When Airbnb first launched, I used to browse their apartments in Paris to find locations for my photo shoots. There were plenty of spacious apartments with designer furniture that worked well for small-scale shoots. However, for larger productions, you may need to obtain permission from the owner to shoot inside, and from my experience, this is often not granted.

Overall, Airbnb apartments can be a cost-effective alternative to renting a full photo studio. However, be sure to check the check-in and check-out policy, as many places have a late check-in time, which can limit the time you have for your shoot. Also, it's important to double-check that the photos on the website are up-to-date and that the apartment looks the same in person.

Staying at a hotel can be a more practical and cost-effective option for a photo shoot compared to renting an entire studio for a day. Many hotels have a unique ambiance and cinematic feel, making them perfect for small projects and working with a one-on-one model.

When working with private clients, I often recommend booking a boutique hotel as a location for our shoot. It provides convenience and enough time to work on our ideas. Non-professional models tend to feel more comfortable and relaxed posing in a hotel room than in front of studio walls.

However, shooting at hotels may present challenges if you have a large team, as many hotels either prohibit shooting or require significant fees. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that hotel rooms may be poorly lit and small in size.

The editor-in-chief of Maxim magazine gave me complete creative freedom for the production and art direction of the shoot. I chose Vika as the model and built a team, but we still needed a location. So, I contacted several boutique hotels in Paris to see if they would provide a room for the shoot. Many hotels offer free rooms in exchange for promotion in the magazine, which can attract new clients. We ended up securing a room at the iconic Les Bains hotel, which has a storied history in Parisian nightlife. Check out an article about it and you'll be surprised!

There were other clubs in that golden age of Paris night life, but perhaps none of them were as era defining. Opened in 1978 on the site of a 19th-century bathhouse in the Third Arrondissement, Les Bains Douches made stars of its designer (Philippe Starck) and resident D.J. (David Guetta), who were unknown at the time. Joy Division recorded a live album in the basement, where Prince performed impromptu and Depeche Mode played years before selling out stadiums. Continue readingI will post photographs from this shooting on my instagram in the next few days. Below you will find the first one. Vika as La Femme Fatale. It's also available as a poster.

Source

It provided us with additional inspiration for the shoot.

2046, Wong Kar-Wai, 2004
Four Rooms, Allison Anders / Alexandre Rockwell / Robert Rodriguez / Quentin Tarantino, 1995
Mystery Train, Jim Jarmusch, 1989
The Shining, Stanley Kubrick, 1980
Barton Fink, Joel Coen / Ethan Coen, 1991
Youth, Paolo Sorrentino, 2015
Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock, 1960
The Grand Budapest Hotel, Wes Anderson, 2014
Lost in Translation, Sofia Coppola, 2003
Death in Venice, Luchino Visconti, 1971
Chelsea Girls, Andy Warhol, 1966
The Night Porter, Liliana Cavani, 1974

As I travel a lot I often find myself in new cities where I have to start from the beginning. Looking for new locations for the shootings it's often quite problematic as you have to establish yourself first.

With time my friend's cycle grows and I often would ask my friend if I can shoot at their places. Of course if their place is good enough to take great images which is not always the case.

Since I travel frequently, I am often in unfamiliar cities and have to start from scratch when searching for new locations for my photo shoots, which can be a challenge as I need to establish myself first. Over time, I have built up a network of friends, and I sometimes ask them if I can use their places for shoots, but it's not always possible as their places may not be suitable for capturing great images. Additionally, I've never been charged by my friends for the use of their spaces.

By looking through images of designer interiors or photo studios I imagine myself shooting there.

I analyze and scan the space for the presence of elements that are interesting for use in the frame: different options for camera angles, the ratio of light-shadow. I think about where and how I would put the equipment, what poses that model could take and how it might affect the composition.

Thanks to these theoretical exercises I get prepared for my future shootings. It helps me to develop and maintain a skill to notice and seize potential for good images around me.

Main goal is to develop and maintain a prized skill - observation.

Studios offer significant advantages when it comes to creative control, as you have complete control over the lighting, set-up design, privacy, timing, team, catering, and comfort zone (including heating and cooling) and changing areas.

Learning to use artificial lighting, whether strobe or continuous, can produce a variety of effects that are difficult or impossible to achieve with natural light outside. You have the freedom to experiment with many different lighting modifiers and develop your unique style over time.

Shooting in well-established and trendy studios can give potential clients a positive impression of your work. You don't have to worry about the changing weather, and most studios include equipment in their rental price. Shooting in a studio can also help you stay focused and less distracted.

However, relying solely on studio shooting can make you complacent, leading to predictable and uninteresting results if you always use the same lighting setups.

As part of my pre-shoot routine, I always check my equipment. It might sound boring but it's a must.

To make sure everything is in order, I use a checklist that includes items such as wires, chargers, clean lenses, charged batteries, extension cords, memory cards, and filters. I may even bring duplicates of certain items for added safety.

Investing in a photo suitcase or bag can also be very helpful in the long run. This way, you always know where your equipment is and what you have, and it saves you energy when it comes to moving the equipment.

By reducing the physical strain, you'll have more energy to focus on the actual shoot itself.

As you can see in the images below, I like to incorporate various objects such as tripods, lighting equipment, and other studio gear into my shots. By doing this, I am able to create unique compositions and narratives. Using these props also allows for more dynamic poses and helps to add intensity to the final image, rather than simply shooting in front of a white wall.As you can see on images below most of my studio shots consist different objects, tripods, lightning by itself, other studio equipment. I use all of them to create a new composition and a new narrative. It gives me more options for poses and the intensity of the picture as just to shoot infront of white wall.

It's incredibly inspiring to delve deeper into the photo studios of famous photographers. It's not just about the equipment they may use, but also about immersing myself in their world, as the studio often reflects the aesthetic of the photographer.

I find it inspiring that some of the most iconic images were created in modest studios. It's not the size of the space that matters, but rather what you can achieve with your skills and creativity.

The private library at the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin displays Helmut's work office, his vast collection of cameras, his attire for special events, and various press clippings. These details left a profound impact on me, as they provided insights into his personal life. Seeing what he wore, what he read, and other aspects helped me to gain a deeper understanding of him.

Life is richer than imagination! Go out into the wild!

I absolutely adore shooting outside, but it can also be quite a challenge as it always feels like an adventure! Despite how much I prepare, almost every shoot turns out to be unpredictable. The weather may suddenly change, tourists may appear right as I'm about to snap a shot, or my camera battery may die and I'll need to find a way to charge it.

Yet, the allure of the street lies in its authentic portrayal of real life, making it so exhilarating to capture moments and create images that are impossible to recreate in a studio. My photography has always been about challenging myself and shooting outside was a way to do just that. I take what I'm given, but I arrange the world according to my own vision, and it can be a tough feat.

Eventually, I came to realize that the studio environment wasn't conducive to my creative process. My imagination required the realism of outdoor locations or even hotels to truly thrive.

Some pros for shooting outside:

• Offers unique and varied backgrounds and environments
• Provides opportunities to tell a story or create a mood through the location
• Can offer natural lighting that can create a specific atmosphere
• Allows for creativity and spontaneity
• Provides an opportunity to incorporate local culture and landmarks
• Can be more cost-effective than renting a studio
• Can provide inspiration and energy for the team
• Provides opportunities to capture more natural and candid shots
• Allows for a larger scale production with more people involved
• Can provide opportunities for travel and exploration.

Here are some potential cons for shooting outside in a fashion photoshoot:

1. Unpredictable weather: Weather can be very unpredictable, especially in certain regions. Rain, wind, snow, and extreme temperatures can make it difficult to plan an outdoor shoot, or cause it to be cancelled altogether.
   
   
2. Limited control over lighting: Shooting outdoors means you have to work with the available natural light, which can be difficult to control or modify. This can limit your ability to get the exact look you want for the shoot.
   
   
3. Noise and distractions: Shooting in public locations can bring a lot of noise and distractions that can disrupt the focus of the team and the models. This can make it difficult to capture the perfect shot.
   
   
4. Permit requirements: Depending on the location, you may need permits to shoot in public places, which can add extra costs and time.
   
   
5. Limited access to power: Depending on the location, it may be difficult to access power for lighting equipment, cameras, and other gear.
   
   
6. Safety concerns: Shooting in some locations may present safety concerns, such as busy roads or rugged terrain, which can put the models or crew in danger.
   
   
7. Wardrobe challenges: Shooting outdoors may limit the type of wardrobe that can be used, as some outfits may not be suitable for certain weather conditions or outdoor activities.

When I'm out walking, I keep an eye out for new and interesting locations that would make great backdrops for future photoshoots. This could include unique buildings, streets, bridges, and other architectural objects that catch my eye.

As I explore and discover these places, I take photos and make note of their location on a map. However, I also consider practical factors like how crowded the area is, whether there are suitable places for the model to change, access to electricity, and the lighting conditions.

All of these factors are important to take into account when selecting a location for a photoshoot.
Consider the poses for your models and how you plan to utilize lighting.

When you're at home or outside, start to pay attention to objects with a certain color, such as green, and scan your surroundings to find as many objects with that color as possible. You can repeat this exercise with other colors of your choice.

Next, focus on objects with a particular shape, like circles, squares, ovals, or rhombuses.

For the third stage, try to find color combinations of different shapes, such as red squares, green triangles, or blue rhombuses.

This exercise helps train your eye to act as a scanning filter, making it easier to quickly identify and highlight specific objects and combinations within a larger context.

It's also important to familiarize yourself with color theory and how different colors and combinations can impact perception, especially as a fashion photographer.

Take creative risks, learn as much as possible and try everything. With time and experience you will gain confidence.

Sometimes by doing things you don't want to do you might discover things that you want to do.

It's essential to know what you want. Having a strong sense of your goals will help you to progress.

In my experience, creating an atmosphere of comfort and collaboration among the team is one of the most crucial factors in achieving a successful photoshoot.

Trying to control everything can actually limit the potential of the shoot. As James Arthur Ray said, "Control is never achieved when sought after directly. It is the surprising consequence of letting go." Instead, take advantage of the access to great professionals and collaborate with them, exchanging ideas and staying true to your vision.

To create a relaxed and productive environment, focus on the long-term and work on your strength of conviction and clear communication. It's also important to ensure that not only you and the model are at ease, but the whole team as well. You'll need to direct and guide them to achieve your goals and create fantastic images.

Don't be afraid of accidents or the unexpected. Let life come into the picture and involve team members in the creative process. Empower them to suggest ideas and interact with them creatively.

It's also important to handle setbacks and challenges with grace. Expect the unexpected and use setbacks as opportunities to improve how you deal with challenges, strengthen your ability to work with others, and revisit your intentions to ensure your choices are aligned.

Finally, when checking photographs in front of the model, be discreet to avoid appearing rude.

Professional models are meant to work in front of a camera. It's their job and talent. Models suppose to have a feeling for the lightning and translate photographer's ideas.

It's important to have good communication with the model and make sure they feel comfortable during the shoot.

The way you talk and guide them can make or break the shoot. Be respectful, give clear instructions and explain your ideas. Encourage the model to express themselves and let their personality shine through.

Try to establish a connection with the model, even if it's just for the duration of the shoot. This will help build trust and make the model feel more relaxed, which will result in better photos.

Always treat the model with respect and professionalism. They are human beings, not just objects to be used for your photos. By creating a positive and respectful working environment, you will not only produce better photos but also build a reputation as a photographer that people want to work with.
____

Талант модели проявляется в работе с камерой. Чувство света.

В каком-то смысле вы оба начинаете с чистого листа и вместе путем экспериментов и совместного поиска ищете решение поставленных задач и идей.

Важно заметить и привнести индивидуальности модели в кадр. Руководя позами, будьте осторожны, чтобы не превратить моделей в безжизненных роботов.

Veruschka

Veruschka von Lehndorff, commonly known as Veruschka, is a German model and actress. She was born on May 14, 1939, in East Prussia, Germany (now Poland). Veruschka is considered to be one of the world's first supermodels, and she is known for her height (6' 1"), striking looks, and unique style. She became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, and was a muse for many photographers and fashion designers. Veruschka also had a successful acting career, with roles in films such as "Blow-Up" (1966) and "Salome" (1972). She retired from modeling in the mid-1970s and now lives in Germany.

Veruschka: From Vera to Veruschka
Verushka: Trans-figuration

GIA

Gia Carangi was an American fashion model in the late 1970s and early 1980s. She became one of the first supermodels, recognized for her androgynous look and unconventional beauty. Gia worked with many famous photographers and designers and was known for her charisma and energy in front of the camera. However, she struggled with addiction and personal issues, which led to a decline in her career and ultimately her death from AIDS-related complications at the age of 26. Her life and career have been the subject of several books, documentaries, and a biopic.

The 1998 movie "Gia" is a biographical film based on the life of Gia Carangi, a famous American fashion model from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The movie stars Angelina Jolie as Gia and chronicles her rise to fame in the fashion industry, as well as her struggles with drug addiction and personal relationships. The movie was well-received by critics and earned Jolie a Golden Globe award for Best Actress. It helped to bring greater awareness to the life and legacy of Gia Carangi, who is often considered to be one of the first supermodels in history.

Twiggy

Twiggy, whose real name is Lesley Lawson, is an English model, actress, and singer who rose to fame in the 1960s. She was known for her androgynous appearance, short hair, and long eyelashes, and became a prominent figure in the fashion industry during the mod and youth fashion movements. Twiggy's modeling career included work for major fashion designers, as well as magazine covers and advertising campaigns. She also ventured into acting, with roles in films such as "The Boy Friend" and "The Blues Brothers", and had a successful music career, releasing several albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Twiggy has been honored with numerous awards for her contributions to fashion and entertainment, and remains an iconic figure in pop culture.

List of famous models in the 80-90s.

• Cindy Crawford
• Naomi Campbell
• Christy Turlington
• Linda Evangelista
• Claudia Schiffer
• Elle Macpherson
• Tatjana Patitz
• Kate Moss
• Helena Christensen
• Yasmeen Ghauri
• Stephanie Seymour
• Eva Herzigova
• Cindy Crawford
• Karen Mulder
• Amber Valletta

1. "Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel" by Alek Wek
2. "I Am a Pole (And So Can You!)" by Stephen Colbert (satirical biography of a fictional fashion model)
3. "Model Woman: Eileen Ford and the Business of Beauty" by Robert Lacey
4. "The Beauty of Living Twice" by Sharon Stone (memoir, including her experiences in the fashion industry)
5. "Walk This Way: The Autobiography of Aerosmith" by Aerosmith (includes autobiography of fashion model and band member, Bebe Buell)
6. "Raising Eyebrows: A Failed Entrepreneur Finally Gets It Right" by Dal LaMagna (memoir, including his career as a fashion model)
7. "Just a Girl: Standing in Front of a Boy" by Lucy-Anne Holmes (memoir, including her experiences as a fashion model)
8. "Naked" by David Sedaris (memoir, including his brief career as a fashion model)
9. "Grace: A Memoir" by Grace Coddington.
10. The Ugly Business of Beautiful Women by Gross, Michael (2011) Paperback

Music can play an important role in photography shoots by creating a specific atmosphere, enhancing emotions, and stimulating creativity. The right music can help set the tone for the shoot and create a relaxed and comfortable environment, which can be especially important for portrait or fashion photography where the model's mood and expression are crucial.

Music can also evoke specific emotions and enhance the story or message the photographer is trying to convey through their images. For example, slow and somber music can be used for a serious or melancholic shoot, while upbeat and lively music can create a fun and energetic atmosphere.

Moreover, listening to music can boost creativity and productivity, which can be beneficial for the photographer, model, and the entire team. It can help everyone get in the zone and work more efficiently, which can save time and improve the quality of the final product.

In summary, choosing the right music for a photography shoot can significantly impact the overall mood, creativity, and productivity on the set.

In my case, my laziness drove me to understand how to work with light. I never enjoyed spending too much time setting up equipment and installing lights (not more than five minutes), so my lighting on many photographs may be far from technically perfect, but it suits me and defines my style.

Each time I begin to set up lighting, it's as if I'm reinventing the wheel. I don't try to imitate previous lighting settings and techniques for new shoots. Instead, I try to choose lighting that complements the model and emphasizes their personality and features.

In the studio, it's best to start with one light source. Once you feel confident in controlling and creating different moods with one light source, you can gradually add more lights.

Light should complement and help express your creative vision. Technically perfect photography can be the most uninteresting photo in the world. Photography is the art of painting with light.

I believe in being childlike on set. Be open to surprise, try new things, and maybe you'll discover "your original light." Challenge conventional decisions and techniques, take risks, explore different options, even if they seem crazy at first. Play and, most importantly, have fun. Working with light should not intimidate you.

Each new shoot is an opportunity to try something new, whether it's in the studio or on the street. Try inventing and creating light with your own hands, using lamps from home, flashlights, and more. It can be cheaper, more original, and more fun.

I find it essential to watch and analyze backstage videos from fashion shootings. These videos provide a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of the creative process, including how photographers work with models and other industry professionals to create stunning images. By observing the lighting schemes and equipment used in the videos, I can gain valuable insights into how to achieve the desired mood and aesthetic for a shoot.

In addition to learning about the technical aspects of photography, watching backstage videos can provide insights into the photographer's creative process and how they interact with the team to bring their vision to life. By observing how the models pose and move, I can gain inspiration for my own shoots and improve my ability to direct and guide my subjects.

Overall, I believe that studying backstage videos is a valuable source of inspiration and education, allowing me to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and trends in the industry. It's an essential part of my ongoing learning and growth as a photographer.

Despite my years of experience, I still prefer to keep my technical equipment simple and lightweight. Heavy and complex gear can often hinder the creative process. I don't want to spend time thinking about hardware; my focus is on capturing the girl and the world around her.

CANON 5 MARK IV
135 mm / 35 mm / 50 mm

I used LEICA Q for a while but I don't view my images through the viewfinder so I gave up.
build - in 28 mm / 35 mm / 50 mm

I rely on cameras to capture the moments and scenes that I see with my eyes. However, the act of constantly looking through the lens can sometimes make me feel disconnected from the present moment. It's important for me to take breaks and step back to fully experience the world around me without the filter of a camera. By doing so, I can refresh my perspective and gain new insights that can be applied to my photography. I find that taking the time to be fully present in the moment can help me see things from a new perspective and create more meaningful images.

I'm really particular about how I work on my photos, but I like to make it seem like I did it by mistake.
And I also like when the camera is slightly tilted or something unexpected happens in the shot.

Images that are intentionally blurry, grainy or have "bad" technique can often create an interesting and unique effect that cannot be achieved through traditional, polished photography. The imperfections can add character and emotion to the image, making it more engaging and captivating to the viewer. Therefore, intentionally creating blurry, grainy, or "bad" images can be a deliberate artistic choice rather than a mistake to be avoided.

I find that portrait photography requires a unique set of skills and techniques to truly capture the essence of a subject. One of the most important aspects of portrait photography is creating a comfortable and relaxed environment for the subject, allowing them to express their personality and emotions in a natural way. It's also essential to have a strong understanding of lighting, composition, and posing, as these elements can greatly enhance the overall quality and impact of the portrait. Additionally, paying attention to details such as wardrobe, makeup, and hair can also play a crucial role in creating a memorable and impactful portrait. Overall, portrait photography requires a combination of technical skills, creativity, and interpersonal skills to create a truly exceptional image.

This is one of my all-time favorite portraits. It features Liza and was taken in Moscow in 2014.

The weather was stormy on the day of the shoot, and while we were on the roof of ArtPlay, Liza's tears began to flow due to the strong winds. Although she was not sad or in pain, I recognized the potential of the moment and decided to capture it with my camera.

The result is a stunning portrait that exudes a sense of mystery and sensuality thanks to the tears.

In 2018, I had the pleasure of working with Liza again for our next photoshoot, this time in Moscow. It had been a few years since we last worked together, and I was excited to see how much she had changed and grown during that time. I was eager to capture these profound changes in our images and reflect on them.

The resulting photographs had a very different mood compared to our previous work. They were very dark and raw, with a strong emphasis on provocation and sexual energy. We began the shoot at the Lobster Studio and then moved on to the Saint Room, exploring different moods and atmospheres throughout the shoot.

Sometimes it can be challenging to capture a portrait of a subject outside of the studio. In the studio, you can rely on composition to a greater extent than the person you are photographing. However, real life doesn't always lend itself to the controlled environment of a studio.

There are several advantages to shooting in a photo studio:

1. Control: You have complete control over the lighting and the environment, which means that you can create the exact look and feel that you want for your shoot.
   
   
2. Consistency: The lighting and environment will be consistent, which means that you can ensure that all of your shots will have the same look and feel.
   
   
3. Privacy: Shooting in a studio provides a private, controlled environment, which can be particularly useful for sensitive or confidential shoots.
   
   
4. Comfort: Shooting in a studio provides a comfortable and climate-controlled environment, which can be particularly useful for shoots that require prolonged periods of shooting or for shoots that are taking place in extreme weather conditions.
   
   
5. Access to equipment: Studios often have a wide range of equipment available, including backdrops, lighting equipment, and props, which can help you achieve the desired look for your shoot.
   
   
6. Efficient workflow: Shooting in a studio can be more efficient than shooting on location, as you can easily move from one shot to the next without having to pack up and move equipment.
   
   
7. Reduced distractions: Shooting in a studio can reduce the distractions that can come with shooting on location, such as noise, weather, and other environmental factors that can affect the shoot.

The reason why I love these images so much is that they are packed with details and there's always something happening in them.

In recent years, taking pictures with phones has become extremely popular, and with each new phone model, cameras are getting better with higher resolution, finer quality, and a variety of lenses. At some point, these images begin to compete with images shot on professional cameras, and in a few years, images on phones might become a new acceptable standard in photography.

Nowadays, almost anyone can effortlessly take a picture. You just need to click, and the photograph is ready. Then, you can make some quick adjustments using various available apps, edit the images, and upload them online to your social media, send them to a friend, or even a client.

There is no need to hire a professional photographer and wait for weeks for the final edited images. Now, you are in total control of the whole artistic process. You can become your own photographer and take self-portraits or shoot your friends, landscapes, and call yourself a photographer.

We live in a golden age of photography where millions of people all over the world produce millions of photographs every second. However, I have a feeling that an exciting era of photography is naturally coming to an end, and a new era of "Contenography" is beginning.

Another observation is that most people tend to trust images shot on their phones more than images shot on professional cameras. The way they look and see themselves on the screen of their phone suits them better, and they like it more. Pre-installed filters and AI algorithms operate like Photoshop and make people look prettier. Even mirrors are not truthful anymore.

That's why you can see how iPhone images are getting more likes and attention on social media. Images made using professional equipment belong to galleries, magazines, and printed work.

Early in my career, I was hesitant to shoot nudes, but when I moved to Paris and began shooting more model tests for agencies, I noticed that semi-nude photos were more widely accepted in the industry.

In those days, fashion photography in Paris blended elements of art and eroticism, and certain pornographic aesthetics from the 70s had become fashionable.

This new visual style extended to fine art, movies, pop music, and advertising as well. Here are two photographs from that period, one taken in Moscow and the other in Paris.

Over time, my approach to artistic semi-nudity has evolved. I now incorporate semi-nude photographs into my shoots, emphasizing the beauty and sensuality of the models while maintaining an artistic perspective.

To me, it's super important that the photos don't come off as straight-up porn. I try to keep a certain level of aestheticism in there. There's a difference between sensuality and straight-up sex? Like, one is a spiritual kind of attraction, while the other is just graphic and explicit.

Some people may criticize nude photography for objectifying the subject, but I follow my instincts and do what feels right to me.

At a certain point in my career, I made the decision to shift my focus from fashion photography to nude photography. It was a challenging decision as it demanded a higher level of technical knowledge and experience. Photographing someone who is completely naked is very demanding as you have to ensure that you capture the skin texture and maintain the trust of the model. Moreover, there is a lot of responsibility involved in this type of photography.

In my nude photography, I find it intriguing to maintain a sense of mystery around the model I'm shooting. I've noticed that the less I know about them, the more fascinating the final result. My goal is to capture an ideal woman in my photos, one that may not even exist in reality.

In my photography, women are the focal point. I aim to capture their sexiness and seductiveness in a way that the image is complete without the need for a man in the scenario.

I often receive feedback that most of my work features fully nude models, but that's not entirely accurate. While the models do wear clothing in my photographs, the overall composition and atmosphere of the image create a seductive and alluring impression that may give the appearance of nudity.

The photograph has a cinematic quality to it, resembling a portrait or even a street style photography. A mix of eroticism and fantasy, bold and daring, often blurring the lines of voyeurism and provocation.