Venue: Sofia Hotel Balkan
Lens: Nikkor 50 mm f/1.4
Music: Philipp Kirkorov – Snow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1gYqJpJONg)
After two weeks of hibernation in the freezing Bulgarian winter it is finally time for a new post. And for a change the photo-focus in this post will be actually on a male model, Arti (Artiom). His girlfriend, Markha, wanted to have a photoshoot of both of them in a fancy hotel room in Sofia. The secret extra mission I had was to mostly focus my attention on Arti as Markha wanted to make him a birthday present by selecting her preferred photo and converting it to a nice painting. So I tried to not only take group photos of the two of them but also make Arti pose for some photos solo. I was greatly helped by my assistant in this photoshoot, Katia, who had lots of nice and fun ideas about the positioning of the objects and models.
The room Markha decided to hire for the photoshoot was in the most iconic hotel in Sofia, presently known as Sofia Hotel Balkan. It was built in the socialist period of the country and was by far the most fancy hotel in Bulgaria back in the day, hosting all the official guests of the state. It is of course right in the centre of Sofia, just next to the houses of the parliament and the prime minister and president. And the view is towards the St. Nedelya square and the old orthodox church with the same name.

And even if the hotel room was (understandably) slightly outdated for the present day standards, I think it still provided the classy look we were going after as a background for the photos which I decided to show you interchangeably in color and in black and white.



Now that I mentioned Russia, I have to tell you more about the very interesting story of Arti and Markha. They are both of Russian origin, but were actually raised and live in Bulgaria. Artiom was raised in Burgas, while Markha in Varna – the two main seaside cities in Bulgaria. Eventually they both came to live Sofia, where Arti is pursuing a career in the show business. He is actually somewhat famous already as he participated very successfully in the Bulgarian version of the X factor show (which I have to admit I only learned afterwards) – for example you can see his first performance on the show (in Bulgarian): (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQNsE1znfdQ). And apart from his musical talent Arti clearly has the looks of a model so he was an equal match to Markha who has already posed for quite a few photographers in Bulgaria on various occasions. So now that you know their story, I hope you’ll enjoy the rest of our photoshoot.

















Well done.
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Very cool. A handsome couple. Her hair looks very heavy.
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Nice series, I especially like the B&W shots. I guessed Arti was Russian before you said!
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Great creative shots! I like the smiling Arti with muted church in the background chosen for the painting. πΆ Christine
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Very impressive photos, Kiril.
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What a pair
I can see the strength
In both of them
Great work
Sheldon
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She choose the perfect pic. .Great shots!
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Nice photo shoot. I like the photo Markha chose for the painting, also. The venue and clothing choices were the right touch.
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Great series of photos!
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Well done
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Very nice captures! π β€
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Fascinating story. Stunning photos of a beautiful couple. Every photo and word captivated me.
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Great shots!
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A great and a very beautiful post .
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A lovely set
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I understand why she chose that particular photo of Arti smiling … it’s the only one.
They are great photos of a very photogenic couple.
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Exquisite shots of an exquisite photo. LOVE that B&W ones where Arti is biting Markha and the very first one where they are kissing. Very nice indeed! Stay warm, spring isn’t for another couple months. π
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Ooooo.. lovely shots!
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Such a handsome couple and a talented young man!
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You gave them full measure – a wonderful set of portraits.
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Lovely!
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wow- very wonderful project – I was a little tired of their gorgeousness by the time the post ended- ha – half kidding – but this photo shoot is fantastic. I have some favs – and love the clothing choices and the hotel is a great setting. Enjoyed the back story too… like the secret mission and the Xfactor there….
π
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Beautiful as always and love your creative compositions. Venturing out of the ordinary, to experiment and produce new fresh one of a kind memories. Well done.
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Beautiful, i was wondering how good they were at posing only until I read further to know they are already are into a business that enhances the art of posing:) beautiful clicks π
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Absolutely beautiful!
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Really impressive photos.
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Great shots! Dwight
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Great shots β€
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I have shared the link of this post in my Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/MyOfficialDiary/
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A very interesting shoot. And you are right, Arti could look like Putin with hair. π
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Very beautiful, romantic and special photographs! Great job! ~ Robin
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What a handsome couple! This hotel room is the perfect setting for them. Beautiful photos. π
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Her hair is so arresting, it’s hard to focus your lens on him. But you still did. Well done!
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I simply love your work. Incredible, poignant, and intimate.
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Love this!!!!! β€ great share!!!! π
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These photos are stunning as it the apparent love between your two subjects.
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That is impressing!!! What a great flair in your story. Respect for your work!!!
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That was fun. π They’re adorable.
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Wow… I wish I could get a photographer this good and creative to take my wedding pictures π
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