The Beauty of Simplicity: A Moody Portrait Session with Artist Tania L. Balan-Gaubert
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.
To achieve this intimate and dramatic look, I transformed my living room into a studio for the day. The session was intentionally minimalistic, using a single light with a softbox and grid to shape the light and create shadows that added richness and contrast. We started against a handpainted-style brown backdrop, allowing warm, earthy tones to enhance the mood. Later, we transitioned to a solid black backdrop, further stripping away distractions and letting Tania’s presence take center stage. Some of the final images were captured in classic black and white, emphasizing expression and form over color.
This experience reinforced something I’ve always believed: a powerful portrait isn’t about the complexity of the setup—it’s about the subject. By embracing simplicity, we allowed Tania’s essence to shine through, making every image feel raw, authentic, and timeless. Her expressive gaze, the way light carved across her features, and the subtle shifts in emotion became the true focal points of the session.
Whether you’re an artist, a professional, or someone looking for a portrait that truly reflects who you are, consider the power of a stripped-back approach. Sometimes, the best portraits come from letting go of the extras and just being in the moment.
To learn more about Tania L. Balan-Gaubert and her work, visit tanialaure.com. If you’re ready to book your personality-driven portrait session, let’s create something meaningful together—my calendar is open! Start booking now.
