Enchanting Storybook Photographs Created With the Help of Real Forest Animals

Animal Photography by Olga Barantseva

Photographer Olga Barantseva works with faithful, if unlikely, collaborators to produce her gorgeous images; she enlists the help of forest animals. From wolves and foxes to a bear named Stepan, the breathtaking photos combine fantasy, fashion, and a kinship between human and four-legged creatures. The results show the cuddlier side of these animals—which we often fear as predators—that look plucked from the pages of storybooks.

Born and raised in Moscow, Barantseva was exposed to bucolic nature and kind creatures from an early age. These experiences have continued to inform her artistic voice, in addition to reading classic literature. “My love for fairy tales has evolved into my magical world where my atmosphere reigns,” she explains, “the harmony of which I try to convey in my photographs.”

To see behind-the-scenes shots of how Barantseva works her photographic magic, follow her on Instagram.

Olga Barantseva uses animal photography in fairytale-like images.

Animal Photography Olga Barantseva

Animal Photography by Olga Barantseva

With the help of a bear named Stepan, wolves, and foxes, the pictures looked plucked from a storybook.

Fairytale Photography by Olga Barantseva

Animal Photography by Olga Barantseva

Animal Photography by Olga Barantseva

Fairy Tale Photography by Olga Barantseva

Fairy Tale Photography by Olga Barantseva

Fairy Tale Photography by Olga Barantseva

Fairytale Photography by Olga Barantseva

Fairy Tale Photography by Olga Barantseva

Fairy Tale Photography by Olga Barantseva

Fairy Tale Photography by Olga Barantseva

Fairy Tale Photography by Olga Barantseva

Olga Barantseva: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Olga Barantseva.

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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.
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