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 and Manager of My Modern Met Store. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art where she earned her BFA in Illustration and MFA in Illustration Practice. Sara is also an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs Bear&Bean, a studio where she stitches pet portraits and other beloved creatures. She chronicles the creativity of others through her website Brown Paper Bag and newsletter, Orts. Her latest book is Threads of Treasure: How to Make, Mend, and Find Meaning Through Thread, published in 2014. Sara’s work has been recognized in Be Creative With Workbox, Embroidery Magazine, American Illustration, on Iron and Wine’s album Beast Epic, among others. When she’s not stitching or writing, Sara enjoys planning things that bring together the craft community. She is the co-founder of Camp Craftaway, a day camp for crafty adults with hands-on workshops in the Seattle area.
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