Fine-ART Photography
Zdeněk Dlouhý
I search for light, a face — and that one moment of silence.
About
Zdeněk Dlouhý — photographer
Zdeněk Dlouhý is a fine-art portrait photographer based in Chomutov, Czech Republic. He holds the AFIAP, QPSA and GPU Cr2 distinctions; his work has earned 46 awards at international photographic salons, 241 FIAP and 158 PSA acceptances.
I work in fine-art photography — searching for light, a face and the one moment that says everything without words.
From an early age I drew and painted. I was always drawn to the paintings of the Old Masters — not their technique or historical context, but the way these images feel. The colour, the light and the apparent simplicity that carries enormous power. Photography came as a natural continuation of that same search.
A few years ago my health forced me to slow down. And in that slowing down I began to perceive things differently. I stopped needing to make things beautiful — I started looking for what was true and quiet. That is when my style settled into the form it is recognised by today: pastel tones, deeply dark backgrounds, light modelling the face the way you know it from Dutch Masters paintings. It was not a revelation, more an acceleration towards where I was heading anyway.
A strong portrait does not come together in a few minutes. It is a process in which atmosphere, trust and a relationship are gradually built. I often carry the idea for a specific photograph in my head for months — it grows from a personal experience or an inner theme that stays with me. These images are not just portraits. They are personal and honest, and that is where I see their strength.
I work in my own studio in Chomutov, where I have full control over light, atmosphere and result. I see light as an essential tool, but also as something a person has to live through gradually — it cannot be learned from a template. I deliberately keep technique as simple as possible. The less energy I spend on settings, the more space remains for working with the person, the emotion and the overall atmosphere.
My photographs are regularly accepted at international photography salons in more than twenty countries around the world. The federations FIAP, PSA and GPU have recognised this work with the titles AFIAP · QPSA · GPU Cr2. I am a member of the Czech Photographic Federation ČFFU.
I see photography as a way of thinking, not just a technique. Every image begins long before I press the shutter — in silence, in observation, in searching for what is truly behind the scene. The result should be readable without explanation. If it needs one, something was lost along the way.
— Zdeněk Dlouhý
Light is not captured. Light is listened to.
Every photograph exists only once. Not because the shutter was pressed — but because the right light, the right face and one specific moment of silence came together. My work is to be there when it happens.
Portfolio
Fine-ART Portraits
Recognition
Awards & Media
A selection from international salon competitions — photographs that appealed to juries in more than twenty countries around the world.
Partners
Brands I work with
I am looking for a new face for collaboration on competition and artistic projects intended for international photography salons, as well as for workshops, lectures, and review materials for my partners in photographic equipment and retouching tools.
Experience is not required, I will teach you everything you need. I have a makeup artist and hairdresser in the team. We work in my own studio in Chomutov, in a calm and professional environment.
When both sides are happy, the collaboration can naturally grow. Photographs from our joint projects may be published on partner websites, in professional articles and reviews, and possibly in print media as well. A model we connect with may in time travel with us to workshops and lectures as part of the team, not just as a subject.
Above all, I am looking for reliability and a genuine interest in the craft.
If this speaks to you, write to me and send a few photos or a link to your portfolio.
Časté dotazy
Co se často ptáte
What is salon, fine-art photography?
It is a portrait built like a painting. It draws on the Old Masters — a dark background, softly modelled light, muted colours and a sense of calm. It is not a snapshot or a catalogue shot on white, but an image with a mood that will hold its own on a wall for years. Most of my photographs are made for international photographic salons, and I bring the same approach to studio sessions with clients.
Do you provide professional make-up?
Yes. Every studio session includes professional make-up, done by our stylist Naďa. Come with a bare face and we will build the look on the spot so it matches the light and the style of the photographs. Bring your own clothes, but we keep costumes, scarves and accessories in the studio and I am happy to advise on what will work.
How does a session work and how long does it take?
There is no rush. Make-up and a moment to settle in come first, then the shoot itself. Set aside half a day so time is not against us. During the shoot I guide you into poses and expression, so you do not need any experience or to "know how to pose" — that part is my job. At the end we choose the frames together that will go to retouching.
Do you photograph children and babies?
Yes — newborn, children's and family sessions. With small children I expect them to set their own pace; if a break is needed, we take a break. The goal is not perfect posing but a natural, calm image you will keep coming back to.
Do you run photography workshops?
Yes, both individual and group. We cover working with light, directing a model, composition and post-production in the style I use for salon photography. An individual workshop is entirely yours — no waiting your turn, and the pace and topics follow what you need to move forward.
Where is the studio?
The studio is in Chomutov, at Dřínovská 4606, a short distance from the centre. I will send exact directions and a time once we arrange a date.
What do I get from the session?
A selection of photographs after full retouching in my fine-art style — dark backgrounds, Old Masters light, muted colours. You receive them in both print and web quality. Fine prints and canvas or dibond wall pieces are available on request.
Reference
Co říkají klienti
4,9 89 reviews on Google
Pokud hledáte profesionální přístup, profesionální produkt a vše pro vaši spokojenost, vřele doporučuji Zdeňka Dlouhého a jeho tým. Budete se cítit jedineční a podle toho vypadá i výsledný dojem a produkt.
Velmi skvělý přístup, domluva a hlavně výsledná práce, která ohromila každou návštěvu. Velmi děkujeme za doslova mistrovská díla.
Děkujeme za profesionální focení, lidský přístup i perfektně odvedenou postprodukci. Milujeme tenhle osobitý styl a rádi se vracíme, abychom sobě i klukům uchovali nenahraditelné vzpomínky.
Pokud chcete nádherné profesionální fotografie, rozhodně doporučuji pana Dlouhého.
Focení u vás bylo moc příjemné, nespěchal jste na nás a vše bylo v pohodě. Fotky se nám moc líbí. Na focení k vám určitě zase přijdeme.
Skvělý a profesionální přístup. Cítil jsem se tam super. Určitě to nebylo poslední focení. Můžu jen doporučit.
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Příjemné prostředí a lidský přístup. Zdeněk je člověk, se kterým byste po focení šli na pivko.
Moc děkujeme za profesionální přístup a příjemné a přátelské prostředí. Rádi se vrátíme na další focení! Fotky jsou opravdu krásné.
Nechali jsme vyfotit našeho 2,5letého synka a jsme velmi spokojeni. Fotky jsou moc hezké, pan fotograf Zdenda byl příjemný a malý přes naše překvapení rád pózoval.
Vřele doporučuji! Profesionální přístup jak pana Zdeňka, tak paní vizážistky. Focení proběhlo v příjemné a uvolněné atmosféře. Fotky jsou krásné a originální. Moc jsme si to užily.
Mohu jen doporučit. Fotky máme krásné od prvního líčení až po mejdan. Pan fotograf se nám při focení věnoval naprosto parádně, profi vybavení i profi přístup. Nemám co vytknout.
Zúčastnil jsem se jednodenního workshopu a mohu jen doporučit. Za mě šest hvězdiček z pěti možných.
Fantastic, very professional and a great service.
One of the top places in the Czech Republic to have your personal or product photos done. I love the signature style of the tandem Naja (stylist) and Zdenek (photographer). They are kind, professional and their studio is well-located close to the city center. Hope to be back soon for some more yoga or family shots.
Contact
Let's connect
Every good photograph begins with a conversation. Write to me.
