For the last six years, Suleika Mueller has crafted an evocative portfolio that bridges cultures and geographies in service of her mission to create space for hybrid perspectives and underrepresented voices. Together with her collaborators, she carefully explores the human condition, unravelling themes as diverse as spirituality and gender expression through a blend of documentary, fashion, beauty, and portraiture.

When a lot of commercial photography lately feels flat and muted, Mueller’s work is bright and bold, captivating us with her ability to wield light and colour with clarity. This distinct energetic force is made more potent by the emotion and intimacy she packs into every frame. “I’ve always been strongly affected by images,” Mueller tells me over the phone. “This is what originally inspired me to move into photography: I want to communicate feelings or trigger emotions in people.”

As a storyteller, Mueller is detail-oriented, and nuance is at the heart of every project she does. Take Hybrid Identities, an editorial for Document Journal made in collaboration with creative director and stylist Nikhil Mansata. The series spotlights a variety of Muslim creatives – including actor and musician Juliette Motamed; model, stylist, and photographer Deu; and artist Rana Begum.