Ukrainian portrait and fashion photographer Jaroslav Monchak plays with light to create natural shots, yet teases the scene with subtle storytelling to add an extra dimension of interest.

An attractive model wearing an expression imbued with layers of subtext, a well-placed prop that draws the eye, a backdrop masterfully illuminated to deliberately reveal specific aspects of interest; there's more to the Canon Ambassador's portraits than first meets the eye.

Whether shooting within the walls of his fully-equipped 90-square-metre studio, or out on location, Jaroslav has garnered a reputation for being exceptionally thorough in order to bring his creative concepts to life, right down to nailing the smallest detail.

"The first thing I look for is an interesting location that inspires me," he says. "After that, I choose the clothing that suits the location with the help of a stylist. Then I select the models and all the additional details. In the frame I try to convey the atmosphere of the location, so the viewer who sees the photo feels as though they could be there."

Jaroslav, who is completely self-taught, set out on his journey to become a photographer in 2008; since then, he has steadily perfected his technique and honed a style that is alive with light, colour, emotion and energy. During his career, Jaroslav has ventured into other genres alongside fashion and portraiture. Most recently, he has worked in advertising, shooting high profile campaigns for dozens of brands and pointing his lens at everything from designer lingerie to digital notebooks. Yet since 2016, Jaroslav has found another love alongside photography: teaching. He established a photography school, known as Lighthouse, which has given a new generation of photographers the opportunities he once lacked.

"When I first started taking pictures all those years ago, this type of school just didn't exist," he says. "The purpose of my photo school is for self-development, where students can gain a practical knowledge of photography. I like to talk with these like-minded people who come to us to learn. I get so much pleasure from teaching and being useful to them. We welcome the opportunity to teach beginners and enthusiasts. I just love working with new and exciting photographers."

What's been the most valuable lesson you've learned during your career?

"Probably that, in the photography business, it's important to find and maintain the right balance between commerce and creativity."


What do you do to your images in post?

"The first thing I do is correct the exposure and the white balance, and then if necessary, I select the contrast."


What's been the highlight of your career so far?

"I would say my main achievement was when I created my own photography school, Lighthouse, which teaches beginners and enthusiasts."


What's the biggest thing in fashion photography right now?

"In my opinion the biggest shift has seen poses become less contrived and much more natural, creating a feeling of relaxation and ease."


What's your secret for nailing the perfect portrait?

"I like to use an aperture between f/2.5 and f/3.2, and never put the shutter speed longer than 1/100 sec, to avoid a blurred image."

"Photographers who are interested in pursuing a career in fashion and portrait photography should ensure that they know the basics. They need to have a strong command of all the technical skills, and fully understand how aperture, shutter speed, ISO and all the other settings work, and how they affect each other. Then it's a case of understanding the light. Portraits with good light will always look beautiful. So spend time looking for the light. Usually I like to work with one source of soft light, which may be a regular window, or a studio softbox."

Facebook: Jaroslav Monchak

Instagram: @monchak

Website: jaroslav-monchak.com.ua