Special Projects

Feb 2026

Soft Power by Special Projects serves as a masterclass in the interplay between organic form and contemporary cosmetic branding. This series of images, characterized by a clean editorial minimalism, moves fluidly between high-fashion portraiture and meticulous product still life. Photographer Jason Kim orchestrates a visual language defined by high-key lighting and precision, utilizing studio strobe setups to emphasize the intersection of skin texture and cosmetic pigment. The project bridges the gap between commercial accessibility and fine art, leaning into macro perspectives where viscous serums and balanced fruit stacks become as expressive as the models themselves. Makeup artists Sevil Tai and Yvane Rocher bring a sophisticated, often avant-garde touch to the portraiture, experimenting with bleached brows, graphic eyeliner, and bold, saturated pigments that feel both clinical and inherently human. Through the lens of Maartje Convens, the subject matter feels grounded, providing a cohesive center for the series. By juxtaposing the raw, tangible surface of fruit with the polished reality of lip gloss and skin, Soft Power challenges the traditional aesthetic of the beauty industry. The result is a series that feels purposefully balanced, where even the most technical portrait captures a sense of tactile intimacy, ultimately presenting cosmetics not just as an accessory, but as a dynamic, evolving element of modern portraiture.

Editorial, Vertical

Studio strobe

Cosmetics, Beauty