p a i n t i n g s

Hi again!

I really appreciate all your comments, thanks for warm welcoming!!! :)

You’re asking how was that effect achieved – it’s not really that difficult.
First of all, that was done with polish models and really talented guy who put the outfits together (outfits were done from small pieces of fabrics, lace, paper flowers ect.)
The idea itself came from National Gallery, which I visited as I moved to London – I was studying carefully these old paintings and I was somehow inspired by them.

Equipment - nikon D3 + 85mm f/1.4 – as you can see on pictures I was using really shallow depth of field (around f/2.8- f/3.5) it gave me very painterly and soft effect.

The lighting looked more or less like this:

lighting-diagram01.jpg

lighting-diagram02.jpg


There was a huge soft-box on one side and a silver reflector on the other. It was pretty close to the model, so the effect was soft and subtle. In most cases I was using only modeling light as flash light would be to strong to take pictures on that big aperture.

This all above gave me already painterly look. However I wanted some of the pictures more up to date – so either I framed them tight or gave them strong back light (see 2nd diagram.)

To tell the truth there was not much post processing here.
- Some usual retouch with patch tool (removing skin imperfections, but models were professionals so there was not much to correct).
-Color correction with colour balance (generally yellow in highlights, cyan in shadows – that’s why the background is kind of greenish) ,
-some contrast
-and finally little of dodge and burn tool to enhance shadows and highlights.

I hope you'll find this information helpful.
Sorry for all language mistakes – English is not my first language I moved to London 1 year ago indeed :]

horrocks said:
I saw the phrase 'self-taught' somewhere as well. I wish 'self-taught' would work as well for me...
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Jayst84 said:
...Needless to say he was a bit jealous when he found out you're only 25. :D
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And what is unusual about being self-taught and 25? :)

Thanks a lot! :)
 
wonderful first post. Some great images and a good explanation of how you did them too.
 
Thanks Kustra,really well done.:):clap:(y)
 
Have to say I don't really like them...






JOKE!! just thought I'd make everyone gasp. Fantastiche!!!
 
I don't always feel obliged to comment as i think we're spoilt with really high exceptional work on here quite allot but these are really good, exceptional (y)
 
Kustra said:
And what is unusual about being self-taught and 25?
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Nothing unusual in either, but whilst many artists produce some of their most brilliant and inspired work when they are young, not so many can claim to be entirely self-taught. You have an unusual and exceptional talent, and I suspect we will hear much more of you in years to come.

Thanks are due for being so open regarding your technique. I love the shallow depth of field in many of the pictures, and I remember years ago, long before digital, a Nikon specialist telling me how good the (then) 85mm 1.4 Nikon lens was for portraiture. I think I need to get one!
 
I am not at all a portrait person where I generally avoid taking portrait shots and so therefore it isn't my place to offer any criticisms good or bad in that field . . . but that collection literally made me break out into goosepimples. What STUNNING photos, and the processing really worked!
 
Kustra, your portraits are quite stunning.
Its great that you have taken the time to share your set up with us. I look forward to seeing more of your posts. :)

I would like to ask what software you used to show the lighting diagrams?
 
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At least it's a change from the normal overprocessed/underexposed **** we keep seeing in the crit sections.

Great processing and very neo-classical subject matter. Definitely proves why its key to have a good make-up artist, costume person and some good looking models. Good work....
 
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specialman said:
At least it's a change from the normal overprocessed/underexposed **** we keep seeing in the crit sections.

Great processing and very neo-classical subject matter. Definitely proves why its key to have a good make-up artist, costume person and some good looking models. Good work....
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totally agree with the above quote :clap:

Absolutely fantastic work, can only hope to produce work like this, if I fail I might end up taking pics of fish.
 
I have just read through 3 pages of posts all saying the same thing, so I would usually not bother to comment unless I have something to add - but these are that good they deserve applause. They stand out from most of the other potrait work I have looked at and are truely stunning. Great work.
 
I don't think I've seen anyone get such a response to their pictures, especially someone who has just joined. All justified though, agree with specialman, it does make a refreshing change.
 
Kustra, how long are the shoots and how much goes into getting that luscious make-up? Portraiture like this was always well beyond my talents because of the amount of time preparing the models for the shoot. Are you doingt he make-up yourself? If so, that's a bloody good job.

I'd probably say these are the most striking and original pieces I've seen for a long time and the National Portrait galarey influence is something you've got down to a tee...

Massive praise indeed :)

tarby said:
totally agree with the above quote :clap:

Absolutely fantastic work, can only hope to produce work like this, if I fail I might end up taking pics of fish.
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Naughty....
 
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Thanks again for all comments!!! :) I am really glad that you like it!

Treesie said:
I would like to ask what software you used to show the lighting diagrams?
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http://www.lightingdiagrams.com/Creator

specialman said:
Kustra, how long are the shoots and how much goes into getting that luscious make-up? Portraiture like this was always well beyond my talents because of the amount of time preparing the models for the shoot. Are you doing he make-up yourself? If so, that's a bloody good job.
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I used to do make-ups by myself but it's much better when somebody trained is doing that - you can focus on your photography job (lighting set up, testing light ect.), and shoot while he/she is doing other makeups - it saves a lot of time :) You can find lot of talented make-up artists on http://www.modelmayhem.com

I had a make-up artist (he was a stylist as well) - I think it took about 30 minutes (per model) to put the models make-up than about 15-30 minutes to make hair, and about 15 minutes to dress and decorate. Every outfit took me about 20-30 minutes to shoot. Generally with everything it took about 8 hours. It's not the longest shoot I had :)

Cheers!
 
It's 1981!! - New Romantics and all that!! :D :D

Superb set!! Really good.
 
FANTASTIC shots, PP, models, make up and wardrobe. great eye for detail.
almost timeless feel to them.

Wonderful, simple, professional and elegant website too ;)
 
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Welcome to the site Kustra. :) I'm basically posting this to subscribe to the thread to make sure I never forget these. Put simply I don't think I've seen better portrait work - inspiring stuff!

(It's also the first time I've considered looking into studio work, as normally I find it a little sterile..!)
 
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Like all the others say... WOW
 
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