Kisau Photography

When I started experimenting with chiaroscuro, I wanted to capture the dramatic play of light and shadow usually found in studio photography. But as I worked in Melbourne’s streets, I quickly realized the city itself was shaping the process. Its alleys, tunnels, and textured walls didn’t just serve as backdrops. They became part of the story.

Chapter 2 is all about that blend, elding the timeless artistry of chiaroscuro with the unpredictable energy of the city. It’s where old-school technique meets real-world texture, creating something fresh and dynamic that feels completely alive.

About The Melbourne Portraits Project

The Melbourne Portraits Project: A Photographic Ode invites you to see Melbourne in a new light. Through a series of photoshoots scattered across the city’s streets, alleys, and hidden spots, Paul Tocatlian captures the creative pulse of Melbourne and the people who make it thrive. This book celebrates a community that inspires creativity and encourages everyone to dream bigger. Accompanying this photo book is a companion website that offers additional insights, including articles like this one, further exploring Melbourne’s inspiring spirit and the collaborative energy behind each portrait.

Photos That Didn’t Make The Cut

We know you’re wondering about the photos that didn’t make it into the book! We’ll be adding a curated mix here over time, so keep checking back for more hidden gems. Stay tuned!

Jaidyn Luke Attard Sets the Stage for This Chapter

“We were standing in one of the alleyways of Melbourne when Paul pulled me aside and directed me to stand in the darkest corner of the lane. I shuffled my feet from side to side. ‘Come forward,’ he said. I leaned an inch toward his lens. ‘There! Hold right there.’ He directed me to lower my eyes, to stare right at the lens. I stood there in awe of his ability to manipulate light and shadow, to blend foreground with background to create a sense of both atmosphere and nothingness. Seeing that photo of myself against the darkness, noticing my every pore and strand, every imperfection against the black. I loved myself.”

Jaidyn Luke Attard

Jaidyn Luke Attard’s reflection captures the heart of chiaroscuro. The bold interplay of light and shadow that defines this chapter. Poet and author, Jaidyn is the creative force behind The Street Poet, his latest work, and co-author of There’s a Tale to This City, written alongside Jay Ventress and R.C. Waldun. Their literary contributions also shine in The Melbourne Portraits Project, with Jay crafting the book’s foreword and Robin offering the memorable introductory quote for Chapter 1, tying their storytelling flair to this photographic journey.

What I admire most about Jaidyn is his courage to lean into vulnerability, whether through his evocative poetry or in front of the camera. His ability to embrace imperfections, seeing beauty in every detail, makes his work, and his presence, profoundly inspiring. This spirit of authenticity is woven into the very fabric of this project.

After a day spent working in Melbourne’s shadowed alleyways, Jaidyn shared something that stayed with me: “Every poem starts in darkness. A single line is the spark that illuminates the rest.” That insight helped shape the way I approached the contrast of light and shadow in this chapter.

This chapter pays tribute to the contrasts of Melbourne’s streets, where sunlight slices through darkness, revealing textures, stories, and emotion. It’s in these contrasts that chiaroscuro comes to life, blending vulnerability with artistry to create something timeless. Jaidyn’s poignant words ground this chapter, reminding us that the sharp edges of contrast often reveal the softest truths within ourselves.

Urban Chiaroscuro: A Modern Twist

Chiaroscuro, meaning “light-dark” in Italian, began as a groundbreaking painting technique during the Renaissance. Artists like Caravaggio and Rembrandt used it to create striking contrasts of light and shadow, adding depth and emotional intensity to their work. Their mastery made figures seem to leap off the canvas, blending drama with realism.

Fast-forward to photography, and chiaroscuro found a new home behind the lens. Studio photographers embraced its dramatic style, crafting light and shadow to create mood and focus. Legends like George Hurrell, known for his glamorous Hollywood portraits, and Richard Avedon, famed for his evocative fashion photography, brought this timeless technique to new heights.

For The Melbourne Portraits Project, I reimagined chiaroscuro beyond the studio walls. Using Melbourne’s streets as my studio and natural light as my brush, I sought out alleyways, tunnels, and hidden corners where sunlight and shadow naturally danced. These urban settings added texture and grit, turning everyday spaces into backdrops rich with contrast.

Working with natural light came with its challenges. It’s less predictable than studio setups. But it also sparked creativity. Every location offered a unique canvas, and every subject brought life to the interplay of light and dark. In doing so, I captured not just portraits but the energy and spirit of Melbourne itself.

By blending classical chiaroscuro with the textures and vibrancy of urban settings, I aimed to bridge the past and present. The result was a fusion of old-world artistry and contemporary expressions, showcasing the enduring power of this technique in a modern context.

Join the Conversation!

I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below to connect with us and others exploring The Melbourne Portraits Project. Got a question about the stories behind the photos? Curious about the creative process? Or maybe you’ve got a story of your own to share? Whatever’s on your mind, let’s chat! Your thoughts and stories make this journey even richer. Jump in, join the conversation, and let’s keep the inspiration rolling!

© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.

The Melbourne Portraits Project