This photo was shot using Sony A7iii camera with Sony 50mm F1.8 lens, lit by single studio strobe light to create directional shadow across subject face. The all red-environment was designed to amplify the emotional intensity of the subject expression. The resting pose and direct gaze were carefully directed to sit between vulnerability and composure. The greatest challenge was to register precise emotion from the subject which is not sadness, not strength, but something suspended between the two. It took several takes to get this output.