Interview: Photographer Alexander Kopytov (Ukraine)

Can you tell us a little about you?

Hi, my name is Alexander Kopytov and I am portrait, fashion and nude photographer based in Kyiv, Ukraine. However I used any opportunity when travelling to shoot models on locations, like Tokyo, Cyprus, Paris, Barcelona etc. Also I work now on several personal projects

How and when did you get into photography?

Well, I’m shooting travel and street photography for 10+ years, and started shooting people around

3 years ago, and found I like to shoot portraits and fashion the most, so that’s my main focus now.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography is my way to show beauty of women, my vision and creativity.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

After trying different styles few years ago like landscape, weddings, love stories i found that portrait and fashion photography give me the most flexibility and freedom of creative process to get the results i want.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I can get inspiration and ideas just from everything – starting from everyday life scenes around me, some books, music videos, paintings, some movies (I always do screenshots of some movie scenes if I like idea, color/light, style etc) and of course other photographers. I have dozens of folders on my PC with different ideas an references on future shots/projects.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

Yes, usually for every shooting set I have moodboards on styles/wardrobe/locations/shooting ideas, and mke some preparations like meetings/discussions with stylists/MUA artists etc. However sometimes I just make shooings for fun without any preliminary work – model, my camera and me, freestyle.

Studio, on location or both?

In warm season I’m trying to shoot on location, winter season mostly in studios, but sometimes i have crazy enough models to shoot nude in winter forest in minus 1.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I have full time work in other sphere, so photography is more hobbie for me, some kind of relaxation and implementation of my ideas.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

On digital i shoot Sony, on film I shoot Nikon. My favorite lens are 35 and 85 mm.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Just shoot. Gear doesn’t matter much if it sits in your cabinet. The more you shot, the faster you’ll get what you really like and it’ll make you better.

1What do you think of our new magazine?

Well, it’s just great. Like the idea that you give opportunity to photographers from around the world to show their work and say few words.

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