CALEB SCHAFTLEIN,
Projects: working with FACE boutique, as part of the team at the "Holy Moly" salon, collaborating with top-stylist Gala Mudreiko and top make up artist Lucia Petrova.
Featured in: publications on the Vogue platform, in Selin, MOB, Scorpio Jin, Untold magazines, etc.
Affiliation to brands: work with local Ukrainian brands, artist as well as with
dress and jewelry brands, works in command .
Awards: The Artist Edition (for Malvie Mag), top of the best 2024 photography (Scorpio Jin)
I developed an interest in photography while I was still in school. I’ve always enjoyed exploring the world of photography, often taking pictures of my friends and me. Later, during my time at the academy, I focused on reportage photography and attended masterclasses. After that, I worked with a chef, creating content for his restaurants.
I am inspired by creative people whose work is based on hidden meaning and soul. The best ideas come from music, art and the unique compositions of their authors.
Before every shoot, our team goes over every detail, from makeup to the overall look and location. The preparation can take anywhere from a few hours to several months.
Some ideas arise spontaneously, and they often end up being the best ones.
Every photographer, much like an artist, brings their own distinct viewpoint and approach. My primary objective is to help people realize their beauty and present themselves in the most flattering way. When organizing and planning fashion shoots, my goal is to create a product that is appealing and marketable, encouraging both clients and buyers to come back and make a purchase.
Our ideas are often inspired by music and cinema, or we design conceptual shoots tailored to the client's vision, while infusing them with a unique touch of vibrancy and individuality.
I recall working on a massive project that required over two months of preparation. The shoot involved more than 25 outfits, and the challenge was having to plan various lighting setups ahead of time to create the illusion of multiple distinct shoots. Additionally, we faced time constraints. Sometimes, complications arise when there is limited time to deliver the final materials, especially when the retouching needs to be very meticulous.
An exceptional photograph is shaped by creativity, personal expression, and vision, along with the fusion of unique elements like light, color, and intricate details.
I love going beyond the boundaries, a combination of creativity and strength, when there is a plot. When there is a story and a deep meaning.
Сollaborating with a client, we always create a mood board and carefully discuss every detail, especially the color palette. Before the shoot, we take into account the client's characteristics and adapt the concept to their individual characteristics.
I constantly draw inspiration and learn from fellow photographers. Exploring a completely different artistic perspective is truly enlightening. One of my favorite photographers is Anton Corbijn.
Visually immersing oneself by viewing a multitude of images and videos, capturing moments, and organizing the ideas that emerge during the creative process are all crucial. One of my key techniques is maintaining the vibrancy of color and saturation – I have a strong affection for vivid photos.
The toughest situations arise when technical problems happen during a shoot—like a dead battery, lack of a spare memory card, or lighting issues. In these moments, it's crucial not to let the client see your stress or concern, as it can significantly impact both the outcome and the overall shooting experience.
We are currently setting a new standard as we work on a major, highly creative project that traces back to Maison Margiela and its collaboration with the world-renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath. Many aspects of their work deeply resonated with us, inspiring us to create our own interpretation of certain elements and the influence of the team. A large group of specialists is involved in this project, with the image creation process taking around 10 hours. This will include three models, each contributing to a single storyline, intricate makeup, and, of course, elaborate, whimsical performances.
The idea came to me when I wanted a hairstyle that was both voluminous and smooth in texture. We wanted to create a unique narrative in the look, while still paying homage to the classics. We wanted to mix fire and ice, creating a cool, regal presence with a fiery intensity in the eyes. The hair was created using curled chignons, which was a complex process, but worth it to achieve the desired effect. It was an experimental approach to the hair, and the makeup was created intuitively, reflecting the emotion of the moment, as the final look emerged from the creative process. Of course, Lady Gaga’s bold, creative Met Gala looks sparked the imagination and played a key role in shaping the concept.
Instagram:
Our Team
Photographer - Natalia Krasna @ann.mission_ph
Model - Yana Belikova @nanabeliyan
MakeUp Artist & Hair Stylist - Gala Mudreiko @gala_beautystylist