Shot By Reza Daryakenari

I am freelance photographer and graphic designer .

First of all, your photos are very unique , how do you make this painting looking style of photography?

I use my favorite classic paintings and cinematic imagery as a source of inspiration in my work. Based on YouTube tutorials and my motivations, I have practiced so much that I could eventually find a style that would resonate with my identity and inspirations. However, I must note that I do not intend to reproduce classic paintings merely. Instead, I want to illustrate a visual experience akin to the classic paintings infused with modern concepts and creative elements.

The process of creating my artwork involves: first, choosing the background color, objects, outfits, and all the elements present in the composition; second, finding the appropriate lighting for the piece. Then I make the proper edits and revise color grading at the post-production level before rendering the final product.

What photographers have influenced you, and how have they influenced the way you approach your subject?

Many artists have influenced my photography and artistic style. I have been inspired by photographers, painters, installation arts, photographs, and motion pictures. Among photographers, Eugenio Recuenco, Gemmy would Binnendijk, and , ewa cwikla and Nicolas Bruno have significantly influenced my work in terms of stage design, execution, and concepts. That said, anything can be an artist’s source of inspiration. It is hard for me to pinpoint a specific source of inspiration. Most of the time, my inspirations come from a fuzzy space comprised of commercial photographs, social documentaries, modern and classic paintings, contemporary literature, and documentary films, among others.

When did you start taking picture?

I have been shooting since college in 2007. I was initially interested in social documentary and commercial photography. Later, I found my talent and passion in portrait photography. I have been fully vested in creating timeless and beautiful artwork over time.

What do call your style of photography and why did you choose that?

It is tough to label my pieces, especially since not all my pieces share the same style. That said, I could probably describe my work as “dramatic fine art portrait photography.” Most pieces recall the ambiance of the classic portrait paintings or, perhaps, a specific cinematic atmosphere. I intentionally create a type of imagery that could help the viewer separate from the mundanity of their urban life to imagine themselves in unfamiliar times and spaces.

What is Non fungible Token ( NFT) photography ?

I don’t see any difference between the NFT and non-NFT photography. It is possible to create based on the NFT market trends, which may be a new specialty. Nonetheless, currently, there is no specific definition for NFT photography due to the challenges facing the technique and meaning.

Are NFTs a new art form?

I still don’t find NFT as a new art form. However, I see potential in collectibles and PFPs to emerge from NFT as contemporary art forms.

Why did you decide to to sell your art as a NFT?

Like other artists, I like to introduce my pieces to the NFT market and increase their visibility and marketability. The more investment in my work, the more my collector and I will benefit. I used to work on a personal budget. As a result, I had to sacrifice some of my costly ideas. Similarly, sometimes I had to tweak my work to fit my modest budget.

Additionally, I almost gave up on exhibiting my work in the physical world because of the dispiriting favoritism involved with finding an art gallery. Fortunately, the artist and collector can easily find and communicate in the NFT world. The NFT serves as a gallery without borders. So, there is room for every artist to exhibit their work.

What platform are you using to mint and sell your photography?

I currently have two series in Foundation. Also, I have recently joined Sloika, where I plan to mint soon

Should museums take into consideration buying NFT artwork?

A better person to answer this question is a gallery or museum director or a curator. Based on my personal experiences and the Liverpool NFT gallery, it is likely to see galleries specifically exhibiting the NFT artwork. I wouldn’t be surprised if famous museums and galleries exhibited the NFT artwork now and then. However, NFT artwork is geared more toward exhibition in the metaverse than physical space. Therefore, displaying NFT artwork in a gallery or museum can be advantageous for those who might not get a chance to be present within the metaverse.

Are NFTs the future of art and collectibles?

NFT may join the existing styles and genres within the art world and claim an identity of its own. No art form will ever go extinct. For example, the advent of photography didn’t cause the extinction of painting, which continued to evolve and take on new esthetic forms and schools. Each art form assembles specific techniques, ideologies, and frameworks. Thus, various art forms cannot take over each other’s place. On the contrary, they have a symbiotic relationship with one another—helping each other flourish and evolve. NFT differs from museums and galleries regarding their actors’ (i.e., artists, audience, and collectors) needs and worldviews.