Surreal Portraits of the Human Form Hiding Behind Reflections of Nature

artistic fine art photography loreal prystaj

Up-and-coming American photographer Loreal Prystaj is making waves with her new, conceptual photography series, Reflections of Nature. Shot in Finland, the enchantingly surreal set of photos sees the fine art photographer laid out in nature, with just a mirror covering her head and torso.

The results are impressive. The lush greens and blues of Finland's environment contrast against the photographer's milky skin. The mirror, hugged closely, intermittently acts to both camouflage and reflect. As a result, she is one with nature, immersed with only her bare legs and arms to betray her presence.

“Often times, mirrors are used to emphasize the minute details, but rarely used to look at the big picture. What if nature looked at itself? What would it see? What would we be?” Prystaj asks. “Would our identity stand out or would we be a small detail? Would nature change us? Would we be a beauty mark or a blemish? Accentuated? Concealed? From observing nature’s schedule and landscapes, I placed myself in its environments while nature looked at itself in the mirror.”

Prystaj is known for her body-based fine art photography, which juxtaposes the human form and its environment. Having graduated with her BFA in 2013, she is a rising star in the field. Reflections of Nature recently captured the top prize in the Fine Art: Conceptual category of the NDA Photo Awards.

fine art photography artistic nudes

artistic conceptual photography loreal prystaj

artistic fine art photography loreal prystaj

fine art photography artistic nudes

artistic fine art photography loreal prystaj

artistic fine art photography loreal prystaj

artistic fine art photography loreal prystaj

Loreal Prystaj: Website | Instagram
h/t: [this isn't happiness]

All images via Loreal Prystaj.

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Staff Editor and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book "Street Art Stories Roma" and most recently contributed to "Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini." You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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