Portrait Photography

Creative Portrait Series 2: How This Photographer Turns Simple Portraits Into Awe-Inspiring Storytelling

by Warittha Leelasestaporn

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As an avid photographer and traveller, Warittha Leelasestaporn, better known as Gift Lee, has always enjoyed capturing the world around her to share her story. Her photography journey included stunning landscape and interior photography that were both simple yet inspiring. 

Alpha 7 IV | FE 24 F1.4 GM | 1/320 sec | F1.6 | ISO 125

Gift enjoys taking photos with little to no props or visual elements to enhance the image's storytelling. Her creative project did just that while also using reflections to create images that are both simple yet out-of-this-world. "I was going for a minimalist composition, so there are not many visual elements in the frame apart from the model and a few other props. At the same time, I wanted to show a different perspective to an otherwise flat image." 

Less is more 

Alpha 7 IV | FE 16-35mm F2.8 | 1/320 sec | F2.8 | ISO 100

For her project, Gift needed a location with more natural light to keep her model in focus. "The advantage of the location I chose was the abundant natural light and relatively simple interior, which fit the minimalist theme I envisioned like a glove. Unfortunately, there were no blinds or curtains so I couldn’t control how much light was coming in." 

Alpha 7 IV | FE 24 F1.4 GM | 1/2 sec | F2.5 | ISO 400

The only prop she used for the project was an LED tube light to creatively light scenes. "I use the tube light as a fill light, background light, or to add a tint of colour to the pictures. Because of its small shape, it is quite portable and easy to carry around." 

Alpha 7 IV | FE 35 F1.4 GM | 1/320 sec | F1.6 | ISO 125

To create a visually striking composition, she had the model dress in various bold colours. "By having the model wear red, blue and yellow outfits, I was able to create a warmer colour balance. For me, the colours gave off a slight oriental feel which I really like." 

Creating perspective through reflection 

Alpha 7 IV | FE 35 F1.4 GM | 1/320 sec | F2.0 | ISO 100

By using mirrors for reflection, Gift was able to create a unique composition that seems almost reality-defying at first glance. "I felt the mirrors would help to create more depth to an otherwise flat image. It also shows a different and interesting viewpoint for the same subject."

Alpha 7 IV | FE 35 F1.4 GM | 4.0 sec | F2.0 | ISO 250

Post-production editing also helped to maximise the unique feel of her images. "I rotated some of the final images in post-production to create a different and interesting look. The end result is a unique work of art which users can look at with awe and sparks their curiosity." 

Sony’s ground-breaking Alpha 7 IV

Photography has always been Gift Lee's way of expressing herself. With social media, she was able to vocalize her story and co-exist with her community. "My Alpha 7 IV camera allows me to create amazing shots out of the smallest and simplest things. With every photo, I want to bring authentic moments to frame while also inspiring others to create their own story." 

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