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30 Magical Pics That Show The Human And Animal Bond, Captured By A Russian Photographer
These pictures are what dreams and fairytales are made of—Russian photographer Katerina Plotnikova creates beautiful portraits that balance between the real and surreal. While she nails lighting, composition, and other important aspects of the craft, arguably the most impressive feature of Plotnikova's work is her feature of animals that we aren't used to seeing in fine-art photography. Like a bear. Or a moose.
While seemingly dangerous, these ideas were made possible with the help of professional animal trainers.
And even if Plotnikova includes a more "conventional" animal, every pixel of her photos radiates such rich mysticism, her work is absolutely enchanting
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#1
DC 4 years ago
Albino Crow, huh? Or is this a raven? Anyway, they're beautiful in black, in black/grey, and in white, too.
Daniel Gaddis 4 years ago
I swear it was yesterday I wondered if there was such a thing as an albino raven or crow. Stunning photo. Just moving
Plotnikova has been interested in photography since childhood. "I was fond of drawing, did courses, went to art school, and entered university for a specialty related to design. One of the subjects was photography, and completing the assignments for this course fascinated me so much, I began to explore the world of photography," she told Bored Panda.
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#2
Theblackdeath757 4 years ago
the bears are probly terrified, there more scared of us then we are of them, people don't get that ):
Roxanne Alexander 4 years ago
I'm sorry but putting a child in danger for the sake of a photo is wrong. I certainly wouldn't let my child be so close to a bear. Even if there is someone nearby with a gun, the bear could have her cute little head in his mouth before anyone could shoot.
#3
hi myself 4 years ago
This is beautiful, but I'm just worried about the girl with no sleeves on in the snow.
Katerina finds inspiration in just about anything. It can even be a simple element like a dress and the rest of the photo simply builds around it. Plotnikova also gets a lot of her ideas from flea markets, secondhand stores, and even garbage bins. Sometimes people throw away stuff the artist finds simply priceless. However, more than anything, Katerina is inspired by nature—a landscape can make her fly.
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Tabby_Sohee 4 years ago
OMG! I’m so jealous of both their hair.... red, just complete red and it’s beautiful. And the fox looks absolutely precious.... gorgeous pair!
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person (i think) 4 years ago
I’m impressed she kept her eye open! I think I could do this, except I would definitely be closing my tarantula eye!
The animals find their way into Plotnikova's photos in a variety of ways. "At the moment, I am collaborating with several farms," she said. "We can say they lead a 'transparent' lifestyle and are active on social media, with numerous videos where they talk about how their pets spend their days, and each follower can watch and make sure that the animals are fed and loved."
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InfectedVoice 4 years ago
Top pic is me all high in the kitchen, desperately trying to hug my cat before he claws me and runs off.
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Janoel Murrey 4 years ago
that snake is a boa python i have held one before when i went on a cruise it is so friking nice
Danger Noodle 4 years ago
I think it's an albino Bernese Python. I volunteer at a zoo with one. He is massive but he's such a gentle snake.
Chanandler Bong 4 years ago
Burmese python :) some sort of coloration morph; thought it was albino but it's really orange (rather than yellow) and its eyes look black
As you can see, the animals in her photos also look at ease. Comfortable. Katerina said there are a number of reasons for it. "The most important thing is that the owners of the animals inspire their confidence, they are professionals in their field, they are present next to their pet during the entire shoot and, as a rule, with a supply of treats," she explained. "This helps both the model and the animal to relax. Another thing is, in most cases, I photograph an animal in its territory next to its home."
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InfectedVoice 4 years ago
A lot of the bigger jellyfish, like these, aren't particularly dangerous to humans.
Mielikki Mielikková 4 years ago
this is like the Evanescence music video. Going Under I believe
Of course, animals don't always pose the way we want them to. Katerina said sometimes they just stand or sit on the set. For example, a deer might get hungry and it just starts eating. For them, shooting becomes lunch. If that happens, Katerina just tries to make the best out of the situation and might brush up a few things in post-production or glue a few shots together.
"To me, every detail matters. Especially the location. I can go anywhere for a good location," Katerina said.
#12
Chaotic_pansexual 4 years ago
1. Absolutely gorgeous. 2. Am I wrong in thinking that horse looks a little thin?
Cherie Avallon 4 years ago
Surreal photo physical. So beautiful. When I look at these j feel.like I am looking at a far away magical kingdom. If anyone needs to hear Bravo, it is you.
#13
-Annelise- 4 years ago
*shows this to my horse Gizmo* Me: do you maybe wanna.... him: no Me: 0-0 please him: -_- fine
#14
Jim Ellington 4 years ago
Imagine how cool it would be if the photographer intended that.
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InfectedVoice 4 years ago (edited)
I think the owl's wings are disturbing something in the air, it's not snow that's for sure.
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Glynna Bowood 4 years ago
I love the way the girl and the owl are so similar that, any minute now, she will morph into another owl and they will fly off...
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Felice Coles 4 years ago
That is some great costuming right there. See how the yellow undertones of her dress play up the golden in the owl's underwing? And her sleeves and collar are the same color as the flowers? Genius.
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Felice Coles 4 years ago
Not just a tender girl: those spines on the back of the cloak add a fierce element.
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Amy Begun Saab 4 years ago
This wig should be better placed? It's the first thing my eyes go to. Maybe photograph the models who wear them in profile? Maybe it's not a wig-if I'm mistaken forgive me
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Ellie J 4 years ago
The photos are beautiful but I can't help wonder where the mothers of these baby animals are..
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 4 years ago
I am really curious about that as well. The photos are spectacular, but I would like to know more about the animals in the photographs. Are they from a sanctuary? Were they rescued from a zoo? Are they domesticated pets (I understand that Russia has different laws on keeping exotic animals as pets.)
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Son of Philosoraptor 4 years ago
First picture great. The Wolf Witch. Awesome. Second picture weird. Disturbing ideas arise. But I guess when you're a Wolf Witch...
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What do you think ?
Ola Pe 4 years ago
The pictures are beautiful but it scares me to think of where they take these animals from and how come they are so tamed
InfectedVoice 4 years ago
My animal rescue head has to wonder if these animals are all ok, I suspect some of them may be sedated, which is no good. Stunning pics though, the closest I can get is a picture of me on the sofa in shorts and a food stained t-shirt with a dog and some cats all fighting for space.
chi-wei shen 4 years ago
This is one of the most beautiful photo collections I have ever seen on Bored Panda.
brukernavn340 4 years ago
Don't promote this crap! https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/global-wildlife-tourism-social-media-causes-animal-suffering
InfectedVoice 4 years ago
Sadly, the bears are probably sedated or something.
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Hannah Edwards 4 years ago
Cudos to the models looking wistful and ethereal instead of freezing and worried about bears/tigers etc. They really are gorgeous photos, just hope the animals are used ethically.
Theblackdeath757 4 years ago
idk what i think. nice pics, but you should not mess around with wild animals, its very bad. humans are animals too, yes we do have more control over the world, but we used to be like wild animals...
Chaotic_pansexual 4 years ago
The photos are gorgeous but I do worry for some of the animals and even with the animals that are usually pets, such as the large yellow boa, the horses, or the hedgehogs (foxes are even pets sometimes -rescued from fur farms-) it feels too stiff, unnatural. I think some of the photos would be much more gorgeous if the models smiled and interacted more with the animals rather than having such a serious pose and demeanor. Still very beautiful tho
Ola Pe 4 years ago
The pictures are beautiful but it scares me to think of where they take these animals from and how come they are so tamed
InfectedVoice 4 years ago
My animal rescue head has to wonder if these animals are all ok, I suspect some of them may be sedated, which is no good. Stunning pics though, the closest I can get is a picture of me on the sofa in shorts and a food stained t-shirt with a dog and some cats all fighting for space.
chi-wei shen 4 years ago
This is one of the most beautiful photo collections I have ever seen on Bored Panda.
brukernavn340 4 years ago
Don't promote this crap! https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/global-wildlife-tourism-social-media-causes-animal-suffering
InfectedVoice 4 years ago
Sadly, the bears are probably sedated or something.
Load More Replies... Hannah Edwards 4 years ago
Cudos to the models looking wistful and ethereal instead of freezing and worried about bears/tigers etc. They really are gorgeous photos, just hope the animals are used ethically.
Theblackdeath757 4 years ago
idk what i think. nice pics, but you should not mess around with wild animals, its very bad. humans are animals too, yes we do have more control over the world, but we used to be like wild animals...
Chaotic_pansexual 4 years ago
The photos are gorgeous but I do worry for some of the animals and even with the animals that are usually pets, such as the large yellow boa, the horses, or the hedgehogs (foxes are even pets sometimes -rescued from fur farms-) it feels too stiff, unnatural. I think some of the photos would be much more gorgeous if the models smiled and interacted more with the animals rather than having such a serious pose and demeanor. Still very beautiful tho
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