Figure Study - Balalaika with Anna

A few weeks back, I was setting up the studio for a figure study with Irene and Maria. My classmate, Nataly assisted me in placing the reflective plexiglass onto the set. She was curious in how i conducted a figure study shoot. After a brief explanation, she introduced me to her model, Anna and told me that she was going to being my next model for my series. Anna (35) is originally from Russia. I asked if she could locate a traditional Russian musical instrument for our shoot. I was pleased when they informed me that they had acquired a balalaika.

The Balalaika originated from Russia and was first mentioned in 1688. It is related to the domra. This peasant instrument was popular throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The triangular shape was developed in the late 19th century by musician Vasily Andreyev.

A big thank you to my assistant Nataly Bakumenko who made this shoot go perferctly. Shot at the Georgian College Downtown campus, Barrie November 19, 2025