Mariya Tatarnikova

Institute: How did your career in photography begin?

Mariya: Since I was a child I felt like an Artist, when I got my first camera I realized that this is my way of observing the World – through my camera.

Institute: Who did you aspire to growing up?

Mariya: Richard Avedon for his endlessly beautiful and refined style.

Institute: What are you currently working on?

Mariya: I am working on my photo book ‘Once Upon a Death’. I want to make it available all over the World.

Institute: How was 2015 for you?

Mariya: It was really intense! I graduated from LCF, produced a book, got married and moved from UK to Russia.

Institute: Do you have an all time favorite image?

Mariya: I don’t think so, but I have my all time favourite photographers, they are Tim Walker, Paolo Roversi, Julia Hetta and many others. It always depends on my mood, emotions and feelings.

Institute: What is your creative process?

Mariya: Usually, It starts from insomnia and sleepless nights. This is when I have my creative ‘pot’ boiling from thoughts and ideas. Then goes the making of moodboards and brainstorming with the team, then shooting, and finally my favourite part – post-production.

Institute: What has been your proudest moment to date?

Mariya: I did a presentation of my photo book to Simon Foxton and he loved it, also my graduation from LCF with a First class honours bachelor’s degree in Art with a specialization in Fashion Photography.

Institute: What career path would you of taken if not photography?

Mariya: I would be a rock’n‘roll band leader. I did it as a teen and this is one of the most exiting experiences I had!

Institute: What do you think of taking photos with your phone?

Mariya: I love it! I love Instagram and I think that one day I will take all of my images with my phone! I love the freedom of movement and the simplicity of capturing the moment.