Stunning Fashion Photo Shoot Taken on Top of World’s Deepest Lake

Lake Baikal Fashion Photography by Kristina Makeeva

As the world's deepest and clearest lake, Siberia's Lake Baikal is picturesque all on its own. But when you add incredible fashion and colorful lighting, it takes on a new air of magic. Photographer Kristina Makeeva, who is known for her lush fashion and travel photography, produced a stunning set of images that show off the majestic scenery and equally exquisite garments. Working in collaboration with SmugMug, Makeeva commissioned fashion that would highlight the landscape and create a surreal atmosphere.

SmugMug followed Makeeva as she created this dreamscape fantasy for the short film Imagination Unbound. In it, Makeeva discusses how her childhood growing up in the grey suburbs of Moscow caused her creativity to flourish. Her childhood daydreams and fantasies of far off places have translated into her photography, as she's now able to make these dreams a reality.

Coming to Lake Baikal for the shoot was a natural choice for Makeeva. “Baikal is a very beautiful place but it’s also a very spiritual place,” she shares in the film. “It has an energy that you can feel. It has a transcendental element that really drives my creativity. It’s another world and one of my favorite places on earth.”

Her aim in commissioning the dresses was to make them larger than life, so grand that they could stand up to the wonder of Baikal's landscape. By contrasting the sleek ice with the natural, flowing materials of the dresses, Makeeva is able to achieve her fantasy. It's breathtaking work that reinforces her position as a top fine art photographer. As she continues to explore the world, she brings her magical vision of life to the public through her work.

Contrasting cool ice with flowing fashion, photographer Kristina Makeeva creates a fantasy world.

Kristina Makeeva - Ice and Fashion at Lake Baikal

Kristina Makeeva - Ice and Fashion at Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal Fashion Photography by Kristina Makeeva

The photos use Siberia's Lake Baikal—the world's oldest and deepest lake—as a backdrop.

Lake Baikal at Night Under Lights

Lake Baikal Frozen by Kristina Makeeva

Lake Baikal is a favorite spot for Makeeva, who is inspired by the spiritual energy of the setting.

Lake Baikal Fashion Photography by Kristina Makeeva

Kristina Makeeva - Ice and Fashion at Lake Baikal

Kristina Makeeva - Ice and Fashion at Lake Baikal

Watch SmugMug's short film on Makeeva's photography and her creative inspiration.

Kristina Makeeva: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by SmugMug.

Related Articles:

Photographer Creates Stunning Scenes Straight Out of a Dream

Travel Photographer Captures Gorgeous Flowing Gowns Against Breathtaking Landscapes

Spectacular Photos Capture Frozen Beauty of Largest Freshwater Lake in the World

Photographer Takes a Surreal Twist on High-Fashion Portraits of Opulent Women

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer 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.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.

Sponsored Content