15 Questions to
Yana Sheptovetskaya
Published initially in Others Magazine Print Issue 3
Let’s start at the start! How did you start doing photography?
I was a stylist and always worked with photographers, spent a lot of time on the sets and preparing for shoots. A few years ago I started an instagram where I would photograph beauty products and somehow it became my almost full-time career. I learned on the go.
What were you doing ten years ago?
I worked at Dazed & Confused in London as an assistant to the fashion director. I think around that time the UK embassy decided to kick me out of the country and I had to move back to Russia for a few years and start all over.
Has your eye changed over the years?
I don’t think it did, I always liked the same things, I am very loyal to my interests and things I like. I have much more experience now though (both technical and general life wisdom), it helps a lot.
Do you remember the first objects you started taking pictures of?
Professionally it was beauty products, different textures, and water. I love water. And hands. My camera roll is full of photos of my hand holding different things.
What lenses do you prefer?
I use macro a lot, but every lens I tried brings something interesting to the photo.
What is about an image that gets under your skin?
Obviously emotion, ideally not staged.
What helps you stay inspired to create?
Traveling, not working, just doing nothing. Asking around, meeting new people. Driving with music. When I get bored I get the best ideas.
How do you prepare for a shoot? In terms of creative process, do you create as you go or set out with a plan?
It depends on the shoot, usually for commercial projects I have some sort of a plan. However, all my best photos are completely impromptu though - a combination of the right moment and mood.
What is the most challenging to accomplish in a project?
Not being in a mood for it, or being too busy with many things at the same time.
What colors do you gravitate towards the most?
Colors of the sunset.
Obviously you’ve seen success in your career, like with the wildly popular Gel Cream, but can you tell us about a time you failed?
I failed a million times but I don’t think of it as something bad. It’s a learning curve.
Do you listen to music while you shoot? What do you like listening to?
Yes! Here is an “endless” playlist I have on shuffle recently. (playlist link)
What do you find to be the biggest turn off?
I am a believer in energies, every person and product carries one, and the biggest turn off is energies that don’t connect well.
How did you make this image?
It’s coconut water on my dining table, I just waited for the perfect light :)
What are you most proud of?
For getting to know myself more and more every day. My dog is very smart, I am proud of him too :)