These are portraits from this series. This is “Burnt Orange” —- a B&W photo project on evolving identities and third culture experiences through the lens of portraiture. In my experience being able to connect and share so much of intimacy through photography, I first share that with my friends and the people I meet along my many journeys. These are portraits from this series.

Portraiture as a mirror

I didn’t really understand the art of portraiture before thsi project. What it means to give justice to someone’s face and profile through a camera. I had many misconceptions about portraiture, like really making it all about the person you are photographing. Later, I learned that portraiture acts as a mirror for the photographer to be reflected through another person. Your gaze, your personality, and your desire will be reflected so much in your portraits.

Natural light

My process of photographing and directing portraits is very intuitive. Not a natural film shooter, and I only started around a year and a half ago when I was at the International Center of Photography. I really fell in love with the Hasselblad and the 120 format, enjoying the large negative size and the way it helps me be more critical and thoughtful of what I use my film on. Always wanting my photographs to have a very natural feeling, that shows the authenticity of the person in front of me,  I prefer natural light especially when using Ilford HP5.  I like finding unique spots outdoors that have very soft light, not too harsh or direct. And, I truly enjoy shooting in B&W as it gives so much character and a certain universality to the particular message I am trying to send through these series.

An inspired state

I’ve been doing this for a while. I've found that I enjoy asking my subject questions while I take their picture. Questions like, 'What did you dream about recently?'  'What’s something that has been helping you get through the week?' or 'Who inspires you to be your best self?'  These type of questions puts my subjects in a relaxed and inspired state that can be seen in a photograph. Because a photograph never lies, it informs so much fact, feeling, and question that no words are needed.

My process is truly trial and error. I have a sense of who I am and what I like in photography but there are still so many “I don’t know’s.” My intentions and motivations are very clear for what I do, for what I am actually doing most of the time, I have no idea! Do we really know what we are doing? Like really?

I try to have fun when photographing, and novelty is something that runs deep in this practice. Novelty brings out so much magic to this medium. Trying something new all the time, switching things up, and being pretty impulsive when doing so is so important. It will all be seen in the photographs.

Catch the show

“Burnt Orange” will be showcased at Salt & Pepper books in Shibuya, Tokyo starting October 17, 2025. Show exclusive zines with photos will also be sold in the book store featuring this project. This solo show is co-presented by Domino Film Magazine. 

See you at 2 Chome-5-2 Ebisunishi, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0021, Japan. Open Monday to Saturday.