OLGA ALESHINA RUSSIAN PHOTOGRAPHER

Olga Aleshina Russian Photographer

Olga Aleshina is a photographer with 6+ years of experience she is going to tell us her story.She was born in Tver, Russia. After finishing the University, she worked as an interpreter at the International Marriage Agency and, in parallel, worked as an English tutor for children. Then she understood that it was not what she always dreamt of.

‘‘Photography has always been my favorite hobby. At first, I worked for a NewbornPhoto company, and then went deep into the art and fashion industry‘‘

Since 2014 she has been working as a freelance photographer doing shots in fashion and art, constantly improving her photography skills.

What is most important at the moment you take a picture of a beauty photography session?

The most important thing at the moment I take a picture for a beauty photography session is the connection between me and a model, it’s a thin invisible thread that makes us feel the same things. Sometimes I don’t even ask a model to do something for me, I just explain the idea.

From where you get your inspiration 

I get inspiration from different things, from people to nature. Music and films have also a great impact on me. And the other photographers’ works as well! Despite my style, I do like to get inspiration from photography of the 20th Century, such as Sarah Moon, Helmut Newton, and Dora Maar.

How do you look for the perfect spots?

As for the perfect spots for the photography sessions, I always start from the idea. Mostly, I take pictures outdoors because I’m in love with natural light and the air in the frame.

Describe a typical shoot. 

One more important thing about my photography is a crew. Stylists and make-up artists play a big role in this industry. I would have never found some clothes and accessories by myself if I didn’t have a stylist. Here is how we create shoots. The idea comes first. Then we’re in search of an appropriate spot and a model. We think over the concept and the desired result. Usually, the session lasts up to 5-6 hours on the whole, but it can take less or even much more time, depending on the idea.

Were you educated in photography, or are you self-taught?

I’m a self-taught photographer and not ashamed of it. My first steps were a little bit disorderly, but they threw me up and made to learn more and more. I watched so many photography-themed videos and got acquainted with people in this field that definitely developed a non-academic or classic view of photography.

What camera do you use most of the time?

I use Canon 5D Mark IV and the lens of 35mm 1.4.

Which photo are you currently most proud of?

I’m not so proud of my works, but here is the one that revealed me to people as a photographer who feels the light, color, and people’s emotions. I can’t say that this my best work, but it always reminds me to hear myself.

Comparing where you are now with where you are when you first started, what could you have done differently to get to where you are sooner?

I could have changed just one thing to get where I am sooner. That is being braver. I’ve spent too much time unwilling to try something new.

Favorite photography book?

As for favorite books, I love the one with the collection of photos by Helmut Newton in Monaco.

For more information, please visit: Olga Aleshina