Fashion photography blends creativity, technique, and a deep understanding of human emotion.
For our Lykkers who are passionate about visual storytelling, the work of photographer Jaroslav Monchak offers an inspiring journey into this art form.
Known for his refined portraiture and clean compositions, Monchak is a trusted name in the high-end photography world. His approach is systematic, practical, and rooted in years of hands-on experience with both people and professional gear.
A Vision of Elegance Through the Lens
Photographic Style and Background
Visual artist Jaroslav Monchak has gained recognition for his sophisticated portrait work. His photographs are carefully lit and composed to convey depth and emotion.
Based in Lviv, he collaborates with top-tier fashion magazines and international brands. Jaroslav's journey began in 2005, originally focusing on landscapes and macro imagery. His discovery of portrait photography marked a turning point, eventually leading to a dedicated studio and technical mastery of lighting techniques.
Approach to Portraiture
He emphasizes human connection in every frame—each photo represents a new person, a new energy, and a new story. His preferred tool for capturing this essence is the Canon EOS R5, praised for its image quality and reliable performance.
Paired with lenses like the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM or the versatile RF 28-70mm F2 L USM, he creates both expressive close-ups and detailed full-body shots.
Lighting as a Creative Tool
Simple and Effective Lighting
Jaroslav stresses that outstanding results don't require complex equipment. Most of his work relies on a single light source, often daylight, enhanced by a white reflector.
This approach allows for greater focus on the subject and atmosphere without distractions. A window, for example, offers soft and dynamic illumination. By positioning the subject at different angles to the light, shadows can be controlled to add dimension.
Studio Setups with Control
For indoor sessions, he recommends darkening the space to eliminate unwanted ambient light. A single strobe or a constant light, supported by a modeling lamp, helps direct the viewer's attention to the model. This controlled environment is ideal for experimenting with highlights and shadows.
Exploring Artificial Lighting
Artificial light opens new possibilities. Using tools like softboxes, reflectors, or ring lights changes the mood dramatically. For instance, softboxes near the model create gentle light, while reflectors produce sharper contrasts. Adjusting the distance and direction of the light also affects the visual result, helping to define or soften features.
Refining Image Quality
Color Accuracy and White Balance
Modern cameras like the EOS R5 offer precise color reproduction, reducing the need for heavy editing. Jaroslav suggests setting white balance manually, especially when switching environments. A neutral gray card is a practical tool for achieving accurate tones in every situation.
Choosing the Right Gear
For high-resolution demands, he relies on the EOS R5's 45 MP sensor. Its advanced video features also allow for flexible framing, ideal for social platforms.
In terms of lenses, he highlights the RF 28-70mm F2 L USM for its unique mix of prime-like performance and zoom flexibility, while the RF 50mm F1.2 L USM offers strong subject separation and excellent sharpness.
Enhancing Technique and Composition
Lens Selection and Framing
Jaroslav encourages testing various focal lengths to understand how they affect composition. Wide angles can create a sense of motion or exaggeration, while standard lenses offer natural perspectives.
Learning the basic composition rules, such as the rule of thirds, provides a foundation—yet breaking them can lead to remarkable results.
Manual Control and Exposure
Most of the time, he prefers manual mode for full creative control. However, semi-automatic settings like aperture priority can be helpful in unpredictable outdoor lighting, letting the photographer focus on expression and pose rather than constantly adjusting settings.
Practical Application and Focus Techniques
Getting the Focus Right
In fashion and beauty photography, the subject often needs to be precisely in focus—especially in motion. The EOS R5's eye-tracking autofocus excels here, maintaining clarity during dynamic actions.
Touch-and-drag focus via the LCD screen also allows for quick adjustments, ensuring accuracy and flexibility on set.
Layering for Depth
One advanced method Jaroslav uses is layering—positioning subjects and background elements at different depths. This technique adds richness and guides the viewer's eye through the image, enhancing storytelling in advertising or editorial content.
In Conclusion
Jaroslav Monchak's approach to fashion photography is a blend of creativity, discipline, and technical understanding. For our Lykkers eager to refine their skills, his process offers a roadmap: focus on connection, understand lighting, and let each photo reveal a piece of the story.
Whether in a home studio or on location, with the right tools and mindset, elegant and powerful images are always within reach.
