I worked as an architect-designer and photography was my hobby. 9 years. And now this is my job. It helps me a lot, since I work with large complex locations and the sense of composition, rhythm, proportions and color is a merit of my education.
1. Tell us about your background and journey?
I have a rule - all that is in my picture is what was on location during the shoot. In Photoshop I don't add elements that don't actually belong to the scene. Locations are even more important for me than models. Because namely location tells a story of the character in frame. I usually work with wide-scale scenes and rarely shoot portraits.
Because it’s very difficult to tell a story only with a portrait I am a fan of travels. Each country has its own look, history, customs, habits, smells, energy. I travel a lot around the world and teach fairy-tale photography at my workshops and seminars in different countries: Italy, Netherlands, Argentina, Brazil, Latvia and others.
2. What inspired you to pursue photography as a career?
Like everybody I began my hobby from small things, but every day absorbed me. Now I can't imagine my life without photography. It all started when I was on maternity leave with my children and wanted to take beautiful pictures of my family. I never thought that it would get me so.
I worked as an architect-designer and photography was my hobby. 9 years. And now this is my job. It helps me a lot, since I work with large complex locations and the sense of composition, rhythm, proportions and color is a merit of my education.
3. How would you describe your style in photography?
I am fine art photographer, some people call me a fairytale photographer.
4. What thought process do you follow before selecting a theme or subject?
Photography for me is a way to tell a story, to raise important questions for me. Create a story in one picture so that the viewer thinks over it and can take people into another world. My credo is the harmony of people and nature. I show what a person should strive for. For harmony with theirself and everything that surrounds them.
I try to talk not only about the beautiful form, but also the content. The magical world of a fairy tale, travel in time and space, an exciting dream ... what I live every day. Almost all my works are about the soul ... because in my opinion every object, creature and person has its own story - Birth, Growth, Adventure and Death.
The soul is the main character and every time it takes on a new look. I have a series of works “Soul of a Tree”, where female models make trees alive through my picture. Because I believe that trees are living beings who see and feel everything.
I also have several projects on social important topics, God is One - about the fact that we all go to one God through different religions. Invisible - about people with disabilities and Memory of generations - about historical global problems of our world, such as War, Famine, Catastrophe.
5. What is the most challenging and rewarding part of being a Photographer?
The hardest part is to find a balance between creativity and commerce. And also never stop to learn something new and don’t get a stuck in your art. Many people can not achieve it.
6. Who is your favorite photographer and why?
I love Rodney Smith's work. I like his work with graphics, proportions and clarity of thought.
7. How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated?
Mostly I am inspired by the location, I immediately see how it would be reflected its soul. Also people inspire me and I want to reveal their sensuality and beauty. I think through all my works from idea to implementation. I create looks for the models and often make outfits and decor with my own hands. I love it so it motivates me to do it over and over.
8. What tips and advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
If you are fascinated by photography and have fun, then develop your skills. Learn the craft with joy, step by step. Join our photo academy ART5 (phone application). There are many useful and very interesting lessons.
9. Which is your favorite book and why?
«Atlas shrugged», Ayn Rand, about realizing that you are special and therefore worth something. It turned my mind around.
Interviewed By - Serene Ingle
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