Warsaw,  May 2025

Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Rita, who traveled all the way from Wrocław to work with me. Together with the whole team, we ventured to the botanical garden, where rhododendrons and azaleas were in full bloom, creating a magical backdrop for our shoot.

Until the very last moment, we weren’t sure whether the weather would allow us to carry out our plans. It had been cold and rainy all week. Fortunately, not a single drop of rain fell during the session, even though it had hailed that very morning! What’s more, thanks to the unpredictable weather, the garden was nearly empty, which gave us peace and comfort while working.

Rita brought along a heavy, striking sword that perfectly complemented the mood of the photos. We used it in several shots, giving them a unique, fairytale-like atmosphere. Rita posed in two different dresses, a red, heavier and more regal one, and a pink, lighter one made of tulle. Each of them introduced a slightly different mood, which allowed us to create a diverse set of images.

I was truly impressed by Rita’s posing skills. She delivered dozens of fantastic poses, which made the session run exceptionally smoothly. I usually spend quite a bit of time giving direction, but this time I could simply keep photographing without pause. Over the course of two hours, I took more than two thousand photos. Here are some of my favorite shots from this session.

Model, make-up: Rita

Photography & Styling: Absentia Anna Starzomska

Assistants: Isia Zarzycka, Marcin Starzomski

May 2025

Among all flowering plants, wisteria holds a special, almost mythical place in my heart. I adore its color, fragrance, and stunning, dramatic form. The lush, cascading blossoms of wisteria create a dreamlike backdrop for portrait sessions. The inspiration for this shoot was Arwen from The Lord of the Rings. I imagined this enchanted vine as the perfect setting for a mysterious elven figure.

Although wisteria is becoming more common in Polish gardens, it’s still less popular here than in places like France or the UK. There, it wraps around gazebos, pergolas, and house facades, evoking a truly fairytale atmosphere. I dream of seeing it become just as widespread here.

There are many varieties of wisteria, with blooms in a range of shades: from white and pale blue, through cool lavender, to deep violet. The plant featured in these photos is the Japanese variety Violacea Plena, also known as Black Dragon. I must admit, while all wisterias are beautiful, this one is my personal favorite.

To enhance the magical atmosphere of the shoot, we used a fog machine. It’s a much safer and more practical option than smoke grenades, which are often used in photography but can pose a fire risk. Working with fog requires a lot of patience – wind almost never lets the smoke settle just how you want it—but I believe the final effect is worth the extra effort.

Almost all the photos from this session were taken with a 50mm lens, which, to be honest, is not my favorite. 😀 I much prefer prime lenses like the 100mm, or ideally the 135mm, though they require quite a bit more running around. So why the 50mm? My model absolutely loves the way she looks in images taken with it, and that means a lot to me. I believe it’s important to try to see through the eyes of the person being photographed. It allows us to rethink our own perspective and often leads to more interesting results.

Model, dress: Isia Zarzycka 

Backstage:

Careful planning is half the success of a photoshoot. Small preparations can make a big difference to your comfort and the overall quality of the experience. Whether it’s your first time in front of the camera or you’ve done this before, it’s always worth taking a moment to prepare.

It’s not about perfection, it’s about feeling as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Below you’ll find a few practical tips to help you get ready.

Choosing Your Outfit

For fairytale-style sessions, the outfit becomes a key element in building the story. It sets the tone for the entire visual narrative and allows us to step into a different world – more magical, ethereal, and extraordinary. Your outfit should harmonize with the location we choose, whether it’s an overgrown forest, an old park, or an abandoned palace, everything should work together to create a cohesive, enchanted mood.

For this type of session, I especially love dresses or skirts made with plenty of flowing fabric, like full-circle cuts. These fabrics move beautifully in the wind or when tossed, creating a sense of lightness and motion, even in still frames. Draped correctly, they can give your photo a majestic, almost painterly look.

Accessories should not be overlooked, they’re often the final touch that brings a fantasy look to life. A crown, elf ears, a lantern, or even a magical staff can add depth to the story we’re telling. Props like these not only enhance the atmosphere but can also make posing easier, especially if you’re unsure what to do with your hands. A book, a crystal ball, a candlestick, or a witch’s broom can help you pose naturally and give the photo more meaning.

If you don’t have experience choosing outfits for a photoshoot, I’d be happy to help. I’ll suggest what works best for the look we want to achieve, what flatters your features, and what accessories might complete the look. You’re also welcome to borrow something from my personal collection. Here you can browse a gallery of example pieces.

With more traditional portrait shoots, the approach to styling is often different. The focus is less on the costume and more on you – the way you look, your gestures, your presence. What matters most is the emotion you want to convey, and the outfit simply supports that. It shouldn’t dominate the frame, but rather enhance the atmosphere, lighting, and mood.

That said, your outfit still matters. It may play a subtle role, but it’s a meaningful one. Take a moment to think about what you feel good wearing. What colors naturally highlight your features? What matches the tone we’re aiming for?

Sometimes, simplicity is the best choice – a well-fitted shirt, a neutral sweater, or a bold-colored dress can create a timeless, elegant look. The key is to wear something that complements you without stealing the spotlight.

Makeup is a very personal choice. My approach is flexible – what matters most is that you feel like yourself, whether that means full glam, something minimal, or no makeup at all.

Many people don’t wear makeup daily and may feel uncomfortable if something too unfamiliar is applied. That’s why I don’t impose any particular style, we’ll choose together what suits you, your features, and the mood of the session. But if you’re up for experimenting, go for it! A photoshoot is a perfect occasion to try something new.

Keep in mind that makeup should complement your styling and the overall aesthetic of the session. For example, with an ethereal, white-flower-themed look, I’d usually advise against dark, graphic lines, unless we’re going for a deliberate contrast. On the other hand, bold makeup can be essential in more alternative or dramatic styling.

If you’re working with a makeup artist, be sure to tell them this makeup is for a photoshoot. Describe the outfit and vibe we’re creating. This helps them craft a look that fits the whole concept.

Makeup for photography is often a bit more intense than everyday wear. It may look heavy in the mirror, but the camera tends to soften contrasts and colors, especially with the lighting we use.

If you prefer doing your own makeup, that’s absolutely fine! Just test the look in advance and use trusted products that hold well throughout the day. And if something’s slightly off, I can usually make minor fixes in Photoshop later.

Practical Tips

One week before the shoot:
– Avoid trying new skincare products or treatments if you’re unsure of the results.
– It’s a good time to refresh your hair color or trim any regrowth, but better to stick to products you trust.
– Book your hair or makeup appointments early if you’ll be using a professional.

2–3 days before:
– If your skin handles exfoliation well, now’s the time.
– Stay hydrated! It’s good for your skin and your energy levels.
– If you’re bringing your own outfit, make sure it’s clean and wrinkle-free.

On the day of the session:
– Bring essentials like lipstick, powder, a brush, and tissues.
– In colder months, pack a warm coat and comfy shoes, even if they don’t match the outfit. 😉 You can wear them between shots to stay warm or move quickly through the location.
– A positive attitude goes a long way. Trust me – I’ll help you feel confident and guide you into poses that highlight your best features.

Warsaw, November 2023

Another “Targi Fantastyki” fair is approaching, and as usual, Isia is preparing to showcase her handicrafts there. She had been contemplating refreshing the graphic design of her online store for some time. However, the most pressing matter she has postponed for a while now is creating a new roll-up banner. Isia briefly told me what she would like to include on it, and immediately, an idea for a photoshoot came to my mind, which we managed to accomplish today.

I was very excited about these photos because I knew precisely what effect I aimed for. The main concept of the photoshoot was to depict the artist at work, surrounded by creative chaos. In my imagination, I had envisioned lighting reminiscent of Caravaggio’s and Rembrandt’s paintings, dark wood, and smoke. Embracing contemporary trends, I believe our styling fits nicely into the ambiance of dark academia. Most of the concepts were successfully executed but some ideas were modified. One of these was the color scheme, which I had planned to limit to a uniform, muted tone with a single contrasting accent – turquoise. During the photo editing process, it turned out that the purples came out so beautifully that it was a shame to discard them.

In addition to the vertical photos for the roll-up, Isia also needed materials illustrating her activities as a craftswoman, illustrator, graphic designer, and website creator. I had some concerns about whether I would be able to create a coherent image representing her multifaceted personal brand, but it turned out to be much easier than I had anticipated. The second potentially problematic issue was the bright walls in the apartment that we had access to for the photoshoot. I aimed for a dark background, so I overcame this obstacle by taking overhead shots (resulting in the dark floor becoming the background) and choosing angles where brown furniture was behind the model. Of course, placing the lights strategically can also significantly help in such a situation, positioning them so that the light doesn’t directly hit the walls and other large, bright surfaces.

I am very pleased with the result we achieved, and I can’t wait for the new version of Isia’s website.

Model, outfit: Isia Zarzycka

Warsaw, October 2023

Autumn is swiftly approaching, although until recently, the weather didn’t quite indicate we’re in the midst of October! It’s the perfect time for portraits among the colorful leaves before it gets cold and gloomy.

This time, Isia transformed into a cheerful hobbit wandering through unknown corners… of Skaryszewski Park. 😉

We aimed to work even more efficiently than usual to ensure nobody caught a cold. Fortunately, we managed to avoid that, and everything went according to plan. After the photoshoot, we dropped by Baja, our favorite vegan café, and just like true hobbits, indulged ourselves with cookies. It was a successful day. 😀

Model, outfit: Isia Zarzycka

Krakow, August 2023

Krakow is one of the most beautiful Polish cities and I am always very happy when I have the opportunity to go back there.

Saturday was rainy, but fortunately the weather was fine the next day. To avoid huge crowds, we went for the photoshoot quite early in the morning. The Main Square and its surroundings were the perfect background for the outfit prepared by Ania. I am constantly impressed by the old buildings rich in refined reliefs and other decorations.

At the end of our meeting, we went to slightly more secluded and shady places that can be found in nearby squares.

August 2023

The flowering period of heathers is a moment I wait for all year round. Taking photos in such a beautiful place is a pleasure for me – well, apart from waking up before 4 a.m. to catch the sunrise. 😉

I prepared several props for our session to emphasize the unique character of the surroundings and introduce interesting elements to the photos. It turned out that Agnieszka had long dreamed of becoming an actress and felt great playing various roles. We managed to implement two “scenarios” – the first one is dark and disturbing, a bit related to the world of Harry Potter, which we both love, and the second one is more cheerful and fairy-tale-like.

Warsaw, August 2023

I love flowers. April and May are my favorite months precisely because of the multitude of blooming trees and shrubs.
Due to my health condition, I was unable to take full advantage of this year’s spring and take pictures in magnolias and rhododendrons. Fortunately, in August you can still find some beautiful flowering plants, and hydrangeas are my favorites. Properly cared for, they can produce large inflorescences in the shape of huge, colorful balls. Interestingly, hydrangeas react to a change in the soil pH, which is manifested by various colors of flowers, depending on whether the soil is acidic, neutral or alkaline. Real magic!

Recently, I came across impressive hydrangeas in shades of pink and beige. I immediately thought that it was the perfect backdrop for romantic portraits. For a better effect, I provided the model with a large bouquet, which slightly enlivened the whole stylization. The openwork shawl is one of the most beautiful things I have in my wardrobe and it was handmade by Mrs. Urszula. I dream of being able to knit such works of art someday.

Model: Isia Zarzycka