Experimental Portrait Series

The worlds of Ridley Scott’s dystopian visuals and the vibrant, kinetic energy of Tokyo’s nighttime streets have collided. The series by Dallas photographer Rey Contreras recalibrates portrait and editorial photography through an experimental lens, featuring portraits bathed in dramatic cyberpunk-inspired lighting—an intense fusion of color and shadow, where the allure of cyberpunk crosses over into the sleek polish of high-fashion editorials. Think Ghost in the Shell meets the glossy pages of Vogue, all under a shower of neon.

Laser grids imprint patterns on the subjects, creating a sense of movement and tension, while backdrops pulse with vibrant colors, each pulsating with its own unique energy. The use of Godox lighting solutions paints each subject in sharp contrasts and surreal hues, turning conventional portrait headshots into gateways to an electrifying future.

Motifs of classic noir in futurism come to life—William Gibson’s intersection of humanity and machine often highlights the societal undercurrents that drive these futuristic worlds. The gritty, rain-soaked streets of Akira, where towering skyscrapers loom over neon-lit alleyways, cast long, ominous shadows. The immersive landscapes of RPGs, synth-laden sprawling urban environments subdued in the glow of flickering advertisements, further shape the brooding atmosphere. The influence of lasers, chiaroscuro lighting, holographic displays, and guiding lights adds a sharp, cutting-edge element to this distinctly noir studio photography series.

The Dallas-based artist’s skillful use of contrasting materials—rough, weathered surfaces against smooth, synthetic skin—creates a dialogue between the past and the future, the organic and the artificial. The compositions are thoughtful, allowing negative space to speak as loudly as the subject itself, creating an atmosphere that feels both expansive and claustrophobic. Rather than relying solely on color to convey mood, the series employs a muted palette, allowing texture and light to become the primary vehicles of storytelling.

This is portrait photography that transcends the visual, becoming almost experiential, inviting viewers not just to see an image, but to feel the weight of a world where technology is as much a part of the human condition as flesh and bone. The result is a collection of images that resonate on a visceral level, serving as powerful visual assets, perfectly suited for eye-catching album covers, compelling artist promotions, and impactful advertising campaigns. The series is a bold declaration of the possibilities that lie at the intersection of technology, art, and commercial photography.