Part of a street performance celebrating the return of sunlight, a young woman is dressed as the sun, her face encircled by an impressive crown of sun rays crafted from shimmering ribbons and fabric. Her stern expression conveys a sense of solemn duty, suggesting the ritual significance of her role. Radiant with color and vitality, this portrait stands as a tribute to light, life, and seasonal renewal.

Photographed at the 2012 Zinneke Parade event in Brussels, Belgium. The image was retouched and a blended texture was added to achieve a painterly effect. (May 2012)

• My other portraits and scenes from the Zinneke Parade