Valerie at Home: A Portrait from My Artists & Scientists Series

An Ongoing Exploration of Minds and Spaces

This portrait of Valerie is part of a new personal series I’ve started—one that explores the lives and workspaces of artists and scientists. It’s still in early stages, but I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want to approach it visually. The current plan is to create two distinct styles: one for each group.

For the artists, I’m drawn to black-and-white, shot in a panoramic format. I want the images to feel composed and stylised—deliberate, almost formal, but with personality still intact. Stripping away colour seems like the right way to highlight form and presence, especially in creative spaces that often brim with visual chaos.

Black-and-White, With Intention

Valerie’s portrait fits this idea well. Shot at her home, the image is clean, contained, and framed with purpose. It’s not casual or offhand, but it’s not cold either. She carries the space, and it reflects her. That’s the tension I’m after—personal but poised.

Interestingly, the artists I’ve contacted have been a little hesitant—some wary, others just vague. The scientists, on the other hand, are surprisingly enthusiastic. But photographing them might be the bigger challenge. For that half of the project, I plan to shoot in colour, using a square format and aiming for spontaneity. In theory, the more relaxed style will suit the subject matter. In practice? We’ll see.

A Work in Progress, With Purpose

I don’t know yet where this project will end up. It may grow into a full series or become something more ambitious—perhaps an exhibition if I can find the right rhythm and mix of people. But portraits like this one of Valerie give me hope that the concept can hold together visually and thematically.

It’s early days, but good beginnings count.