Austere
In the story Austere, Daniel Antropik, a photographer from Poland, comes to explore the way two characteristics meet: the softness of classic femininity and the power of self-confidence. The team that worked on the photoshoot consists of Jula Bienkowska, a stylist; Kamila Vay, a makeup artist; and Julia Hanczewska, a model. Shot in a studio, the editorial is created with a minimalistic approach. The contrasts of the baby blue background and the deeper dark shades of the outfits resemble the dialogue of the characteristics.
We speak with Daniel about the conception of the shoot and discuss the technical approach to creating the 90s look and casting Julia. Daniel explains the way of creating a minimalistic visual, “That could be achieved by natural makeup, fashion that is not stealing all attention, minimal power moves.” The shoot combines both digital work and Polaroid frames. The atmosphere in the Polaroids touches on emotional and sensual appearance intensifying the juxtaposition with femininity.
Photography Daniel Antropik Styling Jula Bienkowska MUAH Kamila Vay Talent Julia Hanczewska at Selective Management Warsaw
‘Austere was planned as a very raw and minimalistic visual to create. It was set to find a strong and confident look as it was possible.’
Tell about the story, Austere, and the work with the team to create it.
Austere was planned as a very raw and minimalistic visual to create. It was set to find a strong and confident look as it was possible. That could be achieved by natural makeup, fashion that is not stealing all attention, minimal power moves, and movement that is visible in the pictures and in a short film.
‘Shooting in a studio is very specific. It is a space for creation, but all the elements of the photograph have to be decided on in advance.’
What do you find as critical while shooting in the studio?
Shooting in a studio is very specific. It is a space for creation, but all the elements of the photograph have to be decided on in advance. The ultimate question is, "What will the light be?" For Austere, we decided to use continuous film lighting to get the grain for photography and be able to shoot the movie in the same lighting conditions to maintain the look. The 90s vibe that I aimed for could be accomplished only in a studio.
Casting the perfect fit model for the story is one of the most important components which eventually supports the rest. What were you looking for in terms of the character for this editorial?
Model character is crucial when there is a need for a strong look. With Julia, I know that I can be sure to achieve what I want, as she is a very confident, self-aware, beautiful woman.
‘I tend to have lots of planning for the shoots, and almost every element of the picture is designed beforehand, but with Polaroid, I can enjoy the element of surprise.’
Polaroids are an additional technique to present the work from yet another perspective. What layers or visual elements did you decide to explore with this type of photography?
Polaroids are something different than digital images, and I like to use them in my work. It is an instant experience, and because it is automatic, you can’t fully predict the outcome. I tend to have lots of planning for the shoots, and almost every element of the picture is designed beforehand, but with Polaroid, I can enjoy the element of surprise which comes from making mistakes. It provides very interesting visual results.
Which moment from this project is most precious to you?
There was one moment in which I understood that I got what I was looking for and imagined before the shoot. It was after taking the portrait with the chain we all came for. But there was more to do, as that was the second fashion look, so we needed to stay in focus to find additional beautiful photographs.
