This portrait is an ode to the Ukrainian woman, her strength, and her connection to the land. The sheaf of wheat adorning her head symbolizes fertility, abundance, and a bountiful harvest, as well as the resilience and vitality of the people. Her eyes reflect the depth of centuries and an unwavering spirit, while her hands, crossed over her chest, speak of wisdom and the protection of traditions. This is not merely a portrait but an image that embodies the very soul of Ukraine. Shot on 4x5 ambrotype using the wet plate collodion process.
Dmytro Trush, 37, Kyiv, Ukraine — product photographer specializing in detail and visual storytelling. For the past 3 years, I’ve explored ambrotype photography, a slow, meditative process with glass plates and light. It’s my bridge between the digital age and the tactile beauty of tradition, where each image becomes a unique, handcrafted artifact.