Glad to have you here, Yuliya. To begin, can you please give us a little intro as to what motivated you to become a photographer?
Thank you very much, I am very pleased to do this interview. I am a creative person by nature. And in the process of researching my talents, I realized that I adore generating new ideas and creating space for their embodiment, and let me flatter myself, I am also a master of creating states. Fashion photography allows me to embody my talents. In my opinion, the meaning of fashion photography is precisely to create in the viewer a certain state, emotions when contacting with fashion.
How would you describe your photographic vision?
I am crazy about bright colors and I like to photograph unusual images that express a certain mood and contain an idea. I consider the smallest details in photography, because the details that seem to be insignificant on the face of it may significally affect the image.
Do you remember your first paid photography gig? How did it go?
My first paid session was making studio business-like portraits of a man for his portfolio and Instagram. I had never taken photos of men before so I had to start with studying the way men pose to the photographer and the kind of lightening to use. As a result, we got quite expressive studio portraits, he was pleased and satisfied with my work.
In your experience, what are the most difficult aspects of professional photography?
In my opinion, most of the difficulties in professional photography are due to organizational issues. If you are a “freelance artist”, you have to take care of many things besides the photography itself. For example, you need to find orders, to make and promote your own brand.
What gives you ideas and what inspires you to create your beautiful images?
I draw inspiration from nature, architecture, travel, philosophy and religion, contemporary art, works by renowned masters of photography, including the works of Man Ray, Helmut Newton, Fritz Gunter Sachs, David Lachapell, Irving Penn, Paolo Roversi and others. I also adore films with a vivid visual range.
What advice would you give to someone looking at a career in photography?
I think there are no universal recipes for how to achieve success. You just take this way and walk along it, pump your skills, find resources, explore your possibilities, meet like-minded people and check how far you can go along this way and where it will lead you. You should always remember that you are the author of your journey through the world of photography, you decide what to do and where to go, and you can rebuilt the route at any time.
What type of projects are dearest to your heart? Why?
I am fond of projects that develop myself creatively or move up the career stairs.
What is typically in your camera bag and what is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
A favorite accessory is a photo flashlight. With it, you can create stunning images in any environment.
From your point of view what makes a shoot successful?
For a commercial shoot, the key to success is completing the brief. For creative photography, it is important that the composition, color and details convey the photographer's idea as much as possible.
What projects are you working on next, and what are your goals for the future?
Now I want to set up my own photo studio and I am aiming at a personal photo exhibition next year.
Where can readers see more of your work and get connected with you?
I post my work on on my Instagram: @yuliyasa_art. I also have a digital portfolio on the «500px.com» professional photography website (link: https://500px.com/p/YuliyaSa?view=photos).