Your Story: Albina Kosenko In our Your Story feature, we ask our members about what inspires their p

Your Story: Albina Kosenko

In our Your Story feature, we ask our members about what inspires their photography, the processes they use to make images, and the stories behind their pictures.

Q. What’s the story behind this photo?

A.A friend of mine was expecting a baby and I wanted to capture that intimate moment for my friend and her husband.

Q. How was this image made?

A.We were in a small room, and I had a 50 mm lens, but wanted to make a wider shot. That’s when I turned to the mirror on the wall. The mirror had some angles that caught light and reflections - that is what actually resulted in that dreamy look.

Q. Why do you take pictures?

A.I enjoy the moment of creation. Besides, photography helps me convey values I believe in: love, freedom, beauty.

Q. What was the first photo you took? Or the first photo you took that was meaningful to you?

A. My first photo was probably in my childhood, my dad had a film camera and he must have asked me to take a photo of him and mom. I do not remember that well though.

My first meaningful photo was 3 years ago, it was this one. I made it during studies at a photo school, and around this time it stroke me that a beautiful photo is not necessarily a photo of something beautiful, but a photo that is meaningful and conveys an idea. I am still fond of this shot, to me it’s a story of how hectic our life is and how rarely we take a moment to enjoy what we have.

Q. How would you describe your photographic style?

A.I can’t put a name on it, not sure such a style has a name. I’m fond of “true” stories. I like it when a true moment, emotion or state of mind is conveyed through a photo.

Q. What do you want to say with your images?

A.There’s no single message. But if I were to name one thing that I believe in (and it is often my topic) - it is the importance of love in our life. Love to your other significant one, to your kids, to yourself (this one is so often forgotten and overlooked). Treasure what you have.

Q. Have you been inspired by any photographers in the Your Shot community?

A.I really love what Your Shot Photographer Tatiana Vasilyeva is doing. She has some great shots that make me stop and think, like this image. Isn’t that what true art is supposed to do? Tatyana’s shots have powerful composition and great light. Another thing that fascinates me in Tanya’s work is that she does almost no editing. All editing is on her phone. That style resonates with my ideas of the “true” moment.

Q. Whose photography has influenced you the most?

A.Saul Leiter,Annie Leibovitz’s early works for Rolling Stone, Elliott Erwitt’s humor, and Paolo Roversi’s color.

See more photographs by Albina Kosenko on Your Shot.

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