Experts who can halt time itself

We talked to these photographers and asked them several similar questions. Their answers help us understand how each of them views not only their profession but also the way they perceive the world. They are all unique, unpredictable, and have their own perspectives.

The questions were as follows:1. What is “beauty” inyour understanding?What are the criteria for what you consider a beautiful person?2. Based on your professional experience, what do you think a photographer can change in the world through their art? And what remains unchanged?3. What is the most memorable shooting or experience you’ve had?What do you think about the idea that photographers “perceive the world differently”?
Xenia Mitina, 18 years old, specializes in portrait photography:

- I don’t think there are unattractive people. Anyone can be photographed in a unique and beautiful way. The key is to make the person feel comfortable and involved in the shooting process. That way, they will express a range of emotions, making them look even more beautiful and genuine.
- To be honest, I thought about it but couldn’t give a clear answer. It’s something worth pondering… Clearly, I don’t know much about photography if I can’t answer such a question.
- My most memorable shooting was in the mountains. It was extreme and exciting. Watching a girl in a dress climb up the mountain must have been quite strange from below… It happened last year.
- That’s true. If we’re talking about professional photographers, not just people who dabble in photography as a hobby, then if photography is a passion for someone—a source of energy and joy—their photos will surely be vibrant and full of life. A person who can truly demonstrate their skills through photography is indeed special.

Denis Shulepov, 23 years old, focuses on “unstaged” subjects:

- Beauty, for me, is something that “touches” me at a particular moment, in a specific place, and with a certain mood. There’s no strict definition. I prefer unusual people who are different from others… Probably like everyone else.
In history, there have been a few cases where photographers influenced events (sorry for the tautology), but these were more exceptions than rules. A photographer can’t change the world—unless that person is our president, who, as we know, has a passion for photography.
My most memorable shooting was inside a correctional facility. It was an unusual experience.
Most photographers are just ordinary people who pick up a camera. Just like anyone else, they can use a camera to capture moments, but only a very small number of them truly “perceive the world differently.” It has nothing to do with the camera itself—it’s about their talent. Photography is a form of expression; it’s important to have something to express.

Volodymyr Mokshin, 22 years old, enjoys photographing people and everyday moments:

- For me, inner beauty is more important than outer beauty. A person with a rich and interesting inner world is much more appealing to me.
A photographer can draw people’s attention to anything. Just think about those famous social photography projects—huge billboards showing girls with anorexia or “stars fighting against tuberculosis.” If people are interested, then everything is possible!
My most memorable shooting was during an OMON training exercise. I’ll never forget how I got stopped during the event.Whether photographers really perceive the world differently… Well, in rare cases, when I’m at an event without my camera, my brain starts thinking about the best angles and compositions. But I tell it to “calm down”!

Natalia Sorokina, 26 years old, specializes in wedding photography:

- In my opinion, beauty means harmony—nothing needs to be added. What makes a person beautiful? Probably someone with a spark in their eyes and a genuine smile! It’s not about body shape or facial features; even an overweight person can have elegance and grace.
What can a photographer change in the world? Probably the way people evaluate good photographs. But tastes are subjective—those surely can’t be changed by photography.I worked on creating an animated six-minute video for my friends as a gift. It consisted of 20 short love stories, all filmed by my friends. It was a lovely project that brought them great joy. I think this is what truly stays memorable in one’s life!I can’t say that I perceive the world differently; after all, everyone has their own interests and perspectives. The time when I thought I was different came during my adolescence…

Do photographers really perceive the world differently? Can they improve it through their art? The answer is not clear—and it varies from person to person. But one thing is sure: photographers can leave a lasting impact—not just on paper, but also in people’s lives, encouraging them to do things they never thought of doing before. That’s a powerful force… one that not everyone possesses.

Dmitry Shkalikov