Natasha Shal

I’m a Russian-born American self-taught photographer. I’ve never taken a photography class, but despite my lack of formal education, all the fundamentals of good-quality photography are very important to me. There is no doubt that composition, white balance, and exposure are all valid foundational elements that create stunning images. However, there is a point where realistic photography ends and an artist’s work begins.

My work falls squarely within this grey area, walking the line between artistic and realistic.

A commonly held assumption is that “photorealistic” imitation of reality is juxtaposed with visionary “true” art. But what is photorealism? For years, I’ve toyed with the question of whether there is such a thing as truly realistic photography. Every smartphone and camera produces a different image of the same landscape, and every photographer can process the same snapshot into something entirely new! It is clear that the boundaries of realism in photography have been shifting.

This is why I object to the term “photorealistic” when referring to hyperrealism in art.

In my workflow, I always start with a technically solid photo. However, I bear in mind that if it’s too real it loses the magic. I believe there’s a hidden...