Photoshoot + Interview: 'A Dreamer's Adventure' by elliftheartist
Q: What places or other photographers / artists etc... do you like to look to when it comes to gaining inspiration for your surreal photography?
A: I am inspired by natural landscapes, from forests, tall grasses to green foliage. Even better with flowers! There's a few photographers that inspire me, such as Bella Kotak and Alex Stoddard. Both have such different styles yet both project a quiet beauty in their images. For this particular shoot, I was inspired by Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping beauty. All these fairytales were based in the woods, or a forest. They were my favourite fairy tales when I was a child and whilst shooting this series, the memories came flooding back when I would pretend I was Snow White, or dance in the forest with birds like Aurora did in Sleeping Beauty.
I was also inspired by the Renaissance period, in particular Sandro Botticelli. The gracefulness of the model and the whimsical mood/tone I was creating was inspired by his work, as I am a huge fan and was lucky enough to view them up close in London earlier this year!
Q: How did you first get started with surreal photography? Were there particular skills you had to master in order to begin producing your beautiful images?
A: It began last July, falling in love with Brooke Shaden's whimsical, dark, beautiful story telling images that drew me in.
Photoshop skills, the more I used it, the better I became at it. Lightroom surprises me all the time, I come across a tool and discover I can use it this way or that way and i get blown away by it as I never thought twice about it before!
I am always learning a new skill/technique when creating surreal imagery. It's a never-ending learning experience.
Q: What tools or gear do you prefer to use to help you achieve your surreal imagery?
A: My Sony Alpha 58 (due for upgrade before end of this year to Sony A7!), I use one lens (18-55), a tripod, Photoshop, Lightroom and my imagination!
Q: What is it about this style of photography that particularly fascinates you?
A: The impossible becoming possible in an image!
Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to fellow photographers wishing to capture surreal and enchanting images?
A: To shoot as much as you can, based on what you are inspired by, a thought, a feeling or even a song. You can create a story that's so far-fetched, but if you believe in your story and pour your heart into it, that is when the magic unfolds. Learn Photoshop, this tool is your best friend if you're delving into surreal photography.
We want to thank Anastasia for taking the time to shed some light on her work and encourage you to check out her website or follow along on Facebook and Instagram. Enjoy!