Your occupation, job title, artistic discipline (or very brief description of what you do):

I’m a fine art photographer. Fine art photography is like any other medium used to express an artist’s idea, but it’s different from other styles of photography in that it requires a great deal of work behind the scenes. A fine art photographer’s camera is like an artist’s paintbrush. Fine art photography is an expression of a photographer’s vision. It does not simply reveal what’s in front of the camera, it goes a bit beyond. I think about my final image before I start to shoot; I plan what colours I will use, what mood I want to convey, what location will fit the purpose, and sometimes I’ll select a certain person for that particular idea. For me, editing is one of the main elements of fine art photography, as it helps to alter reality until the photographer achieves their vision. When you look at a fine art photograph, it is clear that it was created by an artist and not just by the camera.

What cities/towns have you lived in (or spent more than a few months in) beginning with the place of your birth?

I was born in Kazakhstan, and then lived in Russia from the age of ten to 25. I moved to New Zealand to study at 25 years old, where I met my partner.

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing? The ones that told you about the world?

My childhood was spent watching American and Brazilian soap operas that made me dream about living in sunny place with palm trees.

What’s your favourite Bay of Plenty landscape, park, building, location, suburb, or side street? Why?

McLaren Falls is my favourite place to shoot. It has a magical atmosphere, and its forests, lake, and waterfall make it great location to have various portraits during one session. It’s especially beautiful in autumn with all the colours, which is great for my photography style. People love autumn shoots.

The Mt Maunganui track is my favorite place to recharge and think about ideas on a walk. Also, if I need to feel city vibes, I would go to a Mount restaurant, where it’s always a rush!

What’s an average day in your life at present?

I spend my days working on my business, editing pics, shooting, saving ideas in my notes for future projects, and walking my dog. I spend my evenings with my partner, dog and two cats, watching our favourite shows. We love Friends; it always makes us laugh and lifts our moods. We also love Somebody Feed Phil where the host takes viewers to food places around the world. This show stands out thanks to Phil’s warm and friendly personality. I just love his connection to people.

What music was present and still memorable from your youth/adolescence?

When I was little I was fan of Enrique Iglesias. His music added to my dreams of living in a sunny place with beaches and palm trees. When I was teenager I started listening to Linkin Park which helped me through that life period when you feel that no one understands you. Linkin Park understood me; they sang about all the feelings I had at that time.

For you as a creative person, who are three influential artists or thinkers?

I closely follow a few great photographers whose work I admire: Margarita Kareva, Sue Bryce, Irina Rudnyk and Irina Dzhul.

If you went away from the Bay of Plenty for a long time and then came back, what are the first three things you would do or visit?

Mt Maunganui, McLaren Falls and Pāpāmoa Hills.

Looking back at your teen-age self: what one sentence describes that person?

An introvert living in my imaginary world.

If you had to eat the same meal every day, what would it be?

Roasted shrimp with garlic.

What are you planning for 2022/2023 that nobody knows about yet?

Shoots in secluded locations with stunning views that represent the beauty of New Zealand.

Who are your favourite or most admired figures from history?

Catherine the Great. She helped westernize Russia; she was actively helping to improve education (including education for women) and develop the country’s culture.

Audrey Hepburn. I’ve loved her movies since I was a child. She represents grace, nobility and innocent beauty. She also did humanitarian work up until her death.

If the Prime Minister asked you to make up a new policy or law for New Zealand, what would it be?

Install heating systems in all houses.

In one sentence, can you define art?

Mind-freeing magic that makes the world a better place.

What is missing or lacking from your Bay of Plenty community or environment?

A free outdoor concert to celebrate the town anniversary. We have these in Russia and it’s a fun way to celebrate your city and enable those who can’t afford to experience musical entertainment to feel connected.

Name a few films that you consider profound, moving or extraordinary?

Back to The Future, The Fountain, What Dreams May Come.

What was your first real job, second, third?

Housekeeper, civil engineering technician, technologist.

Where would you like to live, but have yet to?

Queenstown. I’ve been to Queenstown and loved its mountains; it’s so spectacular. I just love the atmosphere. When we were there during the pandemic it was very quiet and tranquil. That also attracts me to it.

I dreamed of visiting Australia since I was teenager, and I loved Sydney, so I would like to explore more of it. It has a cheerful vibe: the ocean, the heat, the nightlife… It all excites me.

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring creative person?

Follow your instincts and let your imagination do the job.

What’s the biggest problem about life in New Zealand? How you would solve it?

Infrastructure and lack of goods.

As a former engineer, I can see many projects that need to be done to improve our everyday life, like wider roads, fewer traffic jams, safer roads. I’m a bit nervous every time I travel somewhere far, as there could be improvements to our safety.

Regarding our lack of goods, I spent numerous days trying to find good bubble bath and still didn’t succeed, haha. Every time I find it, either the store closes, or it’s constantly out of stock. I think it’s just the issue of us being so remote, with a smaller population, and less competition. It is a small price we pay to have the relaxed lifestyle this country offers.

What is your dream of happiness?

Having a reason to wake up, do my hobby and be paid for it. Having my friends and family in the same city. And, of course, beach walks.

Anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself/your organisation?

I wasn’t creative during my childhood. I was always technical, and studied engineering. I loved to paint, but everyone around told me I wasn’t good at it: “Better not waste your time.” I only let my creativity flow when I was 22, when I said I don’t care if I paint badly, I’ll do it for myself. That’s when my creativity journey began, and it led me to creative photography.

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