In 2021 I met Dayane in a studio in Bern for a new set of pictures. The original plan was a lingerie shoot connected to a small assignment for a lingerie brand, but before moving into that direction we first explored a few ideas to find the right rhythm. The starting point was something casual: relaxed, body-conscious, and open enough to let the mood settle naturally.

The studio itself was simple. It was located below ground, with a few side windows letting in the last daylight of the day. That light shaped everything. It came in softly from the side, gave the grey fabric background a quiet presence, and kept the series grounded in a restrained atmosphere. There is a clear sense of ease in the way the subject occupies the frame: composed, direct, and confident without feeling staged too tightly.

What I like in this series is how little it needed. Side daylight, a neutral background, and a model with strong presence were enough to create images with clarity and balance. The black-and-white treatment reduces the scene further and brings attention to form, line, and the subtle shifts in expression and posture. The result feels clean and calm, but never cold.

The visual rhythm of the series moves between softness and structure. There is a quiet sensuality in the body language, but it stays controlled and refined. Working this way allowed me to focus on the details that matter most to me: the relation between light and skin, the simplicity of the setting, and the way a small change in position can shift the entire image.

Casual Friday is, for me, a reminder that a strong portrait series does not need much. When the light is right, it can hold the whole image together and leave space for presence to come through. Here, that balance between daylight, restraint, and ease defines the series from beginning to end.