Dasha & Mari: Dual Aspirations
The history of Europe holds a special fascination for me, though lately, it has been focused on nations from the Balkans, to Eastern Europe. Little of it is taught (or even spoken of) here in the United States. In grade school, we are taught of Spain, France, England, and so forth. Western Europe has its share of magnificent stories, but none so interesting to me as the east. I have yet to scratch the surface in my studies of these countries, and yet I find myself gripped by the history and culture of Ukraine. It is a country that has thousands of years of history, and centuries of valiantly fighting to maintain cultural identity, and self-governance.
It is from Ukraine where the Easter egg originated, and the meticulous process is a sight to behold. But their artistic proclivities aren’t limited to coloring egg shells. Their creativity manifests itself through many things, from the gorgeous vyshyvanka created by Yuliya Magdych, to the delightful pop sensation of Dasha Astafieva. You can add the world-renowned sisters Dasha and Mari to the long list of super talented Ukrainians. The twin photographers come from Kyiv, the beautiful capital city of Ukraine. Having been published in magazines such as Elle, Playboy, and Vogue Italia, they have won numerous awards for their artistic nude, fashion, and psychological portraiture. Their incomparable style is their signature. I believe there is strength in beauty, and I believe the images captured by Dasha and Mari embody this truth.
Do you work on taking photographs together, or separately? Or perhaps there are tasks that are specific to each of you?
We used to work together with a few cameras. It is a natural way of work for the two of us. We understand each other without words, so it is convenient and easy. It is always important to control the whole process of the shooting. We value quality work, so we used to do everything by ourselves.
Ideas are constantly appearing in our thoughts, we discuss possible story development, suitable locations, styling and necessary characters, who will take part in the project and transfer our concept.
In many cases we care for styling and outfits by ourselves, particularly for artistic or personal projects. Thus, we always know that the result will be exactly as we expect it to be - exquisite and refined.
When did you begin doing professional photography?
It is a long story. We started to create since 2009.
How much of your fashion shoots are your vision? Do either of you have a background in fashion?
We have a master’s degree in fashion photography from Kingston University in London, UK. But we were selected for the course as already well shaped artists. Therefore, education doesn’t play a big role in our professional development and career.
Our photography work is a fine product, suitable for demanding fashion customers and art collectors who are looking for something unique and sophisticated. We create Art photography which is cinematic and storytelling, and both have an eye for the perfect scene, composition and details.
Our vision combines vintage and modern streams and turns them into a well-balanced photographic composition.
What kind of equipment do you work with?
We use analog and digital technologies in photography. Among our favorites are Hasselblad, Pentax and Nikon.
Forgive my ignorance, but I am unfamiliar with the term “Psychological Portrait”. What does it mean?
We like to work with people, not only models. Psychological Portrait is the way to depict a human soul, character, particular features, identity, individuality and a certain inner world through our vision, feel of aesthetics and this world.
Have either of you ever been the subject of one of your photographs, or do you prefer to stay behind the camera?
Yes, from time to time we shoot self-portraiture, doing art direction as well. We have a series of works named ‘Backyard Diary’ where we take part as personalities.
But of course more frequently we work behind the camera.
Find more works by Dasha and Mari at their website, follow them at Instagram and Twitter.
