From Light to Light: A Portrait Series of Growth

Photo Essay, Portraiture, Portrait Photography, Narrative, Fine Art Photography, Leica SL3

In the soft embrace of daylight, there is a purity, a gentleness that reveals what is already there. Natural light paints softly, celebrating raw authenticity, as if whispering secrets of a life lived simply. The portraits in this series began in that quiet, natural realm, capturing Amele enveloped by the tender hues and warm tones of dusk. These moments, unfiltered and honest, honoured my purist approach using natural light only — a dance with light as it fell upon her naturally, vulnerable and pure.

Yet, as growth stirred, so did my curiosity, a hunger to shape light rather than await its presence. An off-camera flash became my new brush, adding depth and contrast, illuminating what lay beneath the surface. It empowered me, as a photographer, to paint in unexpected ways, sculpting shadows, igniting highlights, and breathing a fresh energy into Amele’s gaze. In these images, her spirit seems to emerge from the shadows, revealing the interplay between vulnerability and resilience.

With every flash, a dialogue emerges: between ambient and artificial light, softness and strength, mystery and revelation. The portraits tell not only her story but also that of my journey—a passage from observing to creating, from capturing moments to shaping them. Each image pulses with a new dynamism, a reminder that growth often comes through experimentation and courage.

These portraits, alive with contrast and intensity, stand as a testament to transformation. Through each frame, we witness a young woman, luminous and layered, and a photographer embracing the bravery to push beyond comfort, to let light not only illuminate but also evoke, inviting us into the fullness of a shared evolution.

:: Rand

All images made with a Leica SL3 camera and a combination of 50mm and 90-280mm Leica lenses. Off camera flash courtesy of a Profoto Connect Pro trigger and A2 speed light, combined in some shots with a Clic Fresnel. The A2 was used both handheld and with a tripod.

If you'd like to delve deeper into my photography please visit my website and Instagram (@randleebdutoit). Please reach out if you'd like to suggest a collaboration.

All images are copyright Rand Leeb-du Toit, 2024