Butterfly Hug

Conceptual Portraits

A themed portrait series conceptualised around the Butterfly Hug—a self-soothing technique we can practice to ground and calm ourselves in the midst of chaos in our minds and intrusive thoughts.

The concept came as the team suggested butterfly ornaments, paired with my interest for raising mental health awareness through photography.

Team Credits
Creative direction + Photography: Yvonne Lee
Model: Karyn Ong
Stylist: Zoey Ong
Stylist Assistant: Beverly Teo
Garment Designers: Zoey Ong (outfit #1) & Miko Tham (outfit #2)
Make-up: Sadiq
Location: DOAM Studio

Pre-butterfly hug – Our state of mind and being while we feel down, full of doubts, anxieties, fear of the unknown, resulting in being more hostile, entering our fight or flight response.

Post-butterfly hug: A more calm, relaxed, happy, hopeful, and curious state of mind after we give ourselves compassion. Our mental resilience increases with more awareness and desire to heal over time, while we fully accept our feelings and identify our triggers. We can focus on what’s within our control, slowly being ourselves again without the grey clouds of intrusive thoughts.