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Painted: Haunting portraits mix with dark fine art imagery for a modern take on Gothic

Chad Michael Ward is a photographer and filmmaker best known for his haunting portraits and dark fine art imagery.

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Woman in black gothic attire with spiked shoulder piece and sheer bow headpiece against moody blue background

Ward began his long career in the industry in the late '90s as an album artist, designing covers for European metal acts before transitioning into photography and filmmaking, working with musicians such as Marilyn Manson, Berlin, Billy Idol and Slash. He also contributed art covers to book series including L.J. Smith’s “The Vampire Diaries” and “Secret Circle”.

His latest series, Painted, is Ward's fine art photography series in progress. Influenced by a mix of Paganism, the occult and dark gothic imagery, the collection presents Ward's work in a style heavily influenced by both modern and classical painters. Discover more at thechadmichaelward.com.

Via Creative Boom submission | All images copyright and courtesy of Chad Michael Ward

A pale-faced woman in an ornate black sequinned gown sits against a crimson backdrop, wearing an elaborate headpiece with curved horns and intricate black details, beside a small table with skull ornaments and a lit candle
Woman in draped pale fabric with styled hair posture against a dark textured backdrop, evoking classical painting aesthetics
Person with long lavender hair and pale complexion wearing black velvet dress with leather gloves and occult pendant necklace against dark textured background
Person in profile with blue hair and red eye makeup, wearing an elaborate sculptural headdress with curved pale and pink horns against a textured blue and brown background
Woman with pale skin and elaborate curved antlers headpiece wearing ornate beaded top and sheer skirt against textured grey background
Woman in pale blue period gown with ruffled collar and long train stands against dark background beside an ornate birdcage, gazing upward with theatrical intensity
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