In the world of gothic fashion and fantasy photography, few collaborations are as captivating as the one between model Katrin Lanfire and photographer Lena Berkas. Both hailing from different creative backgrounds, together they’ve created stunning visual tales that blend dark elegance with fantasy. Katrin, a versatile model from Ukraine, is known for her ethereal gothic style, while Lena, a lover of dark fairytales, brings these fantastical visions to life through her lens. Together, they crafted the striking cover image for Gothic Beauty’s Issue 49, a collaboration that embodies their shared passion for creativity and self-expression.
Katrin, you often favor a gothic fantasy aesthetic. What inspires your style?
“I find inspiration all around me,” Katrin shares. “We live in a visually rich world, where everything from classic paintings to modern video games offers creative sparks. As a child, I loved fairytales, and even today, beautiful fantasy films continue to inspire me. Creativity is in the air; I just need to catch it, and that’s when I can turn my ideas into reality.”
Lena, how about you? What fuels your creative fire outside of photography?
“For me, inspiration comes from many places,” Lena says. “Books, movies, and classical paintings all influence my work, but I also find inspiration in everyday life. The people around me, like Katrin and other creatives such as Alisa Perova (Alice Corsets), are a constant source of fresh ideas. It’s a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by such creativity.”
Katrin, how would you describe your personal style?
“That’s a tough question!” Katrin laughs. “For everyday wear, I prefer nu-goth. It allows me to look elegant yet stand out in a unique way, and it’s incredibly comfortable. For special occasions, I choose my outfit based on the theme of the event. It could range from historical to dark romantic, fantasy, or even fetish. But if I had to pinpoint what I don’t like, it would be cyber, rockabilly, and Gothic Lolita styles. They just don’t feel like ‘me.’”
You also seem drawn to historical fashion. Which era captures your interest the most?
“I have a deep love for High Gothic and Renaissance fashion,” Katrin explains. “One day, I’ll own pieces from those periods. But when it comes to events and photoshoots, I’m always drawn to Rococo and Victorian dresses with corsets and elaborate hairstyles. The beauty and drama of those styles are irresistible to me.”
Do you usually come up with your looks on your own, or do you rely on a stylist?
“I’ve never worked with a stylist. I love the creative freedom to experiment with different looks. I’ve always been attracted to unusual outfits, and as I experimented with fashion, I learned what works best for me. There were a few missteps along the way, but with time, I figured out my style. And I’m still open to trying new things!”
Lena, you’ve shot in various styles, but what draws you to the gothic aesthetic?
“I’ve always been fascinated by dark fairytales,” Lena admits. “Especially the grimmer, more mysterious ones. I’ve always wanted to create one, but since I’m not a writer, I decided to tell these tales through my photography.”
Why do you prefer shooting on location rather than in a studio?
“I love working in natural settings,” Lena says. “Natural light has a unique quality that no studio can replicate. I enjoy integrating the model into the environment, making them feel like part of the scenery. The surroundings and the model should complete each other perfectly—nothing extra, nothing missing. Of course, when the weather isn’t on our side, I look for an unconventional studio that matches the mood of the shoot.”
How long does it typically take to finish a photo once it’s taken?
“It varies a lot,” Lena explains. “Sometimes it’s quick, and other times it can take months to finalize an image. It all depends on my mood and the vibe of the project. Of course, commercial jobs are more time-sensitive.”
If you had unlimited resources, what would you shoot?
“I would love to travel the world!” Lena says. “There are so many locations on my list, and I’d love to shoot there with incredible models in elaborate costumes. Katrin is my favorite muse, so I’d definitely take her along. I would also love to create photo stories with multiple characters to tell even more complex narratives.”
What’s been your most memorable shoot? And what was the worst experience?
“It’s hard to pick the best shoot,” Lena admits. “I try to make each one better than the last, and I cherish every shoot. But the worst one… I remember it clearly. It was a Time For Print (TFP) shoot where the model was incredibly difficult to work with. From the moment we started, she criticized everything, and it made the whole experience unpleasant.”
Katrin, you also create jewelry and accessories. Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
“My inspiration comes from nature and high fashion,” Katrin reveals. “Sometimes I get an idea and sketch it out, then look for materials to bring it to life. Other times, I’ll see materials that fit perfectly together, and that sparks a new creation. Initially, I made accessories for my own photoshoots, but as my skills grew, I decided to open my Etsy shop, MyWitchery.”
You recently appeared in a Russian magazine called Extremism. How did that come about?
Katrin chuckles. “I can’t explain how it happened! My friends found the magazine with my picture from a 2013 shoot. The magazine’s editor seemed to have an interesting take—labeling subcultures, from goths to punks, as ‘dangerous extremists.’ In their article, they randomly picked out photos and labeled people as ‘Satanists.’ It’s pretty absurd, but all we can do now is laugh about it.”
Is it challenging to be yourself in Ukraine? Is it hard to express your goth style there?
“For me, it’s not too difficult,” Katrin shares. “I’m surrounded by supportive friends and colleagues who appreciate my style. Plus, I drive a car instead of taking public transportation, so I don’t interact with strangers too much. Interestingly, more and more people in Ukraine are expressing themselves creatively—piercings, tattoos, and unique hairstyles are becoming more common. It’s great to see people embracing freedom of expression.”
Lena, the cover photo for Gothic Beauty is like a dark fairytale. What inspired it?
Lena smiles as she recalls the shoot. “The photo was taken in Stagestudio in Kiev. Katrin brought her incredible character to the shoot, and I already had the vision for the scene in my head. We decided on the location and timing, but the day before the shoot, I caught a cold! I had to power through, take some medicine, and shoot anyway. Despite feeling sick, the shoot was filled with positive energy, and I ended up feeling great the next day.”
Katrin, your look on the cover was inspired by a ball organized by Viona Lelegems. Can you tell us more?
“My look was inspired by the theme ‘Time of Redemption’ for the ball in March 2016,” Katrin explains. “It was a mix of Morgan le Fay and Madonna, with a dress designed from spiky roses. The theme was a blend of medieval, religious, and fantasy elements, and I loved embodying that dark, magical energy.”
Their collaboration highlights not only the art of gothic fashion and photography but also the deep connection between creativity, self-expression, and the power of dark fantasy.
