Zoltan Vass: Vienna in Bloom
“It’s crucial that the model’s gaze conveys emotion — whether that’s joy, sadness, or anger. This immediately elevates an image beyond the decorative.”
Text: VIONNE Magazine | Photographer: Zoltan Vass | Model: Sladja
Makeup Artist: Brijance Makeup Artist | Fashion: Manuel Essl Design
Vienna in Bloom is more than a photo series — it’s a poetic homage to creative synergy. Set against the timeless elegance of Vienna, this collaboration brought together the sharp eye of Hungarian fashion photographer Zoltan Vass, the distinctive aesthetic of Austrian designer Manuel Essl, the striking presence of Montenegrin model Sladja, and the refined touch of makeup artist Brijance.
In this exclusive interview, Zoltan shares how this cross-border team brought their shared vision to life, what fuels his unmistakable visual style, and where he dreams of taking his lens next.
Spotlight Series with Zoltan Vass
VIONNE: You worked with a creative team from different backgrounds — a Montenegrin model, an Austrian designer, and a makeup artist. How do you approach collaboration, and what was special about this team?
Zoltan: We worked with Sladja last year. I got to know her as a really cheerful and experienced model who was a pleasure to work with. Even then, I thought that it wouldn't be our last collaboration. I would like to mention fashion designer Manuel, whose wonderful clothes I first saw at Fashion Week. The atmosphere of the show was so good that it completely captivated me. After the show, we got to know each other personally and talked about working together. That's how we came up with the concept, which we realized with the help of a professional makeup artist, whom I am still very grateful to. You know, I am very selective about who I work with; they have to inspire the team and the concept. This team was just like that, and we were able to turn our ideas into reality. After selecting the mood board, I think it is important to have a model who can adapt to multiple situations and has something extra in their appearance that captivates us. This requires a creative hairdresser and makeup artist, and last but not least, a stylist or fashion designer who will put the finishing touches on our concept with their clothes.
VIONNE: Your photography often balances elegance and raw emotion. What inspires your visual style, and how has it evolved over the years?
Zoltan: I started getting seriously involved in photography back in 2009. In the beginning, I typically shot beauty portraits, and later boudoir photography joined the mix. I believe I don't have a fully developed style yet, because there's always room to grow and new things to learn, but there are a few elements I consider important in my images. One of these is the model's gaze, where it's crucial that it conveys emotion—whether that's joy, sadness, anger, or anything else. This immediately elevates the image beyond the average, where they simply photograph the model because she's decorative and looks good in pictures. The second important thing is that the image should have a story that the viewer can connect with. I love color harmony and also high-contrast black and white imagery.
For years, I also worked as a retoucher, though this has taken a backseat recently and I mainly focus on my own images now. As a retoucher, however, I received numerous assignments and met various challenges, which taught me what expectations exist in the international market and which direction it's worthwhile to head toward. Of course, you can never please everyone—different things will appeal to different people, and that's as it should be. I like to embrace my artistic freedom and bring joy to those I can create with. Naturally, there are professional photographers whose work has inspired me, but this changes from year to year—different aspects of everyone's work have captured my attention.
VIONNE: Are there certain themes or stories you find yourself returning to in your work — something that consistently fuels your creativity?
Zoltan: I try to always tell a new story, to be different in some way from what I've done before. It's difficult to create something unique—almost impossible, really—because so many different styles of images are being created around the world every single day. Nevertheless, when I like the style of an image, it sets my thoughts in motion about how it could be done differently, or what might make it better. I'm usually inspired by events and the moods of various images that make me think. Sometimes I give myself a little break to recharge, then dive back into creating with renewed energy.
VIONNE: Looking ahead, what are some of your dream projects or locations you'd love to shoot?
Zoltan: I want to create images that are clean and refined, yet their true magic lies in their simplicity and environment. I'd like to shoot in locations that perfectly complement our concept, and by placing the models within them, the visual world becomes complete. Whether it's a meadow or a vast panorama with mountains in the background. I want it to evoke emotions not just in us, but later in the viewers as well. Before Covid, I traveled around Europe and photographed in many places—nowadays I typically shoot in Austria and Germany. Of course, if we find the right location, I'd gladly go to the ends of the earth. After all, anything for a good shot.
Follow Zoltan Vass | Sladja | Brijance Makeup Artist | Manuel Essl Design
Want more?
Read our latest issue to discover more powerful stories like this — and explore exclusive features, interviews, and fashion highlights.
Available now online & in print-on-demand.
