Natalia Ilina photo shoot outcome and pictures

Whether you are interested in a romantic walk, a picnic by the pond or just a lazy hide-away in the rose garden – located in the heart of London, Regent’s Park is the perfect location for any of those activities. The park's picturesque settings also offer many opportunities for a fantastic photo shoot.

Natalia Ilina is a free-lance fashion photographer with an eye for location - so it's no wonder she chose Regent's Park for a romantic themed photo shoot with the WannabeStar June competition winner Superann (Ann). Currently residing in London, Natalia has worked in several countries – her interest in photography grew from snapshots to developing black and white films in her bathroom to full-blown studies in fashion & photography. Her experiences and travel have given her a superb understanding of photography as a medium of fashion art – click here to visit her website & portfolio.

Working together with the make-up artist Justyna Szewczyk, Natalia wanted to create a series of pictures representing the special mood of summer months. "This is the time we all love and wait for," Natalia explains "and I wanted to deliver the atmosphere, moods, warmness, light and even the aromas of this wonderful time of year".

The day for the photo shoot was absolutely perfect - warm and cloudless. Although in many cases a photographer would prefer a slightly overcast sky for portrait shoots, Natalia was inclined to use a strong sharp light from the sun for what she had in mind. Of course, she did make use of the reflector and fill-in flash to create the exact look she desired. Every photographer develops a certain style after a while, and there is no mistaking of her style - Natalia really knows how to make use of the light life few others do!

Ann arrived early, so as to not miss the shoot (better safe than sorry, with London's public transport). She wore white dresses in all of the pictures to present a light summer look - in line with the concept of the shoot. For the first series of pictures, the team created a mini picnic. Ann had some strawberries, grapes and raspberries with her - for the shoot, they used the strawberries for the red colour and contrast. Justyna provided a very light and natural looking make-up, and also ensured that the colour of Ann's lips matched that of the strawberries - it's paying attention to small details like this, that really makes a great picture!

(c) Natalia Ilina

(c) Natalia Ilina

(c) Natalia Ilina

Natalia took quite a few shots to get the model to feel comfortable with the settings. As usual, there were many people around, but Ann was comfortable working in front of people, which of course helped enormously. Soon the team was working in their very own "private sphere" with Ann posing, Natalia directing and taking the photos and Justyna assisting with the the reflectors. The mood was professional but fun – with the team sharing the remaining grapes and raspberries when the pictures were done!

For the next set, Natalia decided to move the team underneath some trees. There was a romantic looking alley nearby, where the crowns of the trees were touching each other, creating an interplay of light and shadow. The light and the background helped create some fantastic images, especially when Natalia decided to "freeze the time" in her photos - capturing the moment when Ann is smiling in the sunlight and a breeze is lifting her dress (picture below left). A good photographer is able to capture three dimensions in a two-dimensional picture, but here Natalia adds a 4th dimension - that of time, and perhaps even a 5th dimension - that of emotion!

(c) Natalia Ilina

(c) Natalia Ilina

(c) Natalia Ilina

Ann was barefoot during this set and although she admitted afterwards that the gravel was slightly painful, nobody would have guessed from her pictures – and those pictures well worth any discomfort! Next look was the beauty shot (see the two pictures above right). The idea was to show Ann's natural beauty and her oriental look. Natalia also suggested adding a big bow as an easy way to make it elegant. Justyna put on some "cold" make-up to play on contrast with summer hot and also to bring out Ann's features. “I felt like a real lady with all that make-up and the fancy clothes,” said Ann “...I was totally surprised at the big change from the make-over!”

In the last set, Natalia needed Ann to look very tender, sensual and feminine. She also decided to capture Ann with the sun behind the model - a technically challenging shot. But then again, this is where Natalia really excels – going beyond the traditional to create some stunning plays of light in her photography. In these pictures, the sun would come very strong on Ann's shoulders and hair, while the front would have very soft light and provide a tender impression overall. Justyna changed Ann's hair, adding a braid and putting a very small painting around one eye. Ann also held a flower between her lips which made that look complete - and somewhat unusual.

(c) Natalia Ilina

(c) Natalia Ilina

Overall, the team managed to get a variety of looks from the session - with some very simple alterations to the make-up and clothing. The star of the day – Ann – was very happy with the outcome. “It totally exceeded my expectations,” she said, “Natalia’s work is too good to miss and I was really happy with Justyna as well – I loved her ideas and the way she adjusted small details in the make-up, keeping everything perfect throughout the day!”

Aside from a fun day, the shots done were also a great addition to everyone’s portfolio. “Couldn’t have had a better model – the first time I saw her, I immediately thought that there was a lot of potential,” said Natalia after the shoot ”she posed well in front of the camera and with great natural flow. Perfect day, perfect pictures!”

If you would like to see more of Natalia Ilina’s work please follow the link www.nataliailina.com to her home page If you would like to get in touch with Justyna Szewczyk please follow the link www.just-make-up.com to her home page

Should you be interested in participating in a photo shoot like this - please check out WannabeStar competitions - it's all FREE!