This portrait series with Emma van Riel embodies a deep sense of melancholy, captured in black & white to enhance its emotional weight. Using a 120×180 cm Broncolor softbox in my Zurich studio, I created a soft yet directional light that wraps gently around her face and body, emphasizing the delicate interplay of light and shadow.

Emma’s expressions are introspective, her gaze often turned inward, evoking a quiet sense of longing. Her posture—slightly slumped shoulders, subtle hand gestures—adds to the melancholic atmosphere. Each frame captures a fleeting emotion, inviting the viewer to interpret her silent story.

Choosing black & white photography strips away distractions, focusing on contrasts, textures, and depth. The careful lighting sculpts her features with soft gradations, lending the images a sculptural quality. Through this series, I sought to create an intimate, poetic mood—one where melancholy and beauty intertwine seamlessly.