Kisau Photography

In photography, there’s something liberating about breaking free from traditional norms and diving headfirst into the imaginative. Chapter 3 of The Melbourne Portraits Project celebrates this very spirit. Creative freedom.

When I started working on this theme, I wanted to explore the playful and unpredictable side of photography. I imagined vintage telephones becoming storytellers, angel wings adding a hint of magic, and floral crowns feeling like they came from a dream. The settings came alive in their own way. The focus wasn’t just on the props or the places. It was about breaking free and discovering the endless possibilities of creativity.

Natural light remains a central player, but in this chapter, it dances with artificial sources. The interplay of neon’s dramatic glow and soft daylight creates an electric yet intimate vibe. This mix imbues the images with a sense of youthful spontaneity, making every frame a little unpredictable and a lot exciting.

It all comes down to letting your imagination take the lead. Don’t hesitate to experiment with color, staging, or mood. Whether you’re experienced or just beginning, in front of the camera or behind it, these moments of playful creativity often lead to your most unforgettable work. After all, creativity isn’t about following rules. It’s about reinventing them.

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!

Jesse Nguyen Sets the Stage for This Chapter

“The magic happens

when you let go

and let your imagination take over.”

Jessie Nguyen

Jessie Nguyen’s words embody the ethos of this chapter and, truthfully, the entire creative process. Jessie, a standout muse of The Melbourne Portraits Project, is a beacon of authenticity and versatility. I first came across Jessie’s pictures on Instagram, where a fellow photographer shared candid shots from an impromptu street shoot. Her natural ability to connect with the lens captivated me instantly. A quick message later, and we were setting up our first shoot.

Working with Jessie was like stepping into a wellspring of creativity. Whether we were shooting in Melbourne’s vibrant streets or inside a studio, her openness and ability to adapt to any environment allowed the story to unfold naturally. One of my favorite collaborations with Jessie happened at a creative studio where we played with fixed sets. The resulting photos were a vivid mix of whimsy and elegance. Her ethereal presence paired perfectly with the colorful, eclectic staging. In another shoot, we took to the streets, transforming a simple garage into a celestial scene with Jessie as a fallen angel. Her silver hair, adorned with a floral crown, added an unexpected softness to the raw urban backdrop.

Jessie reminds me that true creativity thrives on trust. Trust between the photographer and the model, and trust in the process itself. She embodies the idea of letting go, and in doing so, she brings the magic to life.

When the Scene Whispers and the Soul Speaks

When it comes to creative freedom, the environment can shape the mood just as much as the subject can. For this chapter, I experimented with two distinct approaches: embracing curated sets and transforming everyday locations into fantastical stages.

Take the photos at Kre8tive Freedom Studio, for instance. The studio’s fixed sets provided a playful foundation. A bathtub filled with foam balls, tropical plants framing the scene, and neon accents that added a pop of drama. These ready-made settings encouraged bold storytelling. Working with Jessie in this space was like stepping into a dream. Her poised yet playful demeanor elevated the shoot, and every frame carried an energy that felt fresh and unexpected.

On the flip side, our “fallen angel” shoot brought the story to life through a raw, urban setting. We chose a garage with a concrete floor and muted walls. An unassuming backdrop that served as a blank canvas. With her angel wings, delicate white dress, and silver-pink hair, Jessie transformed this gritty environment into something celestial. The juxtaposition of soft and harsh elements gave the photos an edge, reinforcing the idea that creativity knows no bounds.

Both approaches, starting with the setting or starting with the subject, demonstrate that storytelling in photography is a collaborative act. When the environment and the model harmonize, the result is a seamless blend of imagination and authenticity. It’s this collaboration, this exchange of ideas and energy, that brings stories to life.

So whether you’re working in a studio or exploring a hidden corner of your city, let the space guide you. Allow your subject to lead the narrative. Above all, don’t be afraid to take risks and embrace the unexpected. Creativity is about freedom. The freedom to experiment, to collaborate, and to express yourself fully. And in that freedom lies the magic.

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