Tutorial led by Michel Romaggi in collaboration with the author Parole Kim
Edited and published by Yvette Depaepe, the 15th of October 2025

First of all, Kim, thank you for sharing your beautiful work on 1x.
You chose to group pictures into series. I guess this must have something to do with your approach to photography?

Initially, my work leaned towards minimalism, emphasizing simplicity and pure form. Over time, however, my approach evolved towards deconstruction, exploring the tension between form, space and the psyche. I began to view photography not just as a record of what is visible, but as a means of revealing the unconscious forces that shape perception.
I arrange photographs into series so that they can 'converse' with each other. Within these series, various unconscious elements emerge, such as the inferior shadow, anima and animus from Jungian psychology. This approach is not just about arranging images; it is also a way of better understanding oneself and, ultimately, a path towards self-realization.

Could you explain the concept behind your series ‘The shadow work’?

‘The shadow work’ explores the hidden or repressed aspects of the self, drawing inspiration from Jung’s concept of the shadow. The shadow represents the parts of ourselves that we consciously deny or fail to recognize, as opposed to the persona we present to the world.
In this series, I also engage with Jung’s concepts of the anima (inner femininity) and the animus (inner masculinity). My photographs often depict faces that are partly lit and partly in shadow, gestures that are simultaneously tender and unsettling, and empty spaces that suggest a latent presence. Rather than illustrating theory, the work is a visual discourse in which unconscious impulses and dualities are made manifest.

How do you select the pictures for this series?

My selection process is guided by both intuition and critical reflection. I look for ambiguous, tense or psychologically weighty images, such as blurred figures, fleeting gestures and subtle tonal contrasts. While technical perfection is not the primary consideration, the capacity of an image to evoke reflection and psychological resonance is paramount.

Why did you use black-and-white exclusively?
Black and white is essential for breaking down perception into its basic components: light, shadow and form. It also aligns with the temporality of memory and the ethereal logic of dreams, in which colour can be a distraction or reduce depth. In this series, the use of monochrome accentuates tonal relationships and textures that mirror the dynamics of the unconscious, making it an aesthetic and conceptual choice.

Could you explain the post-processing techniques you used to achieve the results in this series? Is it the same for each photo? If not, what determines your choice of process?
Post-processing is a crucial step in expressing the deep unconscious through photography; it is as important as the shooting itself. I draw inspiration from the work of Francesca Woodman and Michael Ackerman. Using Lightroom, I adjust the basic tone and texture, and in Photoshop, I emphasize ambiguity and tension to enrich the narrative.

Lightroom steps:

•         Import RAW files → Library → Import

•         Convert to B&W → Develop → Basic → Treatment → Black & White

•         Exposure & Contrast → Develop → Basic → Exposure / Contrast (slightly lower contrast to maintain ambiguity)

•         Tone Curve → Develop → Tone Curve → Point Curve (deepen shadows, slightly lift midtones)

•         Clarity & Texture → Develop → Basic → Clarity -10~-20, Texture -5~-15 (soften reality, enhance dreamlike quality)

•         Grain → Develop → Effects → Grain (Amount 40–60, Size 20–30, Roughness 50–60)

•         Local adjustments → Develop → Radial Filter / Adjustment Brush (darken edges, brighten subject)

Photoshop steps:

•         Open RAW/TIFF → File → Open

•         Dodge & Burn → Layer → New Adjustment Layer → Curves → Soft Brush (highlight selectively, adjust shadows)

•         Selective blur → Filter → Blur → Gaussian Blur (mask applied to emphasize ambiguity)

•         Enhance B&W contrast → Image → Adjustments → Levels / Curves (deepen blacks, subtly spread highlights)

•         Add texture/grain → File → Place Embedded → scanned texture → Blend Mode: Overlay / Soft Light → Opacity 20–50%

•         Final adjustments → Image → Adjustments → Brightness/Contrast, Hue/Saturation (very subtle)

Each photo is processed individually, taking into account its narrative and psychological tension. The series as a whole remains coherent, enabling each image to remain independent while fitting in with the others.

To conclude this fascinating tutorial, could you tell us a little more about yourself and the role that photography plays in your life?

I am based in Seoul, South Korea. I started taking photographs using black-and-white film in 1980, while teaching consumer behaviour and psychology at university.
For me, photography has always been more than a hobby; it is a way of expressing myself and connecting with the world.
Since retiring, I have devoted myself more fully to photography, using it as a means of exploring perception, memory and the unconscious.

I work with both film and digital cameras.
For film photography, I use a Leica M6, a Hasselblad 500CM and a Nikon FM2. I develop and print my work directly in the darkroom.
For digital photography, I use the Nikon Z6II and Ricoh GR2.
For me, cameras and lenses are not just tools, but deliberate choices that shape texture, light and psychological depth. The Leica M6 offers intuitive handling and rich tonal quality, the Hasselblad provides density and depth that are unique to medium format, the Nikon Z6II delivers digital precision and resolution, and the Ricoh GR2 is ideal for high-contrast street photography and multiple exposures.

I have long drawn inspiration from, and learnt a great deal from, the incredible community of photographers on 1x.com. It is a true honour to share more about my work and I would like to thank you sincerely for this opportunity. I hope that, through this conversation, we can all grow, create and advance together.