Capturing the essence of youth in a historical framework is a rare and delicate challenge. For my ongoing ChronoVisions project, I had the opportunity to photograph Oleksandr Chepikov, a talented young actor, at my studio in Los Angeles. This portrait became an exploration of timelessness through the lens of innocence and quiet determination.
Oleksandr’s presence in the studio was magnetic. Even at such a young age, his ability to convey depth and subtlety is remarkable. I wanted to create a portrait that captured his quiet confidence while placing him in a setting that evokes both historical richness and contemporary relevance. The intricately patterned backdrop was carefully chosen to reflect a tapestry of culture and heritage—a nod to history’s complexity and how it weaves into the identities of individuals.
ChronoVisions: A Portrait of Promise – Oleksandr Chepikov (Rory Lewis Photographer 2024)
Across this series, I photograph actors and models adorned in the elegance of the 1930s, set against historically resonant backdrops. Each portrait becomes a temporal bridge — an echo of what might have been seen through the Chronovisoritself. Drawing influence from Frank Herbert, Caravaggio, David Lynch, Gustave Doré, and Ribera, I merge surrealism, chiaroscuro, and historical drama to craft scenes that feel both ancient and immediate, suspended between dream and memory.