This portrait of Kelly was using Fujifilm GFX 50S II on the 63mm f/2.8 lens.

Not every portrait session goes as planned — and that’s often when the magic happens.

When Kelly walked into the studio, I’ll admit I wasn’t sure what to expect. He’s not someone who’s naturally drawn to the spotlight. No flashy persona, he is nevertheless warm and cheerful.  “I don’t really know what to do in front of a camera,” he muttered, almost apologetically, as he adjusted the strap of his watch.

I reassured him that portraiture isn’t about posing perfectly.  Just be, and I’ll take care of the rest.

We started simple. Low-key lighting. A stripped-down backdrop. No props. In fact no music.  I usually have some music in the studio but in this case I didn’t feel it was necessary.  We had took a few shots and quickly came to a few great ones that he could use as a professional LinkedIn headshot.  So with that in the bag, we decided to try other variations.  This photo, with him turned slightly away, arm raised as if to shield himself, it felt like a moment of pure introspection. A quiet vulnerability and strength.

I clicked the shutter, I knew I got IT.

That frame — the one you see above — became the my favourite photo of the session.

There’s something poetic about it. The sculptural shadow, the soft catchlight in his eye, the gesture that reads both strong and tender. It’s not your typical men’s portrait. And that’s exactly why it works. It’s human.

As a portrait photographer in Singapore, I’ve learned to let go of control — to allow the session to unfold organically. Sometimes, the best portraits come from the pauses between direction.  Like how animation master Hayao Miyazaki talks about the quite moments between the action.

It’s a portrait that speaks not just of the man in front of the camera, but of the quiet stories we all carry beneath the surface.

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