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

Interview with See7 - Andrew Kalashnikov

This my interview I had with See7 Magazine recently. You can read it on their website.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a young Russian photographer. Art is the thing that drives me.

The coloring in your work is very subtle, is that something that happens during the shoot, or part of post-production?

It’s all in the post-production process, I suppose.  It’s a very important thing that can save even a bad photo shoot.

There is a softness and edginess in your work, which gives your images a kind of energy. How do you achieve this juxtaposition?

It may sound weird, but people said my first works were too static.  With every new project, I have tried to improve that.  I often achieve that by jumping and running with models.

How does living and working in Russia effect your work?

I was asked this question few times this year.  Life in Russia effects my work the same as all artists are influenced by their surroundings. The field of commercial photography is still developing here, but it’s still really difficult for a young photographer to make a career of it in Russia.  Also, it’s not the best place at all to become a photographer.  There are a lot of things to complain about, but to improve as well.  I am not discouraged.  Despite being exhausted, I really enjoy all of the days I spend on a shoot.

What’s next for you?

To accomplish my new goals.  I think it’s only in 2013 that my photography is really starting to make sense.  My new editorial is starting to come together and is more cinematic.

Andrew Kalashnikov interview - XXY MAGAZINE

 

ANDREW KALASHNIKOV. NOT JUST ANOTHER INTERVIEW

                                                                                                                  

What do you hope to unearth from a subject in your work? Are you ever surprised from what you end up discovering?

It is said that my works are “an exploration between life, darkness and death”. Sounds too bombastic, but maybe I’m searching for connections between these subjects.  Or just try to express current mood but presented by other people. Maybe I was surprised once but can’t remember now.

Would you ever feature “pornography” in your work? Is there anything about it which appeals to you – as a photographer?

Porn? [Laughs] Really? I use strong words; sometimes I’m a real bad-ass but that genre has nothing common with my artistic view. It’s like asking Trent Reznor make a cover of Taylor Swift. People go nuts.

What attracts you to mysterious subjects in photography? Does mystery always conjure up different results?

All that dark stuff attracts me. I’m darkish. Positive, but not all bright.  David Lynch, Salvador Dali, Massive Attack, Goth metal bands etc. – I look to these artists for inspiration.  Now it’s enough to take spontaneous photos so that somebody can say: “What a dark picture, are you depressed?” It’s just ridiculous.

Where do you draw the line in exploring dark subject matters? Is there anything that you would say no to featuring in your work?

No boundaries – that’s my rule. I mean I will do almost anything for a good picture. I have done a few editorials in cemeteries. I remember a model started to pray before the photoshoot: she asked God to forgive her for shooting in the graveyard. At that point I thought I’m a bad person.

Where do you want to take fashion photography? Does anything particularly bore you about fashion photography at the moment?

In the wild. I’m bored to death with standard fashion shoots and fake poses. I’d rather show a story and a character than always think about how good the model looks in her outfit. Luckily, there are people responsible for that on the set of fashion photoshoots.

Does your heritage affect the ominous undertones to your work? Would you say there is anything characteristically Russian about your projects?

Well, I was born in 90s Russia; everything was totally controlled. There was a smell of fear on the streets. People had to be similar. No chance for creativity. But the only thing that affects is my past and present experience. It built this style.

How do you respond to negative feedback? Do you care about criticism or does it motivate you?

I care. It’s interesting to hear different opinions from professionals. But they must have artist’s respect. I once visited a portfolio review – I came like a schoolboy, in a hipster jacket hiding my tattoos, so experts probably thought I was studying in a high school. Those sharks smashed my work into pieces! I sat calmly and thought: does this dickhead even know that Rick Owens chose that “shit” to be exhibited in his corner in Printemps department store?” It was funny. Criticism must be based on arguments – otherwise you shouldn’t give a fuck. I’ve shown my work to Shirley Manson (lead singer of Garbage) and she appreciated it. Maybe she’s not the greatest expert in photography but she’s an artist I respect and I believe her.

Your project ‘Something Dark and Mystical’ epitomizes your style; does this style continuously evolve or are you intent on sticking to this trademark?

Actually it’s a collection of random images. Yes, I will keep moving in this direction. More of a vintage, cinematic mood will be added with the darkness remaining. A new editorial is almost finished, entitled “Destroy Marilyn”.

Another project, ‘Rebel Road’ features a narrative; would you ever consider experimenting in fashion film?

Wow, I like how you know about “Rebel Road”! Actually it’s not fashion at all.  But yes, I do want to shoot videos in the future, definitely.

What would you say to your 16-year-old self who I assume was aspiring to a career in photography?

It’s hard to imagine what it’s like to have a serious conversation with my 16 year-old self, because I was such a rebel. I think the speech would beginn with: “Sit down, we need to talk seriously” [Laughs].

Victoria Rodrigues O’Donnell 

Link to the interview on xxy website: www.xxymagazine.com/not-just-another-xxy-interview/