A meeting of super-creative minds conjured a series of striking images that explored and stretched the talent and techniques of nail artist, Liga Tukmane.

Liga Tukmane on set

Powerful in style and striking in pose, these images struck gold with the Scratch team; with a nail style that oozes glamour and sophistication.

The concept of a talented team of creatives, including nail stylist Liga Tukmane, the idea behind the photo shoot was a bold, heavy metal style that contrasted with feminine grace and beauty.

What fashioned was a series of six images, each dark in style with silver and gold textured features – from chain to sparkles and cracked surfaces. “We wanted to create a story about a strong, independent and fearless girl with a beautiful soul,” Liga reveals. “It’s how to team viewed today’s women – so a make-up artist, Mario, shared some rock chic-style inspiration and added some gothic elements, before stylist, Heather Green, teamed up with photographer, Zuzia Zawada, to create a mood board for the shoot.”

Heather found accessories and jewellery to enhance the theme before Liga explored nail designs. The team agreed on matte black nails with textured elements, inspired by the chains and accessories, to complete the look.

A full day was set aside for the shoot, with Liga prepping nail tips in advance using E.Mi Gel Paint in Black Tulip with E.MiLac Matt Top Gel. On the day, she applied the textured elements, using gold sparkles and E.Mi’s Charmicon 3D Stickers in Chain with E.Mi’s Nailcrust Pattern Sliders in Gold.

“Zuzia tried out a number of lighting setups and backdrops before opting for a reflective gold material to create a textured metallic look,” Liga explains. “It worked so well for the concept – until we were interrupted by a fire alarm and had to pause the shoot!”

Thankfully, the team wasn’t too disrupted by the unexpected alarm, returning inside the building and continuing the shoot in a relaxed manner. “It was great to work with like minded creatives who all shared the same ethos,” Liga continues. “Watching the elements of make-up, styling, hair and nails come together and be photographed as we had each imagined was magical and showed that preparation and advance planning was so important.

MEET LIGA TUKMANE

Liga is an internationally published nail tech and founder of Liga Nails and Academy. Boasting over 10 years’ experience in nail industry, she is passionate about her craft – particularly nail art – and holds the title of brand ambassador for the E.Mi nail brand. In 2015, Liga scooped second place in Nailympia London’s Runway Nails category and was a student of the Nails: Mastered programme the year after. In 2017 her nail talents became further apparent when she was announced as a finalist in the Polish & Paint Artist of the Year category at the Scratch Stars Awards.

www.ligatukmane.photoshelter.com

Facebook: Liga Nails & Academy

@liga_nails

Backstage at the shoot

The Crew 

Photography: Zuzia Zawada www.zuziazawada.com – @zuziazawada

Retouching: Marcin Mikus – @marcinm90

Styling: Heather Green www.heathergreenstylist.com – @heathergreenstylist

Hair stylist: Weic Lin using Bumble & Bumble www.weiclin.com – @weic_lin


Make-up artist: Reve Ryu
c/o www.aldocoppola.com – @reveryuonly

Nail technician: Liga Tukmane for E.MI & Ekaterina Miroshnichenko  – @liga_nails


Model: Lavinia Passamani @ Milk Model Management www.milkmanagement.co.uk –  @lavipassamani

Photography assistant: Ewa Wysocka www.ewawysocka.co.uk –  @ewysocka_official