Photographer Brings Russian Fairy Tales to Life in Artistic Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Photographer Margarita Kareva brings the beautiful mystery of Russian fairy tales to life through her fantastical portraits. Employing elaborate costumes and surreal props, each image is a peek into a mysterious, magical world. Kareva calls these vignettes Plein Air, as they take place among the gorgeous outdoor landscape with models who exude elegance—even when confronted with wild animals.

If you had told Kareva that five years ago she’d be a photographer, she wouldn’t have believed you. But, she picked up a camera back then and hasn’t stopped since. “I often say thanks to the Universe for giving me a passion for my life,” she wrote. Her path to photography was a natural extension of her interests when she was younger. “I loved to read since childhood,” she explained, “and perhaps my love of reading has made me a dreamer and a person living in their fantasies.” It's not something she takes for granted. “I'm glad that I had a way to play out my fantasies with the camera. It is very important for every person—to have their own way of expression.”

Margarita Kareva transforms Russian fairy tales into stunning, fashion-forward photos.

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits

Russian Fairy Tales Translated into Fashion-Forward Portraits
Margarita Kareva: Website | 500px | Instagram
H/T: [Bored Panda]

All images via Margarita Kareva.

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled "Embroidered Life" that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content