I know this is a little odd of a post coming from me, but I just had to share. I stumbled upon this set of “funeral” portraits by Oleg Dou. Amazing compilation of work!
Oleg Dou confides that he was inspired at first by a curious tradition practiced in XIX century : child funeral portrait. The shooting required a long and fine preparation. The costume in particular was very sophisticated and each detail was fancy, from the position of the hands to the slightest lock. The little fragile body, lifeless, prepared for the hereafter, was immortalized in a still life photograph.
– lalettredelaphotographie.com
One of the most fascinating aspects of this photographers work is that Oleg didn’t even buy his first professional camera until 2005! I also have a great appreciate for the strange and slightly off kilter kind of things.