Your Alternate Reality: The Magic Behind Cinematic Fantasy Portraits
- Jessica Vodvarka
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 17
Why do we love to immerse ourselves in books, movies, and TV series? Because it transports us to another world, and allows us a brief escape from reality. We fall in love with characters and alternate realities, and whether it's a page turner or a binge session, we get hooked.
Fantasy Portraits allow us to put ourselves in those stories. There is something emotionally binding about becoming part of the fantasies, fairytales, and magical worlds we love. I don't know about you, but as a kid I often day dreamed about receiving my Hogwarts letter. I dressed up as Hermione for multiple Halloweens, collected tons of Harry Potter goodies, and watched the movies on repeat. I was (and still am) so in love with the world, that I wanted to be in it. With Fantasy Photography, you can make it happen for one magical day, with memories that you get to keep (and hang on your wall or share online) forever.
So, what all goes into a Fantasy Photography session? There are many creative details to think about. With the proper guide (hint hint, wink wink), you can achieve cinematic, ethereal images straight out of a storybook.
Fantasy Concept
First, and most importantly, you need the overall concept or idea. Do you want to dress up as Claire form Outlander and roam some foggy castle grounds? (I will be shooting this idea in Germany this winter!) Or maybe bring your kiddo's hero to life in a realistic Spiderman shoot, complete with upside-down, wall-climbing fun? Or do you prefer darker, moodier images? A sorceress screaming from a tower...Hocus Pocus witches cackling in the woods (did that one, EPIC)...vikings battling on a river bank...The possibilities are endless (just writing this is making me want to hire models and start shooting another session YESTERDAY).
Location, Location, Location
Once you have an idea in mind, it's time to dive deeper into the details. Where do you want the setting to be? Is this an idea that would best serve in a studio with lighting and backdrop effects? Or would spooky woods, a castle (yes, there is one in Wisconsin!), or a flower-covered meadow fit the bill?
Creating the Look
Next, and in my personal opinion, one of the best parts, is wardrobe. Pinterest is a great help for finding inspiration and ideas, and I'm all for thrifting and creating from scratch if that works for you. Etsy and Amazon also sell great costumes and accessories, from wicked black feather wings to metal-looking steampunk masks and Lord of the Rings Evanstars. Some photographers like myself own costume accessories and can help you complete your look as well.
Costumes aren't complete without thinking about the hair and makeup. Will you need a wig? Or is the hair simple? Oftentimes it's worth it to add professional hair and makeup to a Fantasy Session. It takes your look from amazing to *chef's kiss.*
Diving Deeper into the Story
Once you are ready for your photo shoot, it's important to think about the story you want to tell. Like any great actor, portraying a character from a book or film production involves emotion, depth, and story. You not only need to look like the character, but you should feel like the character too. This is where great photo prompting comes in and takes your poses from great to stunning. As a Fantasy Photographer I don't make you do all the work - I give prompts that make you think, feel, and move in ways that will translate perfectly in your images. And it will be so fun.
Lastly, what ties an epic Fantasy Photo together is post-production work. While you are dancing in the woods and I'm setting off smoke bombs, I am also envisioning the end product with ravens perched on branches, a mystical hut in the distance, and magical mossy plants in the foreground. While you are punching the ground in an epic superhero landing post, I am envisioning the final image with cracked and broken concrete under your fist and a moody, dark sky. I combine reality with fantasy and make your images look straight out of the world you are creating.
Why Fantasy Photography?
So, why should you book a Fantasy Photography session? Not only is the session (and planning for it) creative and fun, but it is also a confidence booster. For a day, you get to become another person from another world - and that can be powerful. Your images will make you feel amazing, and give you artwork you will want to look at and share forever.
So, have I convinced you? Are you ready to explore the idea of a Fantasy Session? If so, you know where to find me! Check out my free Creative Session Prep Guide for more ideas, and schedule a call with me to take the next step. I can't wait to create something magical for you.
Until next time,
Jess
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