meet sèverine | riónce ripple fund: wave [I] 2025 case study

sèverine just needed a space that didn’t make her shrink.

she joined the riónce ripple fund program in early 2025 with a full vision.
not half-thoughts or maybe-somedays. she wanted to shoot her project ‘non-binary now’. sèverine wanted to direct editorial portraits that felt intentional, regal, and safe. build a body of work that moved her out of headshots and into something cinematic.

and she did just that.

not asking for favours anymore

before ripple, she was still working. still creating.
but always on borrowed time.

“normally i have to try and win studio giveaways,” she said. “or ask people for a discount; or squeeze in a full concept in under 30 minutes.”

she’d been building off scraps, and making it work.
but what she needed was ease. sustainability. room to take her time.

“just knowing the space was there — available, local, mine for a few hours — it made such a difference.”

and it showed.
not just in the portraits, but in the way she moved.

a safe space

“i said in my ripple application that i’d bring in teams, and i’m really glad i actually did,” she said. “it’s been beautiful.”

lighting assistants. stylists. muses. makeup artists.
and always — intention.

“i’ve got three of my muses coming in next week, Black trans women,” she said. “and i always let anyone i bring in know who they’ll be working with. like, if you’re uncomfortable with transness, say that. 'cause we’re not doing weird vibes in here.”

she knows what it means to protect a space.
and what it feels like to be safe enough to create.

“i think it’s really important to make sure the space is safe, especially when you’re working with people that are very marginalised.”

moving different now

she didn’t shout about it. but she used the studio more than almost anyone in the programme.

“i’ve had some really great moments here,” she said. “and it’s helped me come out of my shell.”

“i love that i’ve been able to have other people in here with me. and i’ve got a lot of bts, too which i never normally get. that’s probably one of the things that’s helped the most.”

there’s something about being able to breathe while you work.
something about not having to rush the ending.

it felt natural

“how natural it all felt,” she said.

“like… i’ve done shoots before, but this was different. having a place where i didn’t feel watched or rushed. where i could actually take my time. where it felt safe.”

it wasn’t about pushing herself.
it was about finally feeling like she didn’t have to.

at her own pace, in her own time

she’s not trying to keep up with anyone.
she’s planning. editing. sitting with the work.

“march’s been a lot,” she said. “i’ve got content. loads, actually. but i’ve barely had time to sit down and go through it. i think april’s gonna be the month where everything gets edited and starts coming out.”

she’s thinking about hosting a workshop next.
maybe something on medium format film. maybe poetry. maybe both.
“i definitely am. i just need to plan it.”

the ripple effect

oleta said it to her directly:

“you’ve used it the most! it’s been really beautiful to see the regularity of it. and the teams you’ve brought in, such a diverse range of talent that you’ve brought in. strangers that became regulars in helping you bring your vision to life. big up you for that.”

sèverine smiled, and said:

“you’re such a creative spirit and a wonderful soul. thank you for creating a space that allowed me to create freely, surrounded by love, softness and Black queer joy. i’m so glad we met, girl.”

(in conversation with oleta semple, founder & program co-ordinator)

that’s what riónce is about

not just studios.
somewhere to belong.
somewhere to get shit done — consistently.
a second home.

want to see more of sèverine’s work?

find her at @shotbyseverine
and @severinehowellmeri