Oleg Oprisco was born in Lviv, Ukraine, in 1988 and began his photography journey in his late teens. After moving to Kyiv at 18 to work as a photographer’s assistant, he turned professional in his twenties, gaining global attention in 2013 with a Flickr portfolio of 22 surreal portraits. His work, now based in Kyiv, features soft, muted colours—think hazy blues and gentle pinks—and whimsical, dreamlike scenes that feel like stepping into a fairy tale.
- Primary Genre: Fine Art Photography
- Primary Photography Style:
- Surrealism – Conceptual and whimsical, blending reality with imaginative, narrative-driven visuals.
- Pictorialism – Soft-focus and painterly, creating an emotional, mysterious atmosphere.
- Key Message: Oprisco uses a poetic, tender approach to craft dreamlike scenes that merge reality and fantasy, inviting viewers to interpret the stories within his whimsical visuals.
Oprisco’s photography often centres on solitary figures, typically women, placed in surreal settings like fields or forests. His unique aesthetic comes from soft, muted tones and a shallow depth of field, giving his images an ethereal, painterly quality. He shoots exclusively on medium-format film cameras, such as the Kiev 6C or Pentax 645, using an 80mm lens and natural light—often the gentle glow of dawn or diffused overcast skies—to enhance the mood. Fog is a frequent tool for added atmosphere, while handmade props like oversized books or paper birds bring his visions to life. In editing, he scans his film and makes minimal adjustments in Photoshop, tweaking contrast and softening colours to keep the film’s natural grain intact. His work is presented online and in prints up to 30×40 inches, with his 2015 series Dreams showcasing his signature style.
For intermediate photographers, Oprisco’s film-based methods teach patience and precision. Unlike digital, film demands careful planning—every frame counts, pushing you to nail composition and lighting in-camera. His use of medium-format film delivers rich, unique colours and depth, a look digital can’t fully mimic, while his minimal editing reinforces the value of a strong initial shot. By crafting props and costumes, he shows how physical elements can tell a story without digital tricks, encouraging a slower, more deliberate creative process.
- Accolades:
- LensCulture Emerging Talent (2014)
- Represented by The Hulett Collection
- Featured in Hungarian art publications
- Trivia:
- Builds surreal props from junk by hand.
- Inspired by filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky’s hazy atmospheres.
- Sticks to film, avoiding digital manipulation.
- Rose to fame within a year of starting in 2012.
Lessons from this Photographer:
Oprisco’s approach shows how planning and creativity can elevate storytelling in photography. His handmade props and film workflow highlight the power of working within limits to spark innovation, a lesson for any photographer. By focusing on composition, natural light, and physical elements, you can craft compelling narratives without relying on post-processing—try slowing down and experimenting with props to see where it takes your work.
Website and Instagram:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oprisco
YouTube References:
- “Do You Really Love Me?” – Photography by Oleg Oprisco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JoY45oqQmU&list=RD-JoY45oqQmU&start_radio=1
Citations:
- Bored Panda, April 25, 2014: https://www.boredpanda.com/surreal-film-photography-oleg-oprisco/
- “Do You Really Love Me?” – Photography by Oleg Oprisco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JoY45oqQmU&list=RD-JoY45oqQmU&start_radio=1
