Hey, guys! My name is Natalia Serzhanova, and I am a fine art photographer and visual artist based near Milan.
Currently, the core of my work is conceptual self-portraits.
Since my first computer as a teenager, I’ve been seriously into digital image manipulation and photo retouching using Adobe Photoshop.
As for photography, I made my first attempts as a child, using my younger brother as a model. But, honestly, the results of this “art” did not coincide with my expectations, so I decided that photography was not for me!
I returned to photography in my teens because I needed material for my Photoshop experiments.
Since childhood, I was also involved in sports and music, even graduating from a music school in piano class. However, I chose a university with a sports focus.
After graduating with a degree in Sports Management, I worked as a project manager for a few years. In 2012, when I moved to Milan, I dedicated myself fully to photography as it was my main hobby then.
I started as a fashion photographer and retoucher. Still, under the influence of different processes in society and changes in my personal life, I later devoted myself to conceptual fine art photography.
My works are mainly inspired by books on psychology and neuropsychology, surrealistic art, and life itself with all its processes.
I do not use stock photos when creating my images, but only my own. I always start by sketching out an idea, choosing a location, lighting method, and props.
This is quite a long process because I often have to wait for the right natural conditions to take the photos outdoors. It’s also very important to take all the images at the right angle and perspective to get a good picture later in post-production.
Regarding photo equipment, I use Canon gear, as my first DSLR camera was my husband’s old Canon camera, so that’s how fate chose the equipment brand for me.
Canon EOS 6D – it’s the most compact and lightweight full-frame DSLR with a high-quality final image. It has been my main camera for many years. It’s a comfortable, full-frame DSLR that suits me and fits perfectly into my small hand.
I plan to upgrade this camera by taking equipment with a higher resolution that is suitable for large-format printing, such as Canon EOS R5.
I use only three Canon original lenses for different purposes, and they cover all of my needs.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM – together with the 50 mm lens, they give me a beautiful depth of field for the details I photograph.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM – this lens provides the ultimate versatility and image quality mix.
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM – I primarily use it for wide-angle scenes and general views.
Canon Speedlite 430 EX II Flash – I rarely use this flash, preferring natural light, even if necessary in some instances. It provides very high-quality lighting when required.
Lowepro Flipside 200 Backpack – this over-the-shoulder camera bag is the most comfortable and high-quality backpack for long journeys with photo equipment.
They have many compartments and pockets for different accessories. Also, the backpack only opens from the back, protecting all your stuff from being stolen in crowded places.
Manfrotto 190 Aluminium 3-Section Tripod and XPRO Ball Head – Made in Italy. Manfrotto is Manfrotto! High quality.
It’s compact, portable, and versatile, and I can switch it from a horizontal view to a vertical view in just a second. I use it for all my self-portraits. It’s very solid and durable to keep for a lifetime!
Canon RC-6 Wireless Remote Controller– I use it for shutter release when shooting self-portraits.
My treasure – Sketchbook full of ideas – it’s always with me!
Adobe Photoshop – I have been using this software for over twenty years; our friendship is powerful, and nothing can separate us from each other and affect our mutual love!
To be serious, this editor is constantly developing and keeping up with the times and modern trends in the digital world.
Together with Camera Raw, they are the best and most exhaustive tools for me in photo retouching and image creation.
Western Digital Elements External HardDrive and 1TB Western Digital My Passport – are essential for storing and backing up my photos. The one portable is always with me when I’m not at home for more than one day.
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Pen Tablet – I have been using this tablet for many years now and it has served me well so far. It has become an integral part of my creative imaging process.
It is also the most suitable size for my workspace. I use a pen with a rubberized nib with it, as it has the best grip on the tablet’s surface. The other nibs are too slippery and fast for me. Perhaps age is to blame!
Apple iMac 27’’ with matte Nanotexture glass display – a couple of years ago, I needed to choose a new PC to replace my HP Z1 Workstation, and the choice fell on the Apple iMac since I still wanted an All-in-one computer with professional performance and a large display.
What’s more, the Nanotexture matte finish was available as an option. Unlike conventional matte display coatings, the nanotexture is etched into the glass at the nanometer level.
This reduces glare and preserves contrast for stunning picture quality. Apple recently changed the game’s rules by modifying the iMac, so if you want a computer with the same performance, you should consider the Apple Studio Display with the Apple Mac Studio or even the Apple Mac Pro.
Apple MacBook Air – I use this laptop only when I’m not home to make quick corrections in Photoshop or other minor edits. And, of course, for all other standard office tasks.
Some of the necessary bits I also carry:
SanDisk Extreme PRO 300 MB/s UHS-II 16 / 32 GB cards
Lexar Professional HC 133x 16 GB, Canon LP-E6 Extra battery
Mantona 5 in 1 (110 cm) Reflector, Studio Clamps
In conclusion, I would like to say that whatever photo gear you choose to create your photos, the most important thing is to take one hundred percent out of it using knowledge of light, composition, and the ability to put the underlying idea at the heart of your image.
Without an idea, everything else is meaningless. Well, without a cup of real Italian espresso before you start!
Peace to you and your home!
Credit : Source Post
