Forest Dreams

Oleksandr Shapovalov, Germany

A distinctive feature of my work is that all effects, styles, and textures are created directly during the shoot, right in the camera. I use specific techniques of moving and shifting the camera to achieve the desired effect. No Photoshop—only a RAW converter for minimal color and light correction. All my mood, vision, and feelings are conveyed immediately, at the moment of capture. In my photographs, you see emotion in its purest form. I began my creative journey, like many photographers, with reportage photography. Later, I became fascinated by motorsport photography, where I learned to capture the dynamics of moments and movement. Simultaneously, I studied color and composition at an art school. However, I always wanted to shoot and create something more than just a photograph. I constantly felt confined and yearned for creativity. My vision as a creative photographer was greatly influenced by the works of Saul Leiter. I became captivated by color and light, their possibilities as key components in conveying mood. Recently, I have been working in the ICM Photo style. In this style, I found something that resonates with me, something I can express through the camera. I enjoy how it allows me to convey a child's perception of the world — an immediate perception full of sensations and emotions. I am also inspired by the works of great painters like Alfred Sisley, Camille Pissarro, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.