Alena Serbina: Thirst
A contemporary fashion editorial examining desire and tension through intimate composition, glamour-informed styling and atmospheric photographic direction.
Thirst is a fashion photography project that explores desire, tension and power through intimate composition and a carefully constructed nightlife setting. Photographed by Merry Stenford, the series demonstrates a confident handling of low light and reflective surfaces. The imagery balances shadow and highlight with precision, allowing skin, fabric and gesture to remain clearly defined while maintaining a sense of night-life decadence and atmosphere.
Creative direction by Alena Serbina provides the project with a strong conceptual framework. The narrative unfolds through chemistry-driven interaction between the models, avoiding excess in favour of suggestion and proximity. Serbina’s direction ensures visual consistency across the series, allowing each image to contribute to a unified editorial statement.
Wardrobe styling by Igor Gareev plays a central role in shaping the project’s tone. The use of transparent, wet look and velvet garments introduces contrast between exposure and control, reinforcing the underlying themes without becoming overt. The styling drips with sex appeal whilst providing stunning contrast against the background glitter.
Makeup by Ophelia Becker and Svetlana Kolesnichenko is executed with discipline and clarity. The looks enhance facial structure and expression, complementing both the lighting and the styling - we love the bold pink lip on model Tebogo.
Models Tebogo Seleka and Mark Preobrazhensky deliver assured and nuanced performances. Their controlled physicality and presence anchor the imagery, lending emotional credibility and visual tension throughout the series.
Photographer: Merry Stenford
IG: merry_stenford
Creative Director: Alena Serbina
IG: serbinamua
FB: https://www.facebook.com/alena.serbina.9
WB: @serbinamua
Female Model: Tebogo Seleka
IG: forevermotswana
Male Model: Mark Preobrazhensky
IG: mark.preobrazhensky
Makeup Artist: Svetlana Kolesnichenko
IG: mua_butik
Makeup Artist: Ophelia Becker
IG: beautyprofstudio
Wardrobe Stylist: Igor Gareev
IG: igorgarey
Assistant: Pavel Bogdanov