This document discusses Polish photographer Akradiusz Branicki and why his work is inspiring to the author's own photography project focused on representing the human figure. Branicki's work features simple, elegant black and white photos that emphasize subtle shapes and poses. The author analyzes four of Branicki's photos that showcase his mature style through distorted poses, spray painted skin, flowing fabrics, and tangled bodies. The author was particularly influenced by Branicki's emphasis on flawless execution, simplicity, and the emotional dimension added through black and white photos.

1. Researched Photographers - Akradiusz Branicki
About this photographer
Akradiusz Branicki is a Polish photographer whose forte lies in fine art photography. He
knowingly always strives for a flawless finish in his work by keeping everything simple. All of
his collections boast a mature, elegant style that he has developed during his career.
Why have I picked this photographer?
I found Branicki’s work very inspiring to my own project in which I am looking at the
representation of human figure. I have never really looked at photographing the human
figure in a literal sense before whereas Branicki does this a lot. He work also always carries
a concept or idea that is clear to the viewer, therefore I thought he work would be
particularly inspiring to my own project.
This first photo is one from a series of work Branicki did looking
at the zodiacs (this one inspired by Taurus). The photo is in
black and white and I always think this adds a dimension of
emotion. The photo has stayed true to his simple approach in
photography with a sterile background and subtle shapes and
lines in the photo – there is nothing too harsh (even the ‘horns’
have been made softer by being created using the hair). The
pose of the model has ensured that all the right angles have
been captured and Ii like the way she has turned and made
everything look a little distorted; this has added a slightly more
complex element to the photo. There is a very simple set and
this has provided a distraction free environment where the
models face is the focal point. Her expression has made the
shot more moody and given the photo an edge it wouldn’t
otherwise have had.
This is another black and white photo
that I liked – it reminded me a little of
a shoot that I did in my unit three
project. Everything in this photo is
perfect and symmetrical and this has
made it pleasing to look at. What
really caught my attention though was
the look that that skin has as it has
been spray painted with a metallic
paint. This has had such a nice effect
as the light has really caught the
models bodies well and added

2. highlights. The model is not making eye contact with the camera but this has added to the
serene and calming feel that the photo has. I like the way Branicki has directed his models
here and used their bodies in interesting way to create more visual effect. I think this photo
is again simple, reflecting his true style, yet still so striking to look at.
This third photo that I found looks like a fine art photo
with a hint of high fashion. I like the skirt/ fabric that
the model is wearing as it has photographed beautifully
and looks very sheer and flows well – this has broken up
the harsh contrast seen in colour here (with the black
against the pale skin). It has also helped to match the
soft expression of the model, just like the black lace over
her chest (the pattern has helped to soften the colour
and make it gentler). I like the lady-like pose seen in the
entire body of the model as this has create a feminine,
sensual atmosphere, added to more so with the photo
being in black and white. The clean background has
provided the perfect environment for the photo,
allowing he model to stand out in a subtle way. The
model is making eye contact with the camera and this
has helped to establish the focal point in the photo. I
really like this photo as it very raw, natural and feminine
feel to it, without coming across as being to ‘sexy’ or
flirtatious. It has a sophisticated quality about it and it’s
gorgeous to look at.
The final photo I looked at by Branicki is the one.
It caught my attention due to the weird, distorted
look of the tangled bodies – I thought this could
also be a different way to approach my own
project. The pose is so different and it is an
interesting to present the body. The photo has
been executed in such a delicate way though and I
think that this has been accentuated with the
photo being in black and white. The focal point
for me is where the female models face is.
Though it’s only showing slightly she has a
passionate look on her face that has helped to
highlight the connection that is seen between the
two subjects. I love how the lighting has been
used in this photo as it has really highlighted the
angles and contours on the bodies, in turn making

3. it nicer to look at. I like the composition of the shot and think the off-center positioning of
the models makes the photo more pleasing to the eye – it has also allowed for a slight
gradient effect to be present on the background and this has emphasized the models as a
whole in the photo.
Influence
I have found myself incredibly influenced by Branicki’s work. I love the simplicity that he
strives for and how striking this can be – the saying ‘less is more’ definitely comes to mind.
His work is always in black and white too, something I think I definitely appreciate more now
after looking at his work and seeing the effect that is can have on a photo overall. His work
is clean and flawless, and I am definitely inspired to try something more fresh like this
myself. I really liked the first photo that I looked at and the concept it had – it also again
highlighted to me that you can execute a photo that has a blatant concept is a really simple
yet innovative way.
Summary
Overall I really like Akradiusz Branicki’s work and think it’s flawless, beautiful and
sophisticated. I like the fact his style is based around black and white ‘simple’ photos as I
usually look at ‘crazier’ photographers that go all out in term of colour, set etc. Branicki’s
work has a stunning quality about it that makes it visually pleasing to look at and this is
reflected in his attention to finer details.