Earthy and chic

Slovakian photographer Martin Machaj on the2010 Elite calendar

November 29, 2009 06:36 pm | Updated 06:36 pm IST

Elite calendar

Elite calendar

It is perhaps true that ‘beauty and barren’ can create magic on film. Capturing this breath-taking contrast, Slovakian photographer Martin Machaj shot gorgeous models like Lisa Haydon, Diana Penty and Neha Kapur in the vastness of Rajasthan. In India for the first time to shoot the Elite annual calendar, Machaj wanted to capture the ethereal beauties in the vulnerable yet powerful Rajasthan.

Having shot calendars for world renowned brands like Ferrari, Cavalli and Fiorangelo, Machaj couldn't stop raving about the Elite calendar shoot, “I always wanted to shoot in Rajasthan and when Elite (modeling agency) approached me for their calendar shoot, I couldn't resist. The look is non editorial and extremely flattering for the girls.”

The ‘sneak preview' of the calendar held in the Capital is enough to give you an idea about what's on the cards!. The look is earthy yet chic. Aptly titled “Object of Desire”, the calendar, featuring some of the biggest names in modeling, will be released in Mumbai this December.

Dramatic yet natural

Martin Machaj is known for his dramatic yet natural elements in photography. Having worked in some of the fashion capitals of the world such as Paris, Milan, Prague, London, New York, he is smitten by Indian ethnic beauty, “I love Indian faces and Indian architecture. Blend the two together and it's fashion paradise. I had a brilliant time shooting the calendar.”

Working with Indian models for the first time, Machaj was very impressed by their professional behaviour and said, “The girls were always on time and worked hard with me. A good photograph is always a joint effort of the photographer and the model.”

Enamoured by Bollywood beauties, he said, “Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai have such beautiful high fashion faces. I want to capture their beauty on film. Their look is so global.”

A traveler by nature, Machaj has travelled the world and captured its essence in his camera. He believes that a good photographer is the one who does what he does for art's sake, not for money!

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