Can you tell us a little about your journey as a photographer? If possible, narrow it down to the main turning points.
I became interested in photography when I was 16 years old. One of the starting points was a Kiev camera given to me by my grandfather. At that time, I became interested in learning how to use it and started experimenting with film photography. That is how my passion for photography was born.
The second turning point was a last-minute decision to cancel my admission papers to graphic design studies and choose photography studies instead. At the end of the twelfth grade, I realized I wanted to tie my future with this creative sphere.
The last turning point that shifted me towards fashion photography was an unexpected fall into the world of fashion. When I graduated from university, I mainly photographed people and portraits. But once, after photographing a friend who worked as a model, I was invited to shoot at a modeling agency. That’s how my passion for fashion photography was born, and my career began.
Do you have sources of inspiration that shape you as a creator?
Yes, in the beginning, I was most inspired by photographers Paolo Roversi and Peter Lindbergh. I was drawn to the specific mood they create, naturalness, sophistication, and perception of light. I also find movies like Larry Clark’s Kids, Korean Old Boy, Hungarian Taxidermia, or Gregory Colbert’s Ashes and Snow inspiring.
There is much naturalness in your work. Can you share how you create the atmosphere in your photos?
When you photograph people, you usually get the same energy back from them as you give. My photos are calm and quiet. It reflects my character and the energy I project during the photo shoot.
Sometimes when I must do highly vigorous shoots with much action, I have to radiate energy myself to get the talent or models moving. It drains me, and it’s not natural for me. I feel like a fish in water when taking pictures calmly, slowly, and quietly.
