My portrait photography ideology centers on several fundamental principles, particularly my rejection of artificiality and overproduction in favor of authenticity and natural beauty. I firmly believe that a successful portrait is about the person, not just their attire or surroundings.

Above all, I consider a good portrait to be one that captures the individual, not just their outfit. My focus is always on capturing the individuality and humanity of my subjects, revealing their unique essence through my lens.

How do I create authentic portrait connections?

Unlike photographers who seek exaggeration and idealization, I always try to reduce the distance between the viewer and the subject, showing people in a more intimate and genuine way. This approach is reflected in my preference for simple settings, minimal composition, and the absence of distracting elements that might take away from the person themselves.

I firmly believe that photography is an act of intimacy and conversation between the photographer and subject. In my experience, the camera reveals something special when you’re not looking directly at it, but rather focusing on connecting with the person in front of you. This is where the magic happens in my sessions.

Why do I focus on unexpected beauty in my portraits?

I’m particularly drawn to unconventional beauty, the kind that doesn’t conform to stereotypical glamorous standards. Instead, I search for inner beauty that reveals itself in moments of intimacy and genuine connection. My portraits aim to capture those fleeting moments of truth that showcase who a person really is.

Additionally, I strongly dislike excessive photo retouching, as I believe it removes authenticity and what truly defines a person. For me, beauty lies in showing the truth rather than hiding it. The lines of experience, the genuine expressions, and the natural qualities of each person contribute to what makes them uniquely beautiful.

How do I capture the perfect moment in my portraits?

In my photography sessions, I’m always looking to capture believable and motivated moments that often appear spontaneous rather than forced or premeditated poses. I set up a structure but then patiently wait for that “fortunate accident” to happen—that perfect instant when the subject’s true self shines through.

My approach often resembles cinematic direction, seeking to capture that split second that contains all the emotion. I typically provide my subjects with a motivation or scenario, similar to how actors work in film, which helps them express themselves more naturally while I wait for that perfect moment.

Why is reducing aesthetic distance important in my portrait work?

I deliberately minimize artificial elements like elaborate composition, busy backgrounds, and excessive lighting in my portraits. I aim to “strip everything away” so that only the person remains, becoming a symbol of the human condition. This reduction of aesthetic distance is where I find true beauty in photography.

By creating this intimate connection, I help my subjects feel comfortable enough to reveal themselves genuinely, often when they’re not directly conscious of the camera. Achieving this level of comfort and authenticity is what I consider my greatest talent as a portrait photographer.

What role does responsibility play in my photography?

I feel a deep responsibility for the images I create and how I represent human beings. My ideal of beauty is “the courage to be oneself.” My intention is always to humanize portrait photography, moving away from superficiality and focusing on the person. I believe that portrait photography can be much more meaningful than just capturing someone’s appearance.

Kindness is a central theme in my work. I approach each subject with what I call a “loving gaze,” seeking to highlight their inherent dignity and worth as individuals rather than objects to be photographed.

How would you describe my distinct photography style?

My style is characterized by several distinctive elements that reflect my ideology:

Although I work in color as well, I’m particularly fond of powerful and emotive black and white portraits. To me, black and white seems to “reach the soul” and transcend the surface in a way that color sometimes cannot.

I embrace simplicity and minimalism in my work, preferring neutral backgrounds—often black or white—and simple lighting that highlights the figure and face of my subject. I always focus on the face and expression of my subjects, seeking to capture their emotions and personality. I’m constantly looking for a glimpse of genuine emotion that tells their story.

Despite photography’s static nature, I often capture movement and dynamism in my images. I promote a more natural aesthetic, even in formal photography. While I work with makeup artists, I typically aim for a fresh, unaffected look, reducing makeup to a minimum to showcase natural beauty.

My narrative style and search for emotional moments are influenced by cinematography. I’m also inspired by the authenticity of documentary photographers. In my work, you might notice intentional grain and slight blur effects in some images, creating a particular atmosphere reminiscent of vintage films.

I frequently photograph people in outdoor and real environments rather than studios, capturing them as if they were going about their everyday lives. This approach helps create more authentic and meaningful portraits that truly represent who they are.

Why is trust essential in my portrait photography process?

I establish relationships built on trust and collaboration with my subjects, allowing them to show themselves in more authentic and vulnerable ways. My kind and respectful approach creates a positive atmosphere during sessions, which is evident in the final images.

In essence, my photography philosophy revolves around prioritizing authenticity, humanity, and natural beauty over artificiality and imposed perfection. My focus on portraiture, reducing aesthetic distance, rejecting excessive retouching, and incorporating a narrative vision allows me to create portraits that reveal the true essence of each person I photograph.