BEAUTIFUL TIME TRAVEL PORTRAITS OF GIRLS
BILL GEKAS
With homage to old masters painters, Australian photographer Bill Gekas captures the beauty of youth with a unique modern lens.
Self taught, Gekas began shooting and developing 35 mm film. His transition to digital photography enabled him to create more of the images that formed in his mind’s eye.
Inspired by Caravaggio, Vermeer, Rembrandt, Raphael, Velazquez, and other Renaissance painters, Gekas fuses historical references of light, props, and atmosphere with a more contemporary expression.
Gekas also draws inspiration from cinematography in foreign films. He is especially influenced by filmmaker Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
Lighting and color are particularly influenced by the Baroque style.
The result are portraits that are somewhat surreal, with their time warping atmospheric qualities. We feel the tenderness of youth imbued with beyond-her-years wisdom.
It is no surprise that a lot of preproduction work is involved in Gekas’ shoots. Each photo begins in his mind’s eye, as he first works it out conceptually, then mentally configures each physical aspect and element he will need to achieve his vision.
Lighting, props, composition, wardrobe -- everything is in Gekas’ head before he pulls it all together. Every aspect of the post processing is also worked out ahead of time.
From initial concept to finished post processed shot, a typical shot can average a total of 8 hours.
Gekas always keeps a notebook where he sketches ideas as they strike.
Gekas’ daughter Athena has been the main focus of many of his images since 2010, when he started a project that showed her in a series that recreated old masters paintings. The project is ongoing and Gekas publishes new scenes regularly.
Gekas also accepts commissions. Check out his website for more images and information, as well as to purchase prints.
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