When someone comes to a photoshoot who has never stood in front of a photographer’s lens before, it always brings a sense of excitement. In moments like these, the photographer must be especially attentive and caring, as the model may feel uncomfortable or even a little afraid. However, for me, these sessions are particularly inspiring, because the person is open and willing to share their emotions and inner experiences.
At the beginning and throughout the shoot, we talk a lot. I am interested in the person’s passions and character, their dreams and goals. I ask questions to better understand them and receive sincere, unfiltered answers in return. Gradually, the photography begins to take on a more personal dimension, helping the person relax in front of the camera. I encourage them to simply be themselves and to radiate their inner light. Natural light surrounding us helps me capture these moments forever, creating unique and authentic portraits.
I love photographing ordinary people. I enjoy breaking the rules of photography, and I do not particularly like staged images—unless they are intended for catalogs, modeling agencies, or must strictly follow a client’s technical brief. That is a completely different context: everything is clear and professional—each person does their job well, and then they go their separate ways, often not thinking about each other again for a long time.
With ordinary people, it is entirely different. These photographs carry warmth, preserve the joy of a moment, and become part of a family archive—something to return to again and again, holding memories over time. Sometimes, somewhere far away in memory, you can almost hear fragments of a conversation that once took place between me and those who came to me to preserve their special moment through photography.
Every person is unique and beautiful. I never tire of saying this. In moments of sincerity—when light and truth flow through us—there is no such thing as right or wrong.
To capture such a moment, there is no need to search for special locations or go to a photography studio. A studio is, of course, a wonderful space for other creative goals and professional tasks. But when it comes to capturing openness and authenticity, the best setting is your natural, everyday environment.
That is why, in good weather, I always encourage people to take photographs outdoors in nature. And if weather conditions or open spaces make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, then your home is always the perfect place for such images—safe, familiar, and genuinely yours.
For a first photoshoot, I often ask participants to bring a personal object—something meaningful to them or reflective of their profession. It acts as a kind of “comfort zone,” a small talisman that helps people feel more grounded and confident, especially in the early moments of the session, when they are still adjusting to the camera.
These objects can vary widely: personal belongings, items of clothing, toys, favorite books, or even notebooks. For example, Anna brought musical scores with her. She would look at them and, in her mind, hear the music itself. At some point, I almost forgot about photography altogether—I was simply observing her and quietly amazed by how such an inner world of sound could exist within a person.
Anna didn’t just hear notes; she experienced entire orchestral arrangements and individual instrumental lines simultaneously. For me, it felt like real magic unfolding in front of the lens.
SWIPE >>>
When I shared my thoughts with Anna, she laughed and said it was just like looking straight into the lens. Perhaps I already have a sense of what the final photographs will reveal, and even she finds it difficult to imagine. And she is right.
There is something remarkable and inspiring in every person—something that drives them toward new discoveries and achievements. At the same time, we are all a little alike: we all want to remain ourselves and to feel happy.
Smile more often, notice moments of joy and sincerity, love and accept yourself. Each of us is unique.
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