This project was built around the idea of veiled identity, drawing on Renaissance imagery to explore softness, symbolism, and quiet composition. Tracing Veiled Faces came together through casting, where I scouted Maya and Courtney, and instinctively paired them with a photographer whose visual language felt aligned with their presence. From this, the concept emerged collaboratively, rooted in a shared aesthetic.
The visual world leans into classical references, with fruit, drapery, and framing devices echoing Renaissance still life and portraiture. Faces are partially obscured, creating a sense of distance and intrigue, while the compositions feel deliberate and painterly. There is a balance between structure and intimacy, where each element is carefully placed but still feels soft and atmospheric.
Casting was the foundation of the project. I selected models whose features and energy could carry this quieter, more composed narrative, allowing the imagery to feel natural within its stylised setting. Styling, led by one of the models, added to this sense of authorship within the team, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the work.
I led casting, creative direction, and production, bringing together a team that felt cohesive in both aesthetic and approach. By aligning the right people, I ensured the final outcome felt considered, harmonious, and true to its Renaissance-inspired visual language.
Creative Direction: Femke van der Hulst
Casting Direction: Femke van der HulstÂ
Production: Femke van der Hulst
Photography & Post-Production: Ethan Duck
Styling & MUAH: Courtney Maxwell
Talent: Courtney Maxwell & Maya Brown
For Catalyst Magazine
