Stana worked for all of the big names in the art nude photography world: Guido Argentini, Andreas H. Bitesnich, Tono Stano, Amadeo M. Turello, Richard Warren, to just name a few. Plus she appeared as a sexy teasing Czech Playmate, too.
Yet her name and person remained unknown to most of us which is the typical “fate” of many highly accomplished classical art nude models. We all know their bodies but can’t remember their names and faces…
A Glimpse Into The Discreet World Of Art Nude Creation
I took up the challenge to delve deeper into the more discreet working spheres of this genre.
I got the opportunity to sit down with Stana and winkle out insights about the art nude modeling world, her take and her career.
Before this interview actually took place, I had the fabulous opportunity to produce a neat studio shooting session with Stana and scent the air of the art nude photography creation principles. During this time, Stana told me that “one can plan the lighting, but not the posing”…
I remembered this statement and we are going to elaborate on this in the interview.
Specifics For A Successful Art Nude Creation
Further specific questions and topics we were discussing are:
- Art Nude posing has a different approach to glam work. The distinction.
- Photographers: Find what to tell/express to the world!
- Creating Art: Even if a photographer has prepared strong ideas, the results are originated by coincidence most of the time. This is what we call CREATING!
- Do not show the pose, show the art (muscels, skin, movements, statuesque postures).
- Accentuate your light! Allow more shadows.
- When working with a photographer over a longer period, it strengthens the trust and images will get better, the work evolves. A model becomes more open to experiments.
- Photographers should study the history of photography and old masters (like Stieglitz, Marc de Burgweid etc., imagery from the 30s/40s, sculptors like Michelangelo).
- I asked Stana to bring 3 of her modeling images and explain her interpretation to us.
Stana. An Artful Creature Herself
She is smart, knows her genre, knows history (a lot of it), preaches to “explore our lives and the world with open eyes”, shows humble gratitude, and always believes that good things will happen.
She always has a plan! But at the same time, she is open-hearted and flexible enough to change course if need be. The last change she successfully carried out was to finish her studies, get a regular job and be happily married.
She now has stopped modeling in order to fully concentrate on conveying art as a teacher.
It’s a bitter loss for the art photography world but an awesome step forward for her. We are truly happy!
Stana, smart-art Goddess, thank you for all the images and art you gifted to the world.
Stana’s Portfolio – Selected Images
Just A Bit Of Fun…:)
Hi Dan,
a very interesting interview of a very interesting and lovely model.
Cheers,
Cornel
Hi Cornel, thanks for watching and commenting. Much appreciated!
Glad you found some gems in the talk, and yes Stana is indeed wonderful!
Best, Dan
Thank you Dan. Another excellent interview with interesting pov’s from an experienced nude model. Love mainly the part (in 20:00 ish) when Stana points that even with a heavy pre plan, MUA, light, etc. the final result is sort of an “miracle moment”, unpredictable, a question of soul, emotion, expression, pose all gathered in a fraction of a second, that only a model can give.
Hi Pedrortega, thanks for watching and your comment! “Miracle moments”: I experienced this now for a few more times when shooting with two other art nude models, Hanna and Nikola for my latest training (“creativity + speedlights” / https://sexywomenphotography.com/store-product/creative-nudes-on-a-budget-with-speedlights-only/). Although I have planned the shoot schedule, looks and outcome I strive for very precisely (= for keeping costs very low), in a lot of the different concepts I got wonderful different results than I anticipated. Not in lighting, mood and style but in message, story and momentum. Especially when working with movements and classical, statuesque poses. What a terrific experience!… Read more »
Hi Dan,
I agree with the comments above. A GREAT interview and one that all portrait photographers should watch. There are so many information gems offered by both of you. Terrific to see the interaction between you both, and what a wonderful and intelligent model that would be an absolute joy to work with.
Thank you Bob! Thanks for watching, commenting and your motivational words.
I am glad that there is various valuable info to be found in the talk.
Feel free to share/recommend the video: https://vimeo.com/182216836
Every play is helpful. Thanks for being a part of SWP!
Best, Dan
Excellent interview Dan. Stana brought up some great points about photographer/model interaction that are important. Keep up the great work!
Hi Buckshot Images, thanks for watching, commenting and your kind words.
I am keeping going, step-by-step. Happy to have some fresh, unexpected content soon.
Best, Dan
Wonderful interview Dan. This one is perhaps my favorite of this wonderful series. It’s interesting that Stana seems to embody all the characteristics of the best art nude models that I’ve worked with in the past. They all have some creative instinct and use their posing as a form of self expression. When you get someone who is experienced as an art nude model, I’ve found that it’s best to give them the freedom to express themselves, and almost take the role of a photojournalist documenting their expressions. The photographer of course contributes by choosing the setting, the lighting and… Read more »
Thanks for watching and commenting, Joe.
When shooting artsy nudes one gets indeed the most tense, surprising and, as a result, satisfying results. It is so different in working process on set compared to glam/commercial.
Best, Dan