Through the Rain: Portraits of Tutu

This series explores the emotional resonance of separation, longing, and resilience through the motif of a rain-covered window. Each portrait of Tutu invites the viewer to connect with her gaze, gestures, and the tactile barrier of water droplets—blurring the line between observer and observed. Each moment is presented in both black-and-white and colour, revealing how a single scene can tell two entirely different stories.

Created in Canberra, in collaboration with Tony Oliver.

Inspired by the creative techniques of Gavin Hoey, as featured on the Adorama YouTube channel.

Black and white portrait of Tutu gazing softly through a rain-speckled window, her face partly obscured by water droplets, photographed by Lyle Holt in Canberra.
Colour portrait of Tutu with gentle pink tones, looking through a rain-streaked window, her expression soft and enigmatic, photographed in Canberra.

“Veiled Gaze”

Tutu’s eyes meet the viewer’s through a curtain of rain, her expression soft yet enigmatic, inviting us to wonder about the world behind the glass.

Black and white image of Tutu with her hand pressed to a rain-speckled window, her eyes focused beyond the glass, conveying longing and distance.
Colour portrait of Tutu with pink hair, hand raised to a rain-covered window, her gaze intense and thoughtful, captured in a creative Canberra portrait session.

“Longing”

Hands pressed to the window, Tutu’s presence is both powerful and distant, the droplets amplifying a sense of yearning and connection.

Black and white photo of Tutu standing behind a rain-covered window, her features softened by droplets, embodying solitude and quiet strength.
Colour image of Tutu in a white lace bra and jacket, looking directly through a rain-streaked window, her calm and introspective mood highlighted by soft lighting.

“Solitude”

A moment of stillness, her features partly obscured by the rain, Tutu embodies quiet strength and introspection.

Black and white portrait of Tutu reaching out to touch a rain-speckled window, her fingers and face framed by droplets, expressing a search for connection.
Colour photo of Tutu in a white jacket, looking away through a rain-covered window, her hand softly lit and the scene filled with hope and contemplation.

“Reaching Out”

Fingers trace the glass, searching for connection. The droplets distort, but do not hide, the strength in her expression.

Black and white image of Tutu with a contemplative gaze, rain droplets on the window blurring her features, evoking untold stories and deep emotion.
Colour portrait of Tutu with pink hair, hands clasped, looking through a blue-lit rain-streaked window, her expression thoughtful and serene.

“Contemplation”

A thoughtful gaze, softened by the rain, hints at stories untold and emotions just beneath the surface.

Black and white close-up of Tutu looking away through a rain-covered window, her face and upper body framed by droplets, suggesting reflection and daydreaming.
Colour image of Tutu with soft pink hair, gazing away through a rain-speckled window, her features dreamy and the mood reflective.

“Reflection”

Looking away, Tutu’s thoughts seem to drift with the rain. The modern frame of the window grounds her in the present, even as her mind wanders.

Black and white close-up of Tutu’s face, her eyes bright and lips softly smiling behind a rain-streaked window, radiating hope and resilience.
Colour close-up of Tutu’s face, her eyes sparkling and lips gently smiling, seen through a rain-speckled window, with warm tones and a hopeful mood.

“Hope”

A close-up reveals a subtle smile and bright eyes, suggesting optimism and resilience despite the barrier of rain.

Black and white portrait of Tutu with hands clasped in front of her, looking directly through a rain-covered window, exuding strength and determination.
Colour image of Tutu with long pink hair, hands clasped, gazing through a rain-streaked window, her expression strong and composed.

“Strength”

Hands clasped, Tutu faces the viewer with quiet determination, the rain a testament to endurance and grace.

Black and white portrait of Tutu with her hand raised, rain droplets on the window, her tattoo visible, symbolising identity and transition.
Colour image of Tutu with pink hair, hand raised to a rain-speckled window, her tattoo visible, blending light, shadow, and personal history.

“Between Worlds”

Light and shadow play across her features, the window both a barrier and a bridge. The tattooed name on her chest hints at identity and personal history.

Black and white side profile of Tutu with eyes closed, hand raised to a rain-streaked window, lost in thought and self-reflection.
Colour portrait of Tutu with long pink hair, looking directly through a rain-speckled window, her expression calm and composed, with warm tones and a sense of presence.

“Introspection”

A side profile, eyes closed, Tutu appears lost in thought, the rain echoing the quiet moments of self-reflection.

Black and white portrait of Tutu in a lace bra and jacket, hands folded, looking directly through a rain-covered window, exuding confidence and resilience.
Colour portrait of Tutu with pink hair, softly focused behind a rain-streaked window, her expression gentle and contemplative, hands raised to the glass in this evocative portrait.

“Resilience”

Framed by lace and light, Tutu’s direct gaze and poised hands close the series with a sense of confidence and resolve.