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These pictures are what dreams and fairytales are made of—Russian photographer Katerina Plotnikova creates beautiful portraits that balance between the real and surreal. While she nails lighting, composition, and other important aspects of the craft, arguably the most impressive feature of Plotnikova's work is her feature of animals that we aren't used to seeing in fine-art photography. Like a bear. Or a moose.

While seemingly dangerous, these ideas were made possible with the help of professional animal trainers.

And even if Plotnikova includes a more "conventional" animal, every pixel of her photos radiates such rich mysticism, her work is absolutely enchanting

More info: Instagram | Facebook Vkontakte | 500px

Plotnikova has been interested in photography since childhood. "I was fond of drawing, did courses, went to art school, and entered university for a specialty related to design. One of the subjects was photography, and completing the assignments for this course fascinated me so much, I began to explore the world of photography," she told Bored Panda.

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    Katerina Plotnikova Report

    hi myself
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is beautiful, but I'm just worried about the girl with no sleeves on in the snow.

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    Katerina finds inspiration in just about anything. It can even be a simple element like a dress and the rest of the photo simply builds around it. Plotnikova also gets a lot of her ideas from flea markets, secondhand stores, and even garbage bins. Sometimes people throw away stuff the artist finds simply priceless. However, more than anything, Katerina is inspired by nature—a landscape can make her fly.

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    The animals find their way into Plotnikova's photos in a variety of ways. "At the moment, I am collaborating with several farms," she said. "We can say they lead a 'transparent' lifestyle and are active on social media, with numerous videos where they talk about how their pets spend their days, and each follower can watch and make sure that the animals are fed and loved."

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    #6

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    Katerina Plotnikova Report

    PandaJon
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love the foxes challenging look in the second photo

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    As you can see, the animals in her photos also look at ease. Comfortable. Katerina said there are a number of reasons for it. "The most important thing is that the owners of the animals inspire their confidence, they are professionals in their field, they are present next to their pet during the entire shoot and, as a rule, with a supply of treats," she explained. "This helps both the model and the animal to relax. Another thing is, in most cases, I photograph an animal in its territory next to its home."

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    Katerina Plotnikova Report

    Marek Yanchurak
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Let's see that on a t-shirt. Yes, I'm looking at you, Three Wolf Moon...

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    Of course, animals don't always pose the way we want them to. Katerina said sometimes they just stand or sit on the set. For example, a deer might get hungry and it just starts eating. For them, shooting becomes lunch. If that happens, Katerina just tries to make the best out of the situation and might brush up a few things in post-production or glue a few shots together.

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    "To me, every detail matters. Especially the location. I can go anywhere for a good location," Katerina said.

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    Emily
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So moody and gorgeous!

    Chaotic_pansexual
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    1. Absolutely gorgeous. 2. Am I wrong in thinking that horse looks a little thin?

    Glynna Bowood
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, that is stunning against the dark clouds.

    Cherie Avallon
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Surreal photo physical. So beautiful. When I look at these j feel.like I am looking at a far away magical kingdom. If anyone needs to hear Bravo, it is you.

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    #18

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    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this should have more upvotes

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    #21

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    Katerina Plotnikova Report

    Tabby_Sohee
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “I shall take you under my wing...”

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    Felice Coles
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is some great costuming right there. See how the yellow undertones of her dress play up the golden in the owl's underwing? And her sleeves and collar are the same color as the flowers? Genius.

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    #25

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    Katerina Plotnikova Report

    will.u.b.mine
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    when i saw that I thought it was Abbie Ensign for a second

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    #26

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    Katerina Plotnikova Report

    Felice Coles
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not just a tender girl: those spines on the back of the cloak add a fierce element.

    #27

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    Katerina Plotnikova Report

    J
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such beautiful fairytale pictures.

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    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    🥺❤️🦔

    #35

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    #40

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    Ellie J
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The photos are beautiful but I can't help wonder where the mothers of these baby animals are..

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    Son of Philosoraptor
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    First picture great. The Wolf Witch. Awesome. Second picture weird. Disturbing ideas arise. But I guess when you're a Wolf Witch...

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    #48

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    Perfumista Perfumista
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the wedding photographer did an excellent job

    #49

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