Thread by @DrAlakbarov

Thread:

Oleg Oprisco is a very talented photographer from Lviv, Ukraine, who creates stunning surreal images of elegant women in fairy-tale or dream-like settings. There’s one significant difference, however, Oprisco shoots using old-school film photography.

The fact that he shoots with film means that everything you see in these photos had to be created that way – it couldn’t be done digitally.

“I’ve found it ideal to do everything myself. I come up with a concept, create the clothing, choose the location and direct the hair and makeup,” Oprisco explained in an interview.

“Before shooting, I plan the overall color scheme. According to the chosen palette, I select clothes, props, location, etc, making sure that all of it plays within a single color range.” He uses Kiev 6C and Kiev 88 cameras with medium-format film and a variety of lenses.

It’s clear that Oprisco is deeply passionate about his work. “Each of my photos is a scene from real life. That is the perfect source of inspiration for me as there is so much beauty to it.”

Oprisco offered some inspiring advice for aspiring young photographers mixed in with some tough love as well. “Drop your job and shoot … if you feel that’s what you want,” he said. “Freedom, happiness, money… all will come after you let go and just shoot.”

"As a lab operator, I got a chance to view and adjust the color of several thousand images a day. I can’t even count the number of weddings, house warming parties, birthdays and other holidays I have visited through sorting those images."

"Observing the world around me inspires my next photograph. Of course there are my own changes that I add to the reality, such as characters, props, location, and light… However, I am constantly involved in a search for inspiration and ideas."

"The overall problem of artistic education of the populous exists, which makes it very hard to make a living as an artist.

The main enemy of any photographer is laziness."

"It is very important to analyze everything all that has been done; note the successful moments, eliminate errors and shoot, shoot, shoot. Ongoing analysis, clear creative plans and regular practice will help one feel his/her strengths and gradually progress."

"The viewer is very demanding and constantly wants to be surprised. In photography, this discovering process is the most difficult and at the same time the most interesting part of the craft."

"I am always surprised that instead of analyzing and re-shooting (attempting to correct) the failed shot, many photographers torture themselves, the frame and the viewer by trying to fix it in post-processing.

"My favorite lens of all time is 300mm f/4.0 by Meyer Optik Orestegor.

Tripods and bags by company Manfrotto. My favorite film: Kodak Portra 160 and Kodak Portra 400. And Epson scanners V750Pro and V850Pro. However, no difference what kind of pen writes a good book."

"If you cannot create alone, look for like-minded people: designers, photographers, or simply creative friends to help you find the right idea when shooting."