captures the dynamics of youth, showcasing the carefree aftermath of a wild night spent in a hotel room.
The HEADACHE Series (2024) by Mikael van Lichtberg is a collection of analog photographs centered around a blonde fashion model and her companion in a hotel room. The photo series encapsulates the coming-of-age experience of a young woman navigating the complexities of adulthood within the fast-paced world of fashion. The images highlight the transition from carefree youth to a more nuanced understanding of identity.
« Okay, but we definitely need to do better with our food choices, » she said, eyeing the remnants of their high-calorie feast, guilt creeping in. « I mean, how many slices did we actually eat last night? » Her friend grinned, nibbling on a leftover slice, « All that matters is we had fun, right? It’s all part of the job! » They exchanged knowing glances, the shared indulgence of their lifestyle both a pleasure and a dilemma, a delicate balance they navigated as they embraced the chaos of their careers.
« Ugh, my head is pounding, » she groaned, sinking into the softness of the bed as she blinked at the diffuse light surrounding them. Sitting in her oversized sweater, she flicked through the pages of a magazine, trying to find inspiration while surrounded by the chaotic remnants of last night. « Can you believe we actually finished that whole bottle? » Her friend chuckled, hair a wild mess, glancing around at the pizza boxes and empty bottles strewn about.
« Rockstars leave their hotel room for a party, honey, » she replied with a playful smirk.
« Are you seriously reading that magazine? Get over here! » she exclaimed, her tone playful as she adjusted her position on the bed. Her friend peeked over her shoulder, her interest piqued as their shoulders brushed together. « You know we could start a trend with this look, right? » she teased, a hint of something unspoken passing between them. « Definitely, » she smirked, glancing at her friend with a softness that lingered in the air, their connection radiating a playful tension that was both familiar and exciting.
« Hold on, I just need to check my notifications, » she said, scrolling through her phone while sipping from a white mug. « Do you think I should post that pic from last night? » Her friend, still curled up in the blankets, mumbled something about « content overload » but couldn’t help smiling at the thought of their antics going viral. « But honestly, how do we keep doing this? » she laughed, glancing over the clutter of pizza and champagne. « I guess it’s just part of the tour life, babe, » she replied, a hint of something more lingering in her tone as they both enjoyed the moment.
With a deep breath, she leaned back, letting the moment settle over her. « I feel like I need to just… exist for a second, » she said, her gaze drifting to the ceiling. « Like, this is our time to just be. » Her friend, still flipping through the magazine, looked up, a playful smile tugging at her lips. « You know, I wouldn’t mind spending a little more time like this, » she replied softly, a hint of longing in her eyes.
The blonde smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. « I really need to shower, » she said, rising from the bed. « I’ll be back in a bit. » With that, she headed toward the bathroom, leaving her friend to ponder the moment, the air thick with unspoken possibilities as the sound of running water began to fill the space.
