A cara limpia, face washed clean, nothing to hide behind. That was the whole idea here. A painted white shutter for a backdrop, the slats catching a little afternoon light, and Emma in front of it with red lips and not much else in the way of production.

She’s clear-eyed and easy in a way I can’t teach anyone. Half-smile, chin level, those eyes looking right down the barrel of the lens like she’d already decided the frame was hers. I barely had to do anything. Point, breathe, click.

That’s the trap with a portrait this simple. Nowhere to hide, for either of us. No styling to lean on, no clever background to bail me out. Just a face and the light and whatever the subject is willing to give. Emma gave plenty, and quietly made me look better than I am.