Artistic Vision Is Really Very Important in Photography

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I was born in Ukraine, now I live in Russia, but I travel all over Europe for doing my photography job.

My dad was engaged in amateur photography and this has always fascinated me. It seemed to me real magic how an image appears on a blank sheet of paper during development.

And this is probably why I, having tried different professions, came to photography.

2. How and when did you realize your passion for photography?

I think I was not created for office work - I've always wanted to express my thoughts through what I do.

And since I am a visual, I like to watch different images - from movies to art pictures.

I did not come to my own style in photography right away, I tried many different genres - from landscape photography to wedding photography.

But I liked unusual pictures, and I realized that I could create them by myself, telling strange stories and immersing the viewer in my own world.

I really liked it, and I started doing art photography, and that became not only a job but also my passion.

3. What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?

Explore as many of works of the visual masters as possible.

Try to repeat the work that has already been done before you as a training, and in order to understand how the author took them.

Do not chase after the technique, at a certain stage of your development you will precisely know what technique you need. In the beginning, it is enough to have the camera that is available to you, it just must be able to shoot in manual mode.

Learn to see light - this is the most important thing in photography.

4. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?

The biggest myth is that in order to be a photographer, you need a special gift, the ability to see what others cannot see.

In fact, this is partly true, artistic vision is really very important in photography. But people can develop this ability in themselves.

In order to develop an artistic taste in yourself, you need to watch works of art more meaningfully - pay attention to the works of painters, to the theater, read books and listen to music.

The more beautiful a person absorbs, the more beautiful he is able to create.

Of course, some people are given the gift of artistic vision from childhood, but if you don't have it, it's okay, this ability can be developed by yourself.

5. What are the various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?

I envy beginners a little - they have great opportunities!

First, there are great learning opportunities. Now a lot of good bits of knowledge can be obtained remotely, when I started - I had to collect information bit by bit. Therefore, those who are active enough to go towards their goal can quickly become professionals.

Second, you can monetize your creativity right from the start. Try to start taking a little money for your work, so you will understand that this profession can give you a lot, and you will begin to move in the right direction.

6. Which is your favorite book and why?

I'm a huge fan of Stephen King.

His books are mysterious worlds, parallel to ours, and that inspires me a lot. I love the depth of his characters and the way the author tells the story - it's mesmerizing. I can spend many hours reading his books.

Instagram ID - @photographer_katerinaklio