Andrew for White Lies magazine (Berlin) INTERVIEW

You can read it on WhiteLies magazine's website here

Moody – intense – darkness-tendency , that may be the best adjectives to categorise Andrew Kalashnikov’s photography. He is a 24 years old who ( in the fashion world ) may be best known as the guy whose moody shots were featured in the window display of Rick Owens’s store in Paris. I had the chance of exchanging a few lines with the man.

Andrew, when did you get into photography?

It was almost 3 years ago. I planned to shoot 3 concept series just for fun and then brought them out. Surprisingly, I am still in the business.

Well it’s no surprise to me. But can you still recall the first photo that actually got printed, or that you got money for?

Wow, I can try. In 2011, the fashion portrait «Light After Dark» in a Russian magazine. I actually found the magazine in a subway’ booth and bought 3 issues at once. It was cool. The first money I got for a model portfolio earlier.

But with the easy accessibility of good quality cameras, do you think people still take photography seriously?

I suppose, you just answered the question yourself. Today with easy access to digital cameras people think it’s easy to be a photographer and make a living of it. But if they try, nothing will happen. It’s a very competitive field. You should be 40% talented and 60% hard-working to succeed. Only workhorses can survive here.

100% agreed. Was it through hard work or by chance that you have gained success and a considerable following?

Hard work. During a whole year I had only 30 followers on my page. Nevertheless i updated it with new photos to show that I don’t give a fuck and I will work anyway. You should never stop learning and improving to succeed.

That’s the spirit. What’s an average day like for a photographer based in Russia anyway?

Depends on the photographer’s schedule. For the most photoshoots you have to get up early, then get to location or studio and take photos. I remember waiting 4 hours for a 10 min-photoshoot.

Digital vs. Analog. What are your preferences?

I am a digital photographer at this time.

Hi, my name is...Interview for Electru.de (Berlin)

Had a lovely talk with Electru.de (Germany) where: 1) you can find details about new shoot 2) how I started taking pics 3) and it should give an impression that I changed the dark side to the light 

your motivation, inspiration + influences

Most artists are influenced by all of their surroundings so am I. Well, I always try to experiment with genres. I suppose for any artist it is important to move forward, experiment with style. I like Peter Lindbergh editorials. But now prefer Carter Smith simplicity working on fashion shoots.

when did you start photography

Really I don’t remember. But I was always interested in visual arts. For a while I did nothing, just hanging out with people who wasted their time. Photography classes at my university strengthened my interest and I wanted to develop these skills by attending additional coursework. Then I got myself together and started to make first sessions under my terms.

film or digital

Digital. Sold my film camera many years ago when I was broke, before I started to work in photography.

i’m in love with…

High mountains, easy people, Dr Pepper, my upcoming projects. Future.i’m dreaming of…

One of the things is to be represented by photography agency abroad. I will be provided with better locations than in Russia, could show my ability to work at a very high level of quality. So I could be booked for the celebrities’ editorial assignments.

the darkness is…

Shit. But beyond any dark clouds the sun is always shining.

nude vs dressed

There’s no nude models in my portfolio. Should I improve that?

what’s next?

Certainly, already have new goals to accomplish. Don’t want to talk way too much.New mystical editorial is out in October. It was shot near the waterfall, witchcraft theme. Should say, my arm and leg were injured when I fall into the wild river.Maybe it may sound dissappointing for someone but I don’t see my life only spinning around photography. Wish I would live somewhere between Europe and US doing creative stuff, touch wood.

last but not least: your question

If you didn’t reach your goals so what are you waiting for?

You can also read this interview on their website