This photoshoot explores human nature through a mystical, storytelling lens.
Crown of Time tells the story of a king who seized his crown through war, setting off a chain of pain and destiny.
The project is built as a visual narrative in which each image functions as a fragment of a larger story, allowing the viewer to slowly piece together the emotional and symbolic journey of the characters.
The narrative unfolds around his future queen, who becomes corrupted by the crown’s power, and the magical beings who strive to restore balance and hope. Her transformation is gradual and internal, expressed not only through costume and setting but also through subtle changes in posture, gaze, and atmosphere. The crown itself acts as a central symbol, not just of power, but of time, consequence, and irreversible choice. It represents how a single decision can echo across lives and generations.
The king is depicted as tormented and fearful, haunted by the spirits of the dead. His character reflects the psychological weight of power, showing that victory does not bring peace, but rather isolation and guilt. Through lighting, composition, and texture, his world feels heavy and suffocating, as if time itself is closing in on him. His connection to the past is visualized through ghostly presences and symbolic elements that blur the line between memory and reality.
Within the story, he encounters a portrait of his deceased wife as well as her younger self, who glimpses the tragic future that awaits her. This moment introduces a layered perception of time, where past, present, and future exist simultaneously. The younger version of the queen represents innocence and possibility, while her future self reflects the cost of power. Their silent interaction becomes one of the emotional cores of the project.
Supporting characters include a magician, who tries to prevent the tragedy, and a kind fey, a mystical figure who offers hope and guidance. These figures serve as forces of balance within the story, one representing knowledge and foresight, the other embodying compassion and light. Their presence contrasts with the darkness surrounding the king and queen, suggesting that even within inevitable fate, there is still space for choice and redemption.
Visually, the project blends cinematic composition with fine art portraiture. Careful attention is given to color palettes, textures, and symbolic details, creating an immersive atmosphere that feels both timeless and otherworldly. Each frame is constructed to stand alone as an image while also contributing to the continuity of the overall narrative.
Through this project, the author aims to blend fantasy with human emotion, highlighting the conflict between power, love, and redemption in a visually immersive world. The story is not only about mythical characters, but about universal human experiences, ambition, loss, fear, and the search for meaning. By placing these emotions within a fantasy context, the project invites viewers to reflect on their own inner conflicts and the choices that shape their lives.
About Valdemaras Bagdonas
Valdemaras Bagdonas is a 22-year-old photographer born in Tbilisi, Georgia. He studied business at Tbilisi State University and later focused on photography at the Mechitov–Deisadze Photo Studio, where he trained under Yuri Mechitov and Maiko Deisadze.
His work focuses on revealing human nature through different perspectives, capturing character, emotion, and individuality in a simple and honest way. In 2026, he was awarded first place in photography at the Golden Time Talent competition. [Official Website]
