Her First Home

Sophie Makrigiannis

A black and white portrait showing the right half of a younger woman's face with a clear eye, subtle freckles, and light hair on the left, next to the left half of an older woman's face with a defined eye, visible lines around her mouth, light streaked hair, and a large hoop earring on the right. Both look forward with neutral expressions, highlighting their connection and shared features.

For my project, I focus on the relationship between my mother and I. The series blends intimate composition with restrained visuals to reflect her emotional landscape. Using a shallow depth of field, I highlight small gestures—my hair being brushed, shared laughter, and the warmth of an embrace after a long day. Through natural and strobe lighting, and both posed and unposed scenes, the images reveal a bond built on resilience, tenderness, and unspoken understanding. Each photograph becomes a testament to the strength and softness that coexist in our relationship.

My mother became a single parent when I was five, carrying both love and responsibility with grace.The images show tender moments alongside early mornings, late nights baking, and helping with assignments. Together, they portray single motherhood not only as hardship, but as endurance, dignity, and a love strengthened through sacrifice and everyday devotion.

    About The Artist

    A digital image with a textured, grainy gradient background transitioning from a dark slate blue at the top to a light sky blue and white at the bottom. Centered on this background, the word 'Inhale' is displayed in bold, opaque white sans-serif letters. Directly below it, the word 'Exhale' is written in the same font and color, but it gradually fades from opaque to transparent, particularly towards the bottom and right, suggesting a gentle release.

    Sophie Makrigiannis

    Sophie Makrigiannis is a Toronto-based photographer and artist specializing in fine art and portrait photography. She explores the human form, individuality, gendered body experiences, and imagination with a dark twist. Focusing on women’s rights, personal experiences, and inner psychological struggles, her work features dramatic, muted tones and strong contrast, creating a whimsical yet unnatural atmosphere. With over ten years of experience, she continues developing a practice that resists easy categorization.

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