References for Marek Pytel

Evie Siddal

I have worked with Marek multiple times after he initially contacted me on Instagram a few months ago. Since working with him I have gotten some absolutely beautiful photos that I am very proud of.

He is extremely knowledgable about wet plate photography and the types of looks and poses typical of the mid-to-late Victorian era. He has also been careful about my safety and respectful of my boundaries as a model, especially considering the nature of the art we have collaborated on.

I would definitely recommend him to any model to looking to add wet plate looks to their portfolio or, indeed, anyone looking to have their own vintage portrait taken.

Flo X

Marek was kind enough to meet me first so we could get to know each other, and booked me for a 4 hour session the next day in his big lovely house, his cosy studio is at the top floor.

He is chatty, approachable and friendly, easy to pose for. And he likes coffee too.

I always wanted to try more traditional styles of photography, wet plates being one. Marek is my first, so he had to patiently introduce me to the 'constraints' of this art form, which requires patience, from the model that is! So it was challenging for me as patience is not my virtue.

He also had to put up with my anonymity which added another challenge to my posing.

We got some interesting erotic results. Some I loved. I learnt a lot for next time.

I felt very comfortable to 'open up', for me this style truly embodies the old erotica of that era. Where sensuality & sexuality was taboo and yet very naughty. I felt like I was thrown back in time. That is a very good thing.

I will pose again for Marek, and hopefully we will improve on my posing and set up to compliment my body tones and anonymity.

Mara Safar

Marek is a very thorough and collaborative photographer. He knows what he's doing with Wet Plate Photography and gave clear direction accordingly, whilst working with my ideas and taking into account the unique quirks/restrictions of this form of early photography. It was an enjoyable session.