Yoann Leveque's Paragon Portraits with the Daguerreotype Achromat Art Lens

Classical art history will teach that religion held in high esteem in society — colorful frescoes, grand portraits, open skies with angels and cherubs galore in the traditions of the Baroque. What makes the paintings of the renowned Dutch painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn stand out among the museum walls. Here, Parisian portrait photographer Yoann Leveque brings two of these aesthetics to make his own classics with the Daguerreotype Achromat Art Lens attached to his analogue camera.

The Catholic Church helped art flourish by patronizing artists of immense skill. After all, what better way to show reverence than to recreate their likeliness? Leveque cited that Leonardo Da Vinci's "Last Supper" and Rembrandt's extensive knowledge of classical iconography highly influenced this series.

Leveque gathered some of his silk-draped models and had them mimic the poses of saints in Catholicism, very particular with the body language and expressions they showed. It was important that these poses and expressions do not come off too subtle or too indicative, so there was the careful placing of hands, the angles of their heads and necks, the way their eyes and mouths would position.

The focuses of Leveque's portraits are solely on where the light touches.

To achieve the somber mood, Leveque adapted the chiaroscuro, a technique Rembrandt himself was known for by using stark contrasts and lighting. With the Daguerreotype's ability to create soft and sharp focuses simultaneously, and Kodak Portra 400's spectacular toning, Leveque was able to echo Rembrandt's warm oil studies and busts of religious icons.

For more of Yoann Leveque's works, visit his Instagram.

Paint within the night with the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens, available at the Lomography Online Shop and Gallery Stores.

2018-02-27 #Gens #portrait-photography #daguerreotype-achromat-lens #yoann-leveque