Successful People from Our Neighborhood - Ludmila Schnaider, Photographer
Today, I would like to introduce a photographer Ludmila Schnaider. She is a wonderful woman who is in love with her profession. She considers herself very lucky because she has found the passion of her life in the art of photography. Her unique vision and her ability to create unusual work has already gotten a lot of interest from many admirers.
Ludmila, could you please tell us what inspired you to start your career as a photographer?
The choice of profession was really spontaneous and unusual, and came as a surprise even to me. I was going to get into fashion design, but when I went to University, I was completely overwhelmed by all the wonderful career possibilities that I could choose. It was unexpected, even to myself but I changed my mind at the very last minute and took photography instead. At that time, I didn't even have a camera, but was pretty sure it would be easy to learn, just push the button. How wrong I was!
You mean that everything appeared to be more difficult than you expected but you still decided to continue your studies?
Yes, I was charmed by the great potential of this kind of art, by the fact that there is always the possibility to apply your imagination and to create my own world. We, students, were introduced to a multitude of different styles and techniques, and had to choose whatever was the most appealing. We were spending entire days in the studio and laboratory, sometimes even slept there, working, trying, hoping to create something unique.
Please tell us a little bit about your viral project “Women’s Portraits”. How did this idea occur to you?
One of my hobbies is painting. I can spend hours and hours looking at the pictures of old and modern masters. Especially, I love to study portraits of old time painters. I always imagine how it would feel to go back in time and be part of that creation. I try to understand thoughts, feelings and emotions that were involved in the process. I see those painting as a prototype of modern photography. So it occurred to me that it would be a wonderful idea to reproduce those paintings with a modern twist. And this is how I got the inspiration for my project! I strive not to simply copy them but to add my own touch to the reproduction of the portraits. In my work, I am trying to preserve models with modern personalities and unique expressions.
Let's have a pic at how this is all happening....
Click to viewWhen did you start the project? And what picture did you explore first?
The first picture was done in 2001. It was a self-portrait reproducing Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa". It was done during my studies at the “Vizo” institute in Haifa, Israel. It served as the beginning of my creative works.
Mona Lisa - Real One and the painting
Do you have a lot of people involved in this project?
I started by myself, but now I have an excellent team of professionals:
Hairstylist, Svetlana Skiba, Christina Saparova, Anastasia Kravtsova;
Makeup Artists: Jane Ivko and Yekaterina Semenova;
Jewler: Irina Zaretchnev;
Graphic Designers; Olga Finkelman and Dina Belaya.
There is also, a flower shop supplying us with bouquets for special projects.
Photographs below are all Ludmila's works and part of the project “Women’s Portraits”
All your models are wearing identical jewelry and dresses to original painting. Tell as little bit about this part of the project.
The jewelry and clothes that I use on set have been hand crafted with great precision to resemble the originals in the portraits. All jewelry is made by our talented jeweler, Irina. As for the costumes and other accessories, I have created them myself from scratch.
Why is this project so successful?
Our photo sessions are like theatrical performances. Every woman is an actress, and sometimes this actress is hidden somewhere deep inside. We give everyone an opportunity to play this role, feel the wind of the past. Woman of that time were less obsessed with career, making money. They had more time for themselves. You can see it in their posture or standing, their hairstyle, their make-up. But most important is their look. Women of the old time looked out from the past. Believe it or not, but when the ladies got dressed in the clothes of old times with hairstyle and makeup of those days, they started acting and talking differently. This transformation is truly amazing.
What are your plans for the future?
I am planning to continue working on my project “Women’s Portraits”. Also, I have many others ideas that I would like to execute together with my talented team. My work and all the projects that I have been creating have given me a great sense of satisfaction and realization. I put a piece of my soul in everything that I am doing. In addition, I would like to mention that I am offering my services to anyone who desires to capture unforgettable moments in their life. I am inviting creative people who would like to collaborate and participate in my future art projects. Thank you everyone for the support and recognition of my work as a photographer.
Thank you, Ludmila! I am pretty sure you will be gaining new and new admirers each and every day. For those interested - please, visit Ludmila's web-site!
Don't forget to like her page on Face Book!
All photographs - compliments of Ludmila Schnaider
Story compliments of Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
www.MarinaG.ca
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