiving. This gentle light brings out a sense of timelessness, an ethereal quality that I find essential for these portraits. There’s no rush, no forced expressions or poses. Instead, I watch as light and shadow reveal emotions, allowing each person to connect with themselves in a way that feels both intimate and profound; familiar and new.
These images are not about perfection or glamour; they are about the quiet strength and vulnerability we all carry. They are an invitation to explore, to accept, and to see yourself as you truly are.
Creating these portraits is a collaborative journey. It’s about slowing down, tuning in, and allowing a moment of self-discovery to emerge. Through this process, I find that photography becomes a form of self-exploration, not just for the person in the portrait but also for myself. In capturing their stories, I continue to shape my own, finding inspiration in the honesty and resilience that each session reveals.
As Richard Avedon once said, “A portrait is not a likeness. The moment an emotion or fact is transformed into a photograph it is no longer a fact but an opinion.” For me, each portrait becomes a reflection of both the person before my lens and my own vision of their world—a space where the boundary between them and me blurs, leaving something both real and imagined.
“A portrait is not a likeness. The moment an emotion or fact is transformed into a photograph it is no longer a fact but an opinion”
Richard Avedon
This is why I do what I do: to offer a moment of connection, a space where authenticity shines, and to capture something meaningful beyond what is merely visible.
