One Shoot, Two Themes: portrait and contrasting worlds — What’s New in the Studio
Exhibition opening on 24 October 2026
Here we are already: it is the last week of our monthly cycle. To conclude this visual adventure, it’s the turn of What’s New in the Studio. This is often where I gather my most recent work, my lighting research or my technical favourites. Whether complex portraits or cinematic stagings, this category is the laboratory of my latest inspirations. It is my way of ending the month with you on a strong, creative note.
One Shoot, Two ThemesPortrait: two worlds, one session | |
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One Shoot, Two Themes — Portrait: two worlds, one session
White hair, lace, a hand raised towards the light. Then dark hair, pale green fabric and an arm resting above the face. This shoot gave rise to two very different themes. The portrait moves here from an angelic world to an elegance inspired by Asian aesthetics. I have brought the two sets together in an exhibition of 40 photographs, opening on Saturday 24 October in What’s New in the Studio.
This was a very creative session. Together, we developed two visual directions, each with its own clothing and presence. Bringing them together allows me to show you the extent of that change. From one image to the next, you can recognise gestures, gazes and the lines of the tattoos. Around them, colours and textures completely transform the way the body is seen.
In the first theme, white takes centre stage. It appears in the upswept hair, the lace cuffs, the feathers and the veils surrounding the figure. Sheer fabrics reveal skin and tattoos. I like the way the fine detail of the fabric sits alongside the stronger lines drawn on the arms. The eye can pause on a hand, then follow the edge of a piece of fabric towards the shoulder.
The angelic quality also takes shape through the poses. In one portrait, she sits on the floor with her legs folded and her face turned upwards. One hand rests near her shoulder; the other follows her leg. The white outfit stands out against a dark interior threaded with mist. Elsewhere, a lace parasol or a fan extends the gesture. Cool blues give this set an almost nocturnal presence.
The settings play a full part in these images. Rooms with hanging chandeliers, heavy skies, flashes of light and mist create a fantastical space. The work on the image is visible in this meeting of the photographed body and the atmospheres around it. Retouching is part of my way of seeing: here, it gives the portrait a setting that strengthens its staging. I will leave you to discover the variations throughout the gallery.
The second theme changes the palette. The hair is dark, pinned up and decorated with small flowers. The fabrics take on pale green tones, with wide sleeves and patterned borders. The Asian inspiration comes through in the clothing, hairstyles and settings. Latticed windows, lanterns and flowering branches appear around the figures. The folds of fabric occupy more space and follow the poses.
In the horizontal image I have chosen to introduce this set, she is reclining, one knee raised and an arm bent above her forehead. Her eyes are closed. Broad folds of fabric fall around her torso and legs, while light from the window defines the outline of her arm. The tattoos remain prominent. The frame brings together the details of the body and the atmosphere of the setting, with a quiet sensuality.
What I enjoy about bringing these images together is the chance to look at both themes side by side. The white, the feathers and the blue shadows respond to the pale green fabrics and dark hair. A single session holds these two visual approaches. I suggest taking your time as you move between them, looking at hands as closely as faces, and finding that dialogue throughout the exhibition’s 40 images.
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And so our month in images comes to an end. I hope you enjoyed discovering these four series as much as I enjoyed creating them. If you missed an episode or want to dive without limit into all of these galleries (and the previous ones), the Patrons’ Circle lets you support my work and access the complete Reserve, the current exhibitions and the Exhibition Library. Thank you for your loyalty, and see you next month for new stories!
Yohann
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