Elle Kazakhstan: It's magic!

Jul 2025

For the 'It's magic!' editorial feature, Elle Kazakhstan partners with photographer Daniil Kudryavtsev to explore themes of transformation and detail within beauty photography. The series spans a collection of portraiture that leans into a surreal and tactile aesthetic, utilizing techniques like long exposure and macro photography to shift focus between the human form and intricate ornamentation. Across the visuals, Kudryavtsev employs various lighting styles, ranging from moody, low-key chiaroscuro and diffused beauty light to natural illumination. These choices accentuate the contrast between organic elements—such as floral accents and freckled skin—and synthetic textures, including faceted beads, insect-inspired accessories, and bold, experimental makeup applications.