Tell us something about you.
My life is quite unpredictable. I have built a business in different countries. I like to find the right path every time. Even my family can be called international. I am Russian, my husband is German/Ukrainian, and our son is American.
I worked in Asia, Europe and now I am a photographer in the US.
I was lucky and my hobby immediately became my job. However,I did not fully believe that I would work in the creative field since I actually graduated in Nuclear Physics. But right after graduation, I had so many orders for photoshoots that I simply did not have the opportunity to look for a job in my field of studies. But of course I don’t regret anything.
What makes you choose this profession? What do you love the most about it?
Since childhood I have been fond of creativity – drawing, music, dancing, singing. Why particularly photography excited me? Because I love the journey from the first idea to the final editing of the photo. I enjoy meeting different people and being a part of their life and participating in important events in their lives.
Did you have any problem on the way of your profession? How did you solve it?
It was very difficult for me to tell others that I am a photographer. At that time, everyone who bought a camera advertised «Professional photographer. Accept orders». I didn’t want to be one of them. So I was hiding from friends and family that I also entertained photography. And even after 5 years of successful work in this field, my relatives and friends persuaded me to find a more stable, boring job. But I decided to listen to my heart and it did not deceive me. Now, I have gained quite some success as a photographer and they tell me that I have been pretty brave. Eventually, I didn’t listen to everybody and became what I wanted to be from the very beginning, a fashion photographer.
Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
YES! It was a wedding photo! I don’t know why they chose me, because I was quite a beginner. I worried a lot about the results and even took a friend with me, calling her «assistant». I tortured my photographer friends with various questions «what if this or that? What will happen? What should I do?» My clients were extremely happy. That wedding was in 2009 and we still talk and they often write to me that the photos I took for them are the best in their life!
Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?
Last year I did a photo project which I perceive as my very best. It was a mother with a newborn child, lying in a nest which I built on my own. The idea itself is unique and I could not find anything similar around the globe. For this, I simply received my inspiration from the surrounding nature, my mood and colors.
This series is named «Mother Nature» and was featured on the cover of the Phylocaly Mag magazine.
What are your career goals?
I want to be as famous as Annie Leibovitz. To take pictures of celebrities exactly the way I see them and so that they want my ideas, and not just beautiful standard pictures. I want to write a book and open a photography school.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be doing?
Wow, this is a scary thought! I think I would do something creative. I was often drawn to interior design. I also completed a course in Web Design.
Thanks to photography, I also learned that I really like to do the organizational work when the result of the whole event depends on me.
For me photography has long ceased to be just a push of a button – 90% of my work is just organization, and the rest is easy.
Thus, maybe event organization would be an interesting arena for me.
Your best memory as a photographer?
Almost every shooting for me is a very interesting experience and contains a lot of positive memories.
I also remember a great event with many photographers and models present. I am a very shy person by nature, so I quietly took pictures for almost the entire photo session. Among us were photographers who, instead of taking shots, simply told how famous and cool they were. As a result, when I gave the photos a day later, everyone was in a pleasant shock. «Who is Miller? I don’t even remember her!»
And the other photographers who bragged around didn’t even show their result.
All the following photo sessions, all the models were already running to me «Miller! I want a photo from Miller!» Then I became the only photographer at these events and this is how my career began.
Your worst souvenir as a photographer?
Once on a love story photoshoot, the guy broke up with his girlfriend on the set. Meanwhile, she was counting on a marriage proposal from his site. At the very beginning of the photo session, after about 10 frames, he freaked out, shouted at her and left. We were left alone with the girl. I supported her, told stories and tried to lighten the mood. Being a photographer is also frequently taking on the role of a psychologist.
I still keep in touch with the girl from this instance. I even took pictures at her wedding, this time with the right man by her side.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In my huge photo studio with several interior rooms, where all my and other photographers’ creative ideas will become real. But in which city? State? Country? No idea.
What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer?
Listen to nobody except your heart. Go ahead and don’t be afraid of anything. Try, try and try again. Never give up.
Photography loves practice, so grab your camera and shoot the way you like it.
BLACK SWAN
Fashion Designer/Photographer/Retoucher: Alyssa Miller @alyssa.miller.photo
Female Model: Eva Ivolga @eva_ivolga
Makeup Artist: Marina May @stylist.orlando
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