When did your passion for photography start and what were the main milestones that turned you into the artist you currently are?
I remember when I was about 10 years old I got my first film camera as a present. That’s when I fell in love with photography. I was taking photos of everything around me, especially my family and all the animals from the farm I grew up ON. Then I started law school and photography went on a long break until I moved to Miami, Fl 20 years ago.
I went to Broadcasting school to be a reporter. During my studies my passion to camera came back but this time I got into filmmaking. I made my first documentary “South Beach on Heels” that won many awards nationally and internationally. My PASSION FOR filmmaking took me to Cuba to work on a documentary on that island. Seeing all the people I could not resist and started taking their photos. I created my first exhibition “Faces and Voices of Cuba” in the US and Russia. After I traveled and created more exhibitions “Trans-Siberian Express” - a journey across Russia, “India” and “Portraits of Paris”. Traveling around the world and doing street photography I fell in love with taking PHOTOS of people and decided to do it also in a more controlled environment- photo studios where I can be very creative with light.
We admire the exquisite level of detail in all your works. Does your creative process start from a certain image in your mind, or do you seek inspiration as you progress?
Before any photoshoot I have a vision, but it can always evolve during the shoot and it happens very often, especially when we are talking about a Creative Photoshoot.
What has been your most successful moment to date in your career so far?
My previous multi- sensory exhibition “Portraits of Paris” which I created with amazing singer / artist Caroline Loeb from Paris. It was very successful in Siberia and I hope to take it to other places of the world.
Has your vision and style evolved or changed over time?
Definitely. Visual art has no limits and there is so much to try and learn and expand your horizons. I love creative lights and love creative portraits, enjoy playing with camera settings and coming up with something unique and interesting. What I learned is not to be afraid to experiment… and be open to explore in this amazing world of visual arts.
What type of models do you prefer to shoot with? Why?
Models who enjoy what they are doing!!! If she / he is doing it with love and passion, then we can get the best shots!!!
Can you please explain some of the feelings you are trying to achieve in your photographs?
Timelessness and Divine, Deity, Goddesses and Gods
How has photography influenced you as a person and what do you love most about being a photographer?
Being a photographer made me a better director. I pay more attention to details and get better with dealing with all kinds of people. I SEE BEAUTY IN EVERYTHING.
From your point of view, what makes the shoot successful?
When I look at the photos and think “did I really took those photos? They are damn good!!!” It is all about the final result of course. Even though I love the process, but if final result exceeds your expectations - then the shoot is successful.
If you couldn't be a photographer, what would be your other career choice?
I love being in front of the camera as well, so if not a photographer, I would get into acting and modeling.
What projects are you working on next, and what are your goals for the future?
I am thinking of going to Mexico and photograph people there for the next exhibition. I am also planning to create an exhibition of creative portraits. The goals - to have fun and enjoy this journey!!! Possibilities and opportunities are endless!!!
Where can we see more of your works and get connected with you?
You can see more of my work on my website - DmitryZhitov.com and IG @DmitryZhitov
Photographer: Dmitry Zhitov @dmitryzhitov
Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist: Rovin Delgado @rovinjdelgado
Model: Oxana Rivera @oxanarivera @new icon models
Model: Regina Cocoa @regina_cocoa
Model: Carolina Espindola @espindola.caro
Model: Carolina Puntonet @caropuntonet
Model: Mariana Latt @mariana.latt
Model: Yasmin Colman @yascolmanp