Interview: Photographer Uliana Batiuk (Ukraine)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I am working for almost 5 years as a fashion photographer. I was born in small town in the western part of Ukraine (for now located in Lviv\Kiev). I’m working with local and foreign model agencies as a photographer , did some publication in American , British, Polish, Ukrainian magazines (JUTE mag, Atlas magazine, Elegant mag, Lapalme mag, Fruk mag, LaMetD magazine , Lofficiel UA.) Worked with many Ukrainian and foreign brands , took a part as a photographer on Paris Fashion Week. Also give a lecture about my experiences in this regard at the local model agency.

How and when did you get into photography?

It was 5 years ago, when I was 17 y.o. I met my good friend and professional model Yana Byk and asked to take some pictures of her. I didn’t understand fashion industry, modeling, styling at all. That time I was studying in collage of art in my hometown as an artist. So meaning of colors, proportions and a sense of beauty I had on a subconscious level. And I think it is enough in the beginning of photography career :) After my first session with new friend, her booker asked about me. The result was so unexpected for me and for agency that’s why the booker gave me few girls for the test shoots. Then life of the provincial little girl started to change.

What does photography mean to you?

It is an opportunity to show your vision of something ordinary but incredibly beautiful in that way.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

Fashion in nude, natural and simply colours of the vision.

Where do you get inspiration from?

It all depends on my energy of mind and understanding what i want to show everyone. That energy I could get from people who I love, clients what I have and working with, colors of nature, the architecture and atmosphere of the city where I live and I could travel, simple daily routine like work out, good and healthy food, feeling strong of my body and mind, understanding of power , safety and comfort even without comfort :) Good sounds of favourite music with a cup of coffee in my fav cafe in the centre - everything what i need to take some inspiration.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

I need the honest and natural emotion of the person what i see. The understanding of the team and model what we need in the result.

Studio, on location or both?

90% in the studio. But I always in search of the good location :) I think we can do live photo story only on locations.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

It’s my main paid work. I'm the luckiest person in the world doing what I want, as I want and get paid for that).

What has been your most memorable session and why?

We do session for editorial on the beach. And in the process we understood that it was nudist beach:)

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Canon:) 24-70mm , 80 mm.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Work, work, work doing photos as much as you can, of different people. Even if you want to work as a fashion photographer - take a pic of simple and different age, weight, height people. Only the combination of professional and unprofessional models can give you a good eye on the real beauty Watch magazines , publication and try to understand why it called «Beautiful and stylish».

What do you think of our new magazine?

I think Modellen Land Magazine is good in searching and communication with real artist in their real life. It’s not only to show beautiful pic with fashion clothes. It more deeper and keep doing that!

Uliana Batiuk \ ulianabatiuk.com\ uliabatiuk