Interview: Photographer Builds Elaborate Sets to Capture Surreal Portraits In-Camera




Even as a child, Lara Zankoul was interested in photography, finding inspiration in the photos she came across in fashion magazines. Despite her fascination, she opted to study economics for a more secure career. At 21 years old, Zankoul couldn’t deny creative yearning and made a life-changing career change by purchasing a DSLR to teach herself the art of photography. Once she started taking photos, she was hooked, shifting her focus and passion to visual storytelling. Zankoul’s work embodies the qualities of a waking dream, with mysterious and surreal elements that complement the moody atmospheres she creates. Often taking months to prepare, Lara’s dedication to her vision shines through in her desire to get as much as she can in camera–she ambitiously chooses to build elaborate scenes for her concepts rather than relying solely on post editing tools.

Lara was kind enough to take the time to give a behind the lens look into her photographic process. How did you go about teaching yourself the art of photography? I took an introductory course in photography as a free elective during college, and I would spend most of my free time reading and watching online tutorials. I also learned through trial and error via experimenting over the years. I keep learning something about light and photography every day, it’s an endless lesson!

Behind the lens Lara Zankoul

Behind the lens Lara Zankoul

What keeps you inspired to create your conceptual masterpieces? I find inspiration from things as simple as everyday human behavior to as complex as personal experiences that have deeply affected me. It’s important for me to not wait around for inspiration to hit, but rather to always make an effort to take in my environment, to always look around, because as Pablo Picasso said, “inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”
Behind the lens Lara Zankoul

Behind the lens Lara Zankoul

Source: MyModernMet

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