As photographers, we are always talking about how making great images is not about what gear you have, but how you use it. The same can go for locations, costumes, models, etc. When photographing these elements, it’s really what you do with them that makes your image magical.
Daniela Majic, a Canadian photographer, is a fine example of incredible talent, using limited resources to create breathtaking conceptual and fashion imagery. You won’t find tens of thousands of dollars of lighting equipment in her studio, in fact, her studio is in her tiny attic where she has built a flower backdrop that she reimagines for each photo in this series. Titled, “The Secret Garden,” Daniela has created a magical fairytale world filled with flowers and butterflies, colors and fashion.
Each concept takes about three weeks of prep and planning to pull together and after watching the behind the scenes video, you can see why. For her recent, Madame Papillon shoot, Daniela created the feather and butterfly infused bodice of the dress in her kitchen and her backdrop, the centerpiece of the series, was repainted, re-hung and re-strewn to match the current concept.
[REWIND: NO STUDIO? NO PROBLEM! PART 4: PHOTOGRAPHY LIGHTING TIPS FOR SHOOTING IN TIGHT SPACES]
The series was inspired by her childhood love of fairytales and movie heroines. Currently, she has been inspired by fashion designers, such as Alexander McQueen and now, Sarah Burton. The 2011 Spring McQueen collection was the inspiration for Madame Papillon.
Because she shoots in such a tight space, Daniela has to “be creative” with the lenses in her kit. She rotates between the 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, 135mm 2.0 and a 24-70 2.8mm on her Nikon D800 and some Alien Bees B800.
Watch Daniela at work in the following behind the scenes video and check out some of the images from the other concepts in this series after that.
The Secret Garden Series
There are more images from each concept and you’ll want to follow Daniela Majic to see her newest concepts that she is currently planning. They are even grander than their predecessors.
- Website: www.danielamajicphotography.com
- Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/danielamajicphotography/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/danielamajic
- Instagram: danielamajicphotos
Daniela is also using her talent to help the charity, “Because I Am a Girl.” She will be setting up gallery shows and raising money to help children in need. You can purchase prints or donate here.
CREDITS: Photographs by Daniela Majic are copyrighted and have been used with permission for SLR Lounge. Do not copy, modify or re-post this article or images without express permission from SLR Lounge and the artist.
[Via Bored Panda]
