Shad (real name — Dmitry Polkanov) is a professional photographer who specializes in creating eerie portraits of demons and ghosts. 

Before pursuing photography, Shad graduated from a medical academy and worked as a doctor for many years. During this time, Shad explored various interests, including owning exotic animals like crocodiles, snakes, spiders, and scorpions. Shad also played electric guitar in a death metal band, owned a tattoo studio, and was engaged in motorcycle racing.

Shad has been involved in photography for about ten years. However, it was only in 2018 that Shad decided to devote all his time and energy to photography. Over the course of 2018 and 2019, he trained under different photographers, retouchers, and body painters, honing his skills. In 2019, Shad began creating his main series “Under the Black Sun”.

Shad’s images quickly began to draw attention, and over the past three years he has received 69 international awards from WPE Awards, The International Photography Awards, Fine Art Photography Awards, Annual Photography Awards, and many others. His photographs have been exhibited in 29 countries

Each photograph in the “Under the Black Sun” series features a demon that I brought to life using body painting techniques, transforming my models into otherworldly creatures.

Everyone lives with their own demons. People are afraid of them, avoid them… But I want to show their dark beauty. I want to show that we shouldn’t be afraid of our inner demons, we can learn to live with them and harness their power to create.