What makes a great portrait stand out? Is it the lighting, the styling, or the expression? The truth is, it is all of those elements working together. But when a model brings their own energy and personality into the shoot, magic happens. That is exactly what unfolded during this session with Hridita in Melbourne, featuring a Bach Mai dress.
I met Hridita during my visit to Melbourne for the launch of The Melbourne Portraits Project photo book. From the moment she stepped in front of my camera, her presence was undeniable, effortlessly translating into striking imagery. There is something mesmerizing about a model who not only wears a designer piece but also shapes it into a look that reflects their individuality. With this Bach Mai dress, she did just that, bringing elegance, mystery, and quiet strength to every frame.
The Location: A Hidden Gem in Melbourne
Melbourne has always been one of my favorite places to shoot. The city offers a mix of modern and industrial aesthetics, with clean architectural lines and moody lighting that add depth to portraits. The location we chose for this shoot is a personal favorite of mine. It provides just the right amount of texture and contrast to let the subject shine without distraction.
For this session, I wanted to use the environment to frame Hridita in a way that made her the focal point while still allowing the surroundings to contribute to the mood. The interplay of light and shadow, the subtle reflection in the glass, and the muted tones all worked together to create an ethereal feel.
The Styling: Bringing Personality to Bach Mai
Bach Mai is a designer known for creating pieces that blend couture elegance with modern edge, and I have had the privilege of capturing his designs during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). The dress Hridita wore was from his first collection, featuring a romantic yet strong silhouette. To make it her own, she styled it with sheer sleeves and denim pants, adding a unique contrast that deepened the moody tone of the shoot.
Hridita’s styling choices reflected her personality. Soft yet bold, structured yet fluid. Her expressive movements and thoughtful poses transformed the outfit from simply being worn to being lived in. That is the beauty of fashion photography: the right model can breathe life into a design, making it feel both aspirational and deeply personal.
Capturing the Mood: Light, Shadow, and Expression
One of my favorite aspects of this shoot was the mood we created through light and expression. Soft natural light shaped Hridita’s face, highlighting her features while maintaining an air of mystery. Her gaze was strong yet introspective, drawing you into the emotion of the frame.
Each pose was intentional. Whether she was leaning against a structure, gazing into the distance, or delicately positioning her hands, every movement told a story. This is where the collaborative nature of photography shines. It is not just about directing a model; it is about creating a space where they feel comfortable enough to express themselves freely.
The Art of Storytelling Through Fashion Photography
A great fashion image is more than just a beautiful shot. It should tell a story. This session with Hridita was a perfect example of how photography, fashion, and personality come together to create something visually memorable. The Bach Mai dress was the canvas, the Melbourne backdrop was the stage, and Hridita was the storyteller, shaping the narrative through her presence.
As a fashion and editorial photographer, I am always looking for moments that feel authentic. The best images happen when everything aligns. Styling, lighting, location, and most importantly, connection. This is why I love working with models, designers, and brands who are willing to experiment and bring their own creative energy to a shoot.
Let’s Create Together
Are you a brand, model, designer, or creative looking to collaborate on a fashion editorial or runway coverage? Let’s bring your vision to life. Reach out to discuss how we can create something bold, unique, and unforgettable. For more information, please contact us.
Photoshoot Credits
- Model: Hridita
- Wearing Bach Mai
- Photography by Paul Tocatlian
© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.
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