Black Sand, Bright Futures: A Morning to Be Cherished

Streets, Shores, Friendship and New Life

I recently spent a short week in Chile—a quick visit to attend my best friend's baby shower and see some family members. I packed light: a few clothes, some Bolivian chocolates, and my X-Pro2 with just one lens, the TTartisans 27mm f/2.8.

What I didn’t expect was my friend’s request for a portrait session of her and her beautiful belly. I agreed without hesitation, but I couldn’t help worrying a little—I didn’t have the "right" tools for the job. At least, I thought so.

As good quality light is essential for good photography, we decided to wake up at 4:45 a.m. This wasnt not an easy task, especially after going to bed around 2 a.m. Still, we both managed to wake up. I drank some coffee (my friend couldn’t, for obvious reasons), and we took a taxi to a nearby beach with dark sand. I thought the contrast between the sand and my friend’s skin tone would work well, creating a rich black-and-white palette.

At first glance, street photography and portraiture might seem like two different worlds. Street photography thrives on spontaneity and unpredictability, while portraiture often involves planning and collaboration with the subject. However, transitioning from one to the other reveals a deep, often overlooked connection: ultimately, both forms of photography are about storytelling.

As a street photographer, my main focus has always been observing the world with a sharp sensitivity to fleeting moments. I’ve trained myself to notice the interplay of light, colour, geometry, and human emotion in real-time. This earned awareness becomes a powerful tool when working on portrait sessions. The same instinct for capturing authentic expressions and gestures can serve to create portraits that resonate deeply with the subject and the viewer. It’s less about imposing a vision on the subject and more about creating an environment where his story naturally unfolds.

Take, for instance, the role of direction in portraiture. While some portraits are meticulously staged, I’m convinced that most of the memorable ones often have a touch of spontaneity. Rather than rigidly adhering to planned poses, I prefer responding intuitively to the subject’s mood, the ambient light, and the textures of the setting. This adaptability makes the process more organic and helps the subject feel at ease, resulting in genuine, authentic images rather than overly contrived ones.

Street photography’s emphasis on context and environment also enriches portraiture. Just as a street photograph tells a story by integrating the subject with its surroundings, a well-composed environmental portrait can reflect the relationship between the person and the space/territory. Whether it’s an urban area, a beach, or a carefully chosen studio backdrop, the setting becomes a vital part of the narrative. This integration of the environment adds depth and dimension to the images, transforming simple portraits into compelling visual stories.

Ultimately, this little chapter into portraiture wasn’t a departure from my usual street/documetary photography—but an expansion. It came as a gift for one of my best friends. It was a joyful challenge, applying my skills of observation, composition, and sensitivity towards a different genre.

In this particular session, beyond all the technicalities, my main goal was to create a lasting memory with Katerine. A little gift for the girl soon to be born—so she can someday see how loved she was even before her arrival. Anariel will know she had not only a nurturing mother but also a circle of friends ready to be there when needed.

Whether it’s capturing a candid smile or a moment of quiet observation, my eye remains the same: celebrating the beauty of the human experience in all its forms, from life to death.

This session wasn’t just about taking pictures—it was about capturing a moment of love, connection, and eager anticipation. Photography, regardless of style or tools, is ultimately about preserving stories and freezing moments in time.

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