The photography of Russian artist Sergei Riaboff carries the intensity and gravitas of a Renaissance painting . Developing an aesthetic in his photography that is nostalgic for the traditional painted portrait , Riaboff creates images that are honest , mournful and strikingly beautiful .
Hailing from St . Petersburg , Riaboff came to photography by chance when he received his first camera as a gift from his parents . Gradually and with great dedication , Riaboff grew into his style as he transitioned from shooting flowers , architecture and scenery , to capturing the compelling human element . “ Once I understood that a picture is empty without life , I started shooting people .”