Food and interior photography are now two of my main directions in work, but why?
To be honest few years ago I simply didn't know where to start, as I didn't even have a camera at that time and had no idea how to choose it. So I started with choosing my teacher, Olga Kalabina, who opened the doors of the photography world for me, especially portrait photography. With her help I've selected my very first camera and lens, and we went through everything that you possibly need to know as a photographer - starting the basic of camera settings, finishing with how to work with models and generate the ideas for the photoshoot. We also did a few practical sessions, where I had a chance to lead a photoshoot myself, and where I first realized that portraits maybe aren't my thing.
So I started to think if not portraits then what? It came to my mind that I love looking at appetising food photography, this and sleek interior photos are usually playing huge role at which the restaurant I choose for dinner. Like this, naturally, my love for food and interiors transmitted into my art. Especially being a bit on the introverted side, this choice finally made much more sense.
With the food, I don't even know how to explain, it just makes me excited when I see a new plate coming my way during the photoshoot, I like the set-up, the plating, the shapes, the colour combinations, To me chefs are artists and this is their art that I have an honour to capture. It's like art inside art, if that makes sense. All the dishes are so different, and I love finding the key to capture them.
For the interiors - it's everything, the textures, the materials, the shapes, the lines, the geometry, I'm just really a huge fan. I love how the lights and shadows are playing through the window frames, or on a cloudy day there is a very special mood as well.
I guess also it's my hotelier past that made these two directions so special to me. I've seen how the hotels are built up from a green frame and how the menus are being made and the china is being chosen, I know how huge of an investment it is, and not just the money, but most of all it's an investment of time, energy, motivation, sweat and tears. I've been myself deeply involved in snagging of the hotel areas, in selection of decorations, textiles, plants, and menu testing. I know how much it needs to think it through and make it happen, that's why it makes it so special. I know that there's a story behind every project and it makes me so excited to get to know it and show it to everyone through my photography.