Alina Lebedeva
Alina is a commercial photographer and is also passionate about working on her own artistic projects. We talked about these projects in portrait and art nude photography. For example, what her pictures should trigger in the viewer, the different roles of a model, the interaction between artist and audience and how she develops ideas.
Thomas Berlin: Alina, nice that we can talk about your art nude photography. Could you start by introducing yourself in a few words?
Alina Lebedeva: This is the most difficult part of any interview for me. I am still not used to talk about myself as a presentation. I was born in 1980 in USSR, Moscow. I am a fully self-taught photographer. In 2004 I bought my first camera. I started doing my own photography and creative projects. During the early years of the career I developed my technique and style based on my mood and life experience. Even though I did not possess a lot of resources, I used my style to create unique images that allowed my natural creativity to shine through.
In 2006 I decided to pursue photography professionally. I worked shooting for a variety of businesses and individual clients. Gaining recognition for her personal works, I continued working as a commercial photographer in the fashion industry. My images published in well-known print and digital publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Playing Fashion, Citizen K, and SNC Magazine. Furthermore, some of my other clients included specialty dance shop Grishko and clothing brand Cyrille Gassiline. Additionally, my photographs auctioned in various platforms and sold worldwide.
Aside from my personal and commercial projects, I have 10 years’ experience teaching photography and art lessons. Furthermore, I made some international masterclasses and workshops. Through teaching I fulfill my desire to provide students with the resources and opportunities to learn fundamentals. I believe that offering emerging artists such prospects aid in their formative development. I continue to devote my time to the creative endeavors, constant self-development, and education.
Thomas Berlin: Your photography reminds me on one hand on portraits and on the other hand on art nude and erotic art. Is that interpretation correct?
Alina Lebedeva: You are absolutely right about mentioning this combination: portrait and art nude, but hardly erotic art. For me there is no separation between these two genres, they are simultaneously fit my pictures. Moreover I would say that any of art nudes are portraits as it is.
Thomas Berlin: What should your images trigger in the viewers head?
Alina Lebedeva: Endless admiration for the beauty of this world and women.
Thomas Berlin: Do you think that this admiration of beauty and women depends on gender? I mean, is there a specifically female view of other women that is reflected in your pictures?
Alina Lebedeva: When a photographer is a professional photographer, he/she (usually) doesn't think about the inter-gender aspect. For a photographer a model is a subject; depending on his idea, she can be a canvas or a person. But for the most part the gender aspect exists on a subconscious level. This is when for example a hetero-oriented male photographer shoots a female model as an object of his personal sexual relationship. In the final pictures I can see this - the presentation is different. In other words, it’s easier to make a woman look sexy in pictures to a man. Sometimes I can play so that this effect can be seen in my works.
Thomas Berlin: Did you develop this style over the years or how did you get into it?
Alina Lebedeva: Your own style is not something that can be achieved, learned or developed, it is something that you already have and is always with you, something that you live with. So I never tried to do anything special to get it. I am what I am.
Thomas Berlin: In addition to the visible perception of beauty and sensuality, do you have a general message that you would like to convey with your work?
Alina Lebedeva: I would like to convey not only the beauty, but also the possibility of interaction between the artist and the audience. And if my invisible message responds, then everything has worked out.
Thomas Berlin: The interaction between artist and audience is a fascinating aspect. Could you describe this aspect a little further in relation to your work?
Alina Lebedeva: The only thing I'm sure of and that works exactly like this: you are what you see.
Thomas Berlin: The pictures show younger women as protagonists who probably most people find beautiful, sensual. Could you tell me more about your protagonists and there roles in your shoots?
Alina Lebedeva: If we talk about creativity, then the main character is me, my mood is the colors, and the model is the canvas. The model should be in tune with me visually, then I put the rest into the picture myself.
Thomas Berlin: The colors and the canvas are a vivid metaphor. In my interview with Vincent Peters, he emphasized that the models do not show themselves but are subject to his direction. The photographer as the director of a still, is that what you are describing?
Alina Lebedeva: If the shooting is creative and the photographer shoots for himself, then yes - he is the director of the session. In the case of commerce, there is a customer, he has the right to determine the appearance of the shooting and the plot. In the case of a joint idea and work, each participant in the shooting has the right to speak out, but in essence the final result is created by the photographer.
Thomas Berlin: Now we are coming to the most important aspect in my opinion: How do you create yours ideas? Are you more intuitive or do you approach a photo shoot conceptually?
Alina Lebedeva: For the most part, I act intuitively. I don't like plans, templates or scenarios in my work. Of course, this does not mean that I rely entirely on the model, but rather on myself. Before shooting I discuss with the model the options for poses and the general mood of today, but then I do not constrain her in this and do not tie her to certain actions and plots, I can correct her manifestations if something goes wrong as I see it. It is important to me that a person shows himself naturally and this is possible only when you do not direct him entirely yourself.
Thomas Berlin: How can I imagine a shoot with you, i.e. how do you choose the location, how long does it take etc.
Alina Lebedeva: Refarding the choice of location, everything is simple - the location should be visually combined with the mood. I can't say that it's easy for me to choose a studio or any other place for this, because most locations are focused on commerce and are quite monotonous in their callousness.
Thomas Berlin: How do you find the people who come in front of your camera and what are their motives for participating in your shoots?
Alina Lebedeva: If we talk about creative sessions, it's not easy. Ideally, the interaction occurs when the model finds me as a photographer who impressed her and turns to me, and this model suits me in turn. It also happens the other way, when I find a model that arouses my creative interest. This may be an external interest and also some interesting features of her or behavior.
Thomas Berlin: What is a good picture? When are you happy with your work?
Alina Lebedeva: Everything was successful when the picture combines my inner and outer. The result depends on both the photographer and the model. Double luck is when the viewer understands it the same way.
Thomas Berlin: Do you also photograph other motivs?
Alina Lebedeva: If you mean do I shoot in other genres besides nude, then I can say that nude is just one of those genres in which I work. Nude genre just attracts significantly more audience attention than all the others combined. Portrait, fashion, commerce, modeling - that's all what I do also.
Thomas Berlin: Let's get to the technical side of your photography: Which camera and lenses are you using mostly.
Alina Lebedeva: Canon 5D Mark IV + Canon lenses: 35, 50, 85mm
Thomas Berlin: How do you deal with light? And what is your most important light setup?
Alina Lebedeva: My most important light is a natural daylight. Understanding all the nuances of working with this light, it becomes malleable and surprisingly diverse. In case if daylight is not available, I use studio equipment, more often permanent lightning, in fact for imitating daylight with them.
Thomas Berlin: What does your workflow look like after the shoot?
Alina Lebedeva: If you mean postprocessing, I use classic Photoshop for light retouching, colour correction or BW processing. I never use any artificial intellects or any programs that modify the bodies or the picture itself. For me is an important part of being a photographer is to make a true picture myself.
Thomas Berlin: What do you want to achieve photographically in the next few years?
Alina Lebedeva: In the next years I am planning to make more training programs and organize online courses as well.
Thomas Berlin: Is photography your main professional activity?
Alina Lebedeva: Yes, that’s my main professional activity for many years. Last year I studied perfumery in Grasse and perhaps one day you will see my perfume.
Thomas Berlin: That's exciting, maybe one day you'll have your own brand. What do you like to do privately when you are not taking photos?
Alina Lebedeva: The real everyday life is the important part, this is where I get my energy and inspiration from. I enjoy the outdoors, driving my car, meeting with friends, petting my cats, watching movies and reading books.
Thomas Berlin: Alina, thank you for the interesting insights.
You can find Alina on her website and on Instagram. Your feedback is always welcome here.
Images: © Alina Lebendeva.
