In a world where elaborate setups and grand locations often take center stage in photography, there’s something truly special about stripping things back to the essentials. Recently, I had the opportunity to do just that in a portrait session with Brooklyn-based interdisciplinary artist, curator, and writer Tania L. Balan-Gaubert. The goal was to create moody, evocative portraits that captured both depth and personality—perfect for her upcoming publication feature.

The first warm days of spring in New York City always have a special energy. After months of cold and gray, the city wakes up—streets fill with people, parks come alive, and there’s a collective sense of excitement in the air. That was exactly the atmosphere on March 17, 2023, when I met up with a client visiting NYC for a solo portrait session. Instead of the usual tourist spots, we decided to explore Chinatown and the Lower East Side, letting the city guide our shoot. The result? A collection of portraits that felt effortless, vibrant, and full of personality.