Research: Erwin Olaf

Erwin Olaf is a photographer who has developed the series "Royal Blood", which looks at historical figures and represents them using blood and gore.

This photograph is based on Elisabeth of Bavaria, Empress of Australia and Queen of Hungary. The photograph, showing a knife through the heart represents the way she died after she was stabbed by a young anarchist at the age of 60.

This image is based on Alexandra Feodorovna who carried the disease "Haemophilia" which is a gene related disorder. She was executed in 1918 and was shot several different times. These photographs are edited a lot in PhotoShop, and I would like to keep editing to a minimum.

This photograph represents Julius Caesar who was one of the most famous political leaders, and the knife in the back represents the backstabbing and betrayal that ultimately lead to his death. I find these photographs inspiring and had made me think about the colour of background I want to have when capturing my photographs. Originally I wanted a black background to make the images dark and mysterious, but now I am drawn to having a white background and a well lit surrounding to show off the blood and make the photograph more visible.

http://www.erwinolaf.com/360/
http://www.wicked-halo.com/2009/07/royal-blood.html