Behind the Blinds

Apr 2026

In this evocative series for Behind the Blinds, photographer Emilia Staugaard captures Olympic athlete Tom Daley in a sequence that masterfully bridges the gap between high-fashion editorial and minimalist portraiture. Eschewing the conventional trappings of athlete-focused media, Staugaard leans into a stark, architectural aesthetic that highlights Daley's disciplined form. The project utilizes a consistent high-key palette and clinical white backdrops, which serve to isolate the subject and emphasize the deliberate, graphic tension in every pose. Whether he is balancing on a geometric plinth or framed against a flat wall, the compositions rely on the interplay of sharp directional light and distinct shadows, creating a rhythm of depth that feels both sculptural and intimate. The integration of 35mm film grain in select frames adds a tactile, analogue warmth that contrasts beautifully with the otherwise crisp, studio-lit visuals. By stripping away extraneous environment, Staugaard allows for a focus on movement and physique, channeling a sense of balance that feels intrinsically tied to Daley's professional background. The result is a clean, intentional collection of portraits that favors editorial minimalism over spectacle, transforming the athlete into a study of geometry and shadow. This collaboration successfully redefines the standard commercial portrait, proving that when the visual language is pared back, the raw character of the subject becomes the most compelling element of the frame.

Editorial, Vertical, Editorial, Vertical

Natural light

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