Iryna Berdnyk at Sala 86 Studio in Lisbon
Sometimes I have the pleasure of working with a model that is just a natural. Every pose, every expression is effortlessly on the money. That’s the feeling I get when working with Iryna Berdnyk, a model who, in a lot of ways, is quickly becoming my muse. I discovered her from the work she did with an amazing portrait photographer, Ela Asanova (@ela.asanova). It was a beautiful black-and-white portrait series that stays in my inspiration folder till this day. I just had to work with her. I’m someone who doesn’t mind traveling for the opportunity to work with certain people and Iryna is worth it.
She’s amazing. Funny, creative, and so easy to photograph. She can just be sitting in a chair doing nothing and it looks like she’s posing. And her face! A portrait photographer’s dream.
On my last trip to Portugal we had the opportunity to work together. This time in a new studio, Sala 86 in Lisbon. I’m always a little cautious when booking different spaces as I’m unsure how the lighting and layout will work for a particular shoot, but all worries were put to rest soon as I walked in. Everything was designed and laid out so meticulously. So intentionally. I snapped a bunch of photos on my phone and put it in an ever expanding folder I have of studios that have design elements I’d love to use in my own studio someday.
What was also interesting is that the studio is on the ground floor of the building. You’d think it wouldn’t get good light when compared to studios that are on a higher floor, but the light was beautiful the entire time. Very soft, directional, and painterly. I think this was also helped by the fact the studio has pieces of diffusion paper over the windows, helping to cut down the harshness of the direct sun. Brilliant idea and something I’d never seen done at a studio before. I took note of it.
Iryna was great at modeling in the space. Sala 86 had both a large empty space and an area with couches, tables, etc. For some, a large open area can be difficult to model in, because there aren’t a lot of elements to play off of. But a great model can make the most of it. Whether it’s an empty room or small closet, the best models can instinctively calculate what poses will produce the best results for the setting. Once she understood my composition(I routinely show the models the photos throughout the shoot), she did the calculations in her head and made it look easy. I just had to aim the camera and shoot. Can’t wait to work with her again!
Closing thoughts at the end of this post. Hope you enjoy this set!
PHOTOGRAPHS
Model: Iryna Berdnyk @irynaberdnyk
Studio: Sala 86 @86__sala
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
ALL IMAGES SHOT ON THE SONY A7RV + SONY FE 28-70MM F/2 GM AND SONY FE 85MM F/1.4 GM II
IN CLOSING
For this shoot I added two new lenses to my kit. The new Sony 28-70 f/2 GM and 85mm f/1.4 II GM. Before committing to the purchase I pondered medium format for a few days, but didn’t want to deal with the slow speed, larger files, and bulkier, heavier equipment. No, I wanted to continue with my A7RV’s, but I felt they needed some lens upgrades.
So I got rid of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN(a lens I didn’t love but tolerated - the distortion is awful) and Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens(a lens I adored) in favor of Sony’s newer options. I wanted the zoom for its versatility and wider depth of field over other zooms in the range. And the new 85mm for its improved sharpness, focusing speed, and unique rendering.
I tell you I have no regrets.
This combo is heaven. Both lenses are super sharp and quick to focus in the often low light conditions I’m shooting in. When working I often use two cameras, one with each lens attached. On shoots like these, I don’t bother with lens changes, I just grab the other camera. It keeps me in the moment and speeds up my workflow. Both lenses receive my seal of approval. They’re phenomenal.
On another note, someone recently commented on my nude photography saying:
“I really love your nude work. It’s nude, but it doesn’t feel raunchy or suggestive. But more beautiful if that makes sense? Like art.”
A description I’m humbled by and one I would agree with. That’s intentional.
Nudity can often tow a fine line between being beautiful or even pornographic. Posing, facial expressions, and even the location can influence the viewer’s impression. Not to mention their own ingrained thoughts and feelings about nudity. No matter what, to some, it will always be too much. They see a naked body and immediately check out or pass judgement. And that’s okay, to each their own.
I try to find a balance with my own nude images. Some are artsy and some are provocative while being tasteful. I think you can do artsy without being boring. And sexy without being raunchy. And in the end, it comes down to what you’re comfortable with and the sort of photographs that move you.
I’ll probably add a few images from this set to this post so come back on Monday just in case!
A big thank you to Iryna for another amazing shoot. More to come.
Hope you enjoyed this post! Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below!
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