Dark, twisted fantasies
Artist Kristina shoots portraits to showcase her hand-made garments, makeup and macabre approach to her craft
My name is Kristina, though I go by the name Haus Of Sinister on social media. I am a photographer, designer and makeup artist based in Kent. I specialize in outlandish shoot ideas exploring the art of finding beauty in death and decay.
Makeup plays a big part in the creativity of my portraits. I like to focus on dark and sinister concepts along with colourful and unique looks, which evoke conversation and create impact.
I am also known for creating bold glitter portraits. I like to combine the use of glitter with paint and textures to create a real impactful look. I work closely with the company Ecosparkles, who I am proud to be an ambassador for who kindly supplies the glitter and allows me creative freedom to explore.
All of the images featured here were either taken in my studio Haus Of Visage or at Studio 12 in Canterbury, which is where I’ve been shooting recently. In every image I like to use moody lighting and I’ll sometimes add a smoke bomb or coloured gel to create a dramatic look.
When starting out, I would roam around abandoned buildings exploring interesting locations and using these as my backdrop and an opportunity to develop a set. I like a variation of both shooting in the studio and on
“I love to photograph interesting people, people with a story to tell and who offer something unique to the shoot”
location. I always have a backup plan should the weather work against us on location, usually heading to a sheltered area or retreating back to my studio.
I love to photograph interesting people, characters with a story to tell and who offer something unique to the shoot. I also have a collection of odd curiosities and macabre props such as taxidermy, ex-medical items and even a real human skull, all of which can make for interesting focal points in my portraits.
Rather than label myself as a photographer, I’m more of an artist who just so happens to have a camera. It’s a great way for me to showcase my makeup and handmade garments and
I am not afraid to push the creative boundaries.
01 GREEN SMOKE
Kristina did the makeup and photography for this portrait while the moody and dramatic green lighting was handled by Sheradon Dublin, shot at Studio 12 in Canterbury
Lens 1/125 sec, f/6.3, ISO100 Exposure Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
02 RED HEAD
The look, costume and photography was masterminded by Kristina on this outdoor shoot with model Jemma Thompson
Lens 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO100 Exposure Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
03 GREY-HAIRED WITCH
Kristina took this portrait of Kaytie Smith wearing garments made by her and holding a real human skull for a touch of the macabre
Lens 1/200 sec, f/2.8, ISO100 Exposure Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
04 RING LIGHT
Kristina kept things simple when shooting this male model in her studio using just a ring light to add an interesting catchlight in his eye
Lens 1/1250 sec, f/3.5, ISO1000 Exposure Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM