Katerina Plotnikova

W.C. Fields said “Never work animals or children” and in this day and age, with the wonders of post editing, it is surprising that Russian photographer Katerina Plotnikova works with both of these to create sensual and inspiring visual fairy-tales.

In a world filled with Photoshop, these pictures are real. The mysterious Moscow-based photographer has been creating a surreal world filled with wild animals and beautiful women. The result looks like a fairy tale come to life.

The raw power and size of many of these animals, including tigers, bears, bats, giraffes and elephants contrasts strikingly with the poses of Plotnikova’s graceful models.  Each scene shows an underlying mystical quality, one that speaks of some deep spiritual communication beyond our everyday world.

If you think taking pictures with bears and tigers seems a bit dangerous, each of the images was made with the help of professional trainers, there at every moment and sensitive to the needs of the animals involved.   The set up for each photo shoot is huge.  In addition to the beautiful human models, who come with their own entourage of hair and make up artists and stylists, the animals require trainers and in addition, transport and food for these models [and hopefully a fully stocked first aid kit].  On location shoots require numerous assistants.  So it raises the question, why does Plotnikova choose to go so far to create these images when Photoshop is a cheaper [and let’s face it, safer] option?  It can be argued that for authenticity, Plotnikova chooses this option over post editing and she has obviously built up a trusted team willing to help her realize her every fantasy.  However, I am unsure of the legality of handling wildlife this way in Australia and further where you would find models who are brave enough to pose. 

Photographed by Katerina Plotnikova

Photographed by Katerina Plotnikova

Photographed by Katerina Plotnikova

Photographed by Katerina Plotnikova

Photographed by Katerina Plotnikova

Photographed by Katerina Plotnikova

See more images of Plotnikova and her assistants creating these impressive scenes on http://vk.com/katerina__plotnikova or see more of her work on https://www.facebook.com/KaterinaPlotnikovaPhotography and http://500px.com/katerina_plotnikova

Posted by Alex

Elena Kalis

Elena Kalis

Elena Kalis is an underwater photographer based in the Bahamas'. She lives on a small tropical island and spends a lot of time in the water, which for felt that it would be the best place to experiment with her work.

Kalis originally trained as an artist but decided to take up photography as a new way to express herself. she shoots in both pools and the ocean but prefers the ocean even though it is more difficult due to currents and it is difficult to control your movement therefore it takes many shots to get it right, however the ocean has a beautiful natural stage of fish, corals and it provides spectacular lighting.
Kalis says: "The underwater environment is dreamlike and lucid and just a different world overall. I feel fusion of respect, awe, sensuality, and mystery when shooting underwater and in the ocean in particular". Elena uses a Canon 5D and 5D mark II and selection of canon prime lenses and underwater lighting if there is not enough illumination. With this equipment she creates photo essays and photographic series the she describes as "emotional fairytale". The fairytale-like part is very vivid in her own version of "Alice in wonderland".  It struck Kalis that being underwater was like the place Alice found herself in when she fell down the rabbit hole-this instance being a different perception of reality. From here on out Kalis pushed her imagination, which cam to interesting oppurtunities for Alices adventures in a parallel universe.
These series of images took two long years to create Kalis says: "I can't say that the series is finished even now, I still have a lot of ideas I want to try". Just like majority of her creations "Alice in Wonderland" is a "work in progress".
Kalis has said that she is very proud of the fact that her work has encouraged and inspired hoers to follow this particular style of photography and experiment with their cameras. She says she is also incredibly proud of her daughter Sacha who is a recurring model in her images specifically the "Alice in Wonderland" series Elena says: "she is my muse and my little mermaid".
Kalis has advice for anyone who wishes follow down this path she says: "Don't let the equipment stop you from experimenting and trying new ideas, even the iPhone has a housing these days and you can get a simple protective bag for your to try it out. Even with fairly basic equipment, there are still many effects to be explored and all it takes is a few days on a holiday near clear and warm water".

http://www.elenakalisphoto.com

http://issuu.com/elenakalis/docs/ragmag

http://issuu.com/elenakalis/docs/digital_photo_uk

Post by Jackie

JinkyArt

Image by JinkyArt

JinkyArt is an artistic, creative, magical and fun portraiture photographic service based in Australia. The photographer, Barb Uil, has been operating the family owned business since 2003. Better Photography Magazine Australia comments that ‘Barb Uil has become one of the most sought after portrait photographers in Australia, and it’s not hard to see why’. (http://jinkyart.com.au/
details/) I believe Uil’s work will inspire many photographers to ‘think outside the box’, which will result in a new photography trend and therefore an increase in clientele.

Uil states that ‘photography has given our family so much joy over the years and if there's anything you should know about me, it’s that I am so thankful for this experience. Working with children has always been my passion and I know in my heart of hearts that if I wasn't a child photographer I would still be working with kids and their families in some way… My heart for photography sits in capturing childhood imagination and the beautiful way that a child's laughter can brighten anyone's day.’ (http://jinkyart.com.au/profile/)

Image by JinkyArt

There are two types of photographic sessions that clients can choose from – JinkyArt or JinkyLife. JinkyArt focuses mainly on children and I believe she endeavours to capture the quote by Maurice Sendak shown on her website: ‘Children do live in fantasy and reality; they move back and forth very easily in a way we no longer remember how to do’. (http://jinkyart.com.au/gallery/jinkyart-2/) JinkyLife is about capturing the family and telling their story.

Uil firstly sketches an idea of what the photo shoot could be about, what it might look like, and then works out how it can be photographed. When preparing for her photo shoots, she considers clothing, treasured toys, colours and any special family items that could be included. When it comes to post production, as seen in a video on her website, Uil edits the photographs in Photoshop and Lightroom. The following is a link to Uil’s blog and a JinkyArt Post Processing Video: http://jinkyart.com.au/blog/

Image by JinkyArt

Picturesque locations are scouted to suit the story for each photo shoot – like an autumn trail, a starry night, a forest or an open field. Props are also a key feature in each of Uil’s photographs, which can be both out of the ordinary and exquisite. Some of the props can include items such as a bubble bath, zebra, horse, boat or bed placed in an open field. All of these unique features combine together to create something truly remarkable and inimitable.

Image by JinkyArt

Image by JinkyArt

Not only are the photographs intriguing, the website itself has been beautifully created by Flosites. The website is similar to a drawing, watercolour painting or storybook where fun little interactive animals and objects come alive. A boat sails on the ocean, a fish swims in the water, a fox playfully chases a butterfly and a deer munches happily. If you hover your mouse over a little bird sitting on a tree branch, it will fly away and return, or should you hover your mouse over a frog sitting on a lily pad, it will jump into the pond. The website has been thoughtfully created to suit the style of photography that Uil offers.

To find out more about JinkyArt, head on over to the website: http://jinkyart.com.au/

Posted by Chelsea