Sometimes the most interesting photographs emerge when we deliberately challenge expectations. When we look at a familiar subject from a different perspective and reveal something that others might not expect to see.

"Under the Brim" is one of those works.

A Different Side of Lauren Crist

The original photograph was taken during a studio shoot with model Lauren Crist. At the time, Lauren was primarily working in the field of Fine Nude Art and was widely associated with that style of photography.

But I was interested in exploring a different idea. I wanted to photograph Lauren outside that familiar visual world. Not as a Fine Nude Art model, but in a classic, expressive portrait setting.

A wide-brimmed hat, an elegant pose, closed eyes and a deliberately restrained composition became the foundation for an image in which expression and atmosphere took centre stage.

More photographs from our collaboration can be found in the Lauren Crist gallery.

Light as a Creative Element

As with almost all my studio photographs, light played a decisive role in shaping "Under the Brim".

Light and shadow, strong contrasts and the deliberate interplay between bright and dark areas have always been essential elements of my photography.

In this photograph, the lighting emphasises the model's facial features and pose, while the wide-brimmed hat introduces additional textures and shadows. The dark background gives the subject a particularly sculptural presence.

The original photograph is essentially what I call Out of the Cam: an image that retains its original photographic character, apart from standard image development and some subtle retouching.

From Portrait to Painterly Interpretation

The Painterly version of "Under the Brim" was created during an early phase of my exploration of painterly interpretations of my own photographs.

The original photograph became the starting point for a new artistic exploration of the subject.

Inspired by the expressive visual language of Post-Impressionism, the interpretation developed into a composition of rich, warm colours, distinctive outlines and painterly textures.

While the original photograph draws its impact from photographic precision, lighting and contrast, the Painterly version places greater emphasis on colour, shapes and an almost illustrative character.

The pose, expression and fundamental composition remain unchanged. Yet the atmosphere takes on an entirely different character.

Two Interpretations, One Subject

For me, "Under the Brim" demonstrates how differently the very same subject can be perceived.

The photograph tells a story of light, shadow and a deliberately composed moment. The painterly interpretation takes that moment and gives it a new visual language.

Both works have their own distinct character. And to me, they belong together.

That is precisely what Behind the Art is about: not revealing the technical steps behind an image, but sharing the thoughts, stories and artistic decisions that shape my work.

Discover "Under the Brim" as Wall Art

The Painterly interpretation of "Under the Brim" is also available as Wall Art. For those who would like to bring this artwork into their own space, it can be discovered in my PICTRS Art Shop.

Discover more stories behind my photographs and their artistic interpretations in my Behind the Art project.

Get in touch and let’s make something amazing together