# Animalistic Soldier Portraits The Wild Soldiers Series Interprets Men Turning Into Beasts for War By Ady Floyd | Published 2016-02-04 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soldier-portraits References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/384042/Arresting-Photo-Series-Shows-How-War-Turns-Men-Into-Unpredictable-Beasts/) & [behance.net](https://www.behance.net/gallery/33518889/Wild-Soldiers) Russia-based photographer Alexander Khokhlov recently unveiled his latest project of soldier portraits. Titled 'Wild Soldiers,' the series promotes a dark theme -- the idea that men turn into literal beasts during war. In collaboration with [makeup artists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animal-intelligence) Natalia Pavlova and Uliana Makhtyuk as well as retouch expert Veronica Ershova, this project features soldiers with their faces half painted to mimic a wild creature. Some of the creatures include [fierce lions and intimidating tigers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dobel-atelier-animales-endmicos). Its immaculate photography, makeup, special effects and props allow the series to resonate with various viewers on an emotional level. The ultimate goal for these imaginative soldier portraits is to stress that "it is impossible to kill people and keep your human face. War changes people: transforming them to dangerous, cruel and unpredictable beasts." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Dark Theme Photography:** Exploring the use of dark themes in photography to evoke emotional responses. - **Transformational Concepts:** Utilizing visual concepts of transformation to convey powerful messages. - **Makeup and Prop Collaboration:** Collaborating with makeup artists and prop designers to create visually striking imagery. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Photography:** Exploring innovative techniques in photography to create impactful visuals. - **Art and Design:** Using artistic concepts to provoke thought and emotions. - **Visual Effects and Makeup:** Utilizing makeup and visual effects in unique ways to create transformative experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Immigration System-Inspired Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passport-series.md) - [Rebellious Camo Boot Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soldier-x-timberland.md) - [Explosion-Damaged Sculpture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-into-darkness.md) - [Contemporary Military Fashion Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ukrainian-brand-rbtnk.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Artful Camo Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skylrk-camo.md) - [Refined Vintage Militaristic Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-nicholson-fw25.md) - [Primal-Themed Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-return.md) - [Wild Animal-Decorated Gowns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schiaparelli-lion-head.md)