Though vastly different, this week’s Photography Annual 2022 submissions are exceptional at conveying themes of grace and beauty.
For his piece “Viola At The Queen’s House in London” (above), American graphic designer and Graphis Master Michael Pantuso portrays a ballerina (his daughter Viola Bella Pantuso) lounging dramatically along a spiral staircase. Shot with a Pentax K-3 28 mm, Pantuso succeeds at capturing an alluring picture, highlighting the elegance of the model with the skillful use of light and shadows. The image, taken for a ballet portfolio and promotion, has a timeless feel that memorializes the beauty of dance and artistic expression. Pantuso, a longtime contributor to and member of the Visionary Board at Graphis, has won many awards for his pristine images. Recently, he took home the Platinum award in Graphis’ Design Annual 2021 for his image titled “Flamingo.” The skillful photographer says that he “thrives at the intersection of creative thinking, artistic expression and strategically inspired ideas,” and it’s clear he does so through his work.
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