Meet Anastasya Korol | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anastasya Korol and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anastasya, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I think that most people underestimate the amount of behind the scenes envisioning, prep work, and planning that goes into photoshoots. Sometimes clients approach me saying “I want someone with a nice camera and a good eye”. Photography is so much more than that! For every single photoshoot, I spend time imagining the client and their style in various color schemes, fashion choices, and backdrops or scenes. During an initial consult, I try to get an idea of the client’s personality and how I can bring out their best qualities during our session. I spend at least 2 hours on every session, sometimes more, just brainstorming locations, poses, and composing images in my head. I spend my days off visiting locations beforehand to get a better idea of the environment, lighting, and mood, and to plan several shots or scenes ahead of time. I plan trips and travel based on exploring new and interesting locations for clients. In spare time I frequent flea markets, antique shops, and home good stores to purchase props, fabrics, and any items to elevate my shoots and give them extra life. Even when not shooting or editing, there are tens of hours per week spent on research, planning, and prep to make the photo session as productive and beautiful as possible.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Artistry is a moving target. I think every artists has deep and persisting themes that they like to swim in, but the surface layers shift and change with the seasons. I like to explore new ideas and moods every several months, its a never ending exploration. I think what sets me apart from a lot of photographers is that I am always searching for more. A “pretty” or “correct” picture isn’t enough. Of course, I have my less creative photoshoots when Im trying to avoid influencing the client too much with my own vision. Take family shoots for example – the goal there is to not get in the way of the family’s natural rhythm. But creative shoots are different. In creative shoots, I get to play around with my visions from fantasies and dreams, trying to evoke the essence of…i can’t put my finger on it. Something stirring, deep, pulling, and yet nostalgic, soft, ephemeral, and eternal. I don’t have the words for it, so I try to make images that evoke this feeling. In the long run, Id like to make a body of work that makes people feel that thrum beneath the surface. Nostalgia, longing, and peace and resolution all in one. The main personal challenge I have faced is knowing when to be artistic, when to be practical, and how to blend the two. As a business, I want to be accessible. I don’t want to be so artsy that Im not useful – I like being useful. On the other hand, I don’t want to be so practical that Im boring. And like all creatives. I have my ups and downs. Times of fervent inspiration, and times of quiet. And really, this isn’t a personal problem, as much as a branding problem. Im not always sure how to represent or brand myself, and whether I should separate creative clients from practical ones. Because of this I have recently launched a second brand , Of Love and Fern. This is my wedding, couples, and family brand. It retains my artistic sensibility but is more on the practical side. That way Anastasya Photography can be unfettered, and push creative and social bounds in the coming years. What do I want the world to know about my brand and story? I find personal history interesting in understanding the underlying themes of a creative. I am from Russia, and was raised on Russian folklore and classical music. My parents immigrated to the United States when they were in their late 20’s, with toddler me, and my baby brother. My first years in school I could not speak the language, so it was somewhat isolating. I spent my child and teenage years pursuing dance, voice, and musical theater. What does this have to do with my brand? Well, I think my creative work is heavily influenced by the pastoral fantasies of medieval Russia and folklore. Scenes of a lady sitting my a frozen windowsill, awaiting her lost love to return. Dark forests, and frozen landscapes, and small spring daisies breaking through the frost. These are the images that fill my mind, and want to find an outlet in my photo work. As for upbringing, I felt social isolation for many years due to the language and culture barrier. This translates into a certain isolation in my photos. My favorite photos to take are portraits of one person, exploring themselves. This can be through a medium such as nature, or fashion, or with the “audience”, but it is always about the subjects relationship with themselves. So the business challenge is really, how do you integrate your artistic themes with something people relate to, and want to purchase? This is still something Im working out, and perhaps there is no definitive answer. I feel fortunate to have been found by many clients who relate to my work, and who get the same sense from it that I do. And we connect over this sensation and its underlying meanings.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First we would go on a stroll through Balboa park. I would show them the nooks and crannies, and the gardens. Next we would stroll through Little Italy. I love Zucherro for a quick lunch bite, or perhaps Farmers Table for a brunch. Next we would go for a walk by the harbor and take in the breeze. As for beaches, Sunset Cliffs is a must, although Santa Cruz cliffs is becoming my favorite cliffside. Torrey Pines is my favorite beach, as it is the least crowded, its very wide, and very natural. For a nice night out Im a fan of Trust, but my fiancé prefers Underbelly. For a party night out, go to 7 Grand for live music and delicious whiskey cocktails, followed by Polite Provisions.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are two people who have been majorly influential in my photography career journey. The first is K.C. Morrisseau Jr. of RoseKnight Photography. K.C. gave me my start! When I was 16, he hired me as an assistant in his photo studio in Virginia and taught me the ropes – lenses, lighting, and the mechanics of the camera. He gave me my first camera! He had me assist him on shoots, teaching me along the way. We did events, portraits, weddings, and realty. I learned all of the basics of photography from K.C. and owe my start to his mentorship. I have since moved to California, but he continues to support my journey. Thank you K.C., I wouldn’t be here without you! The second shoutout goes to Mathew Rakers. He is a fellow creative, musician, entrepreneur, and my soon to be husband. Mathew owns and runs the San Diego Music and Art Company, as well as Moonquake Records. Mat has been a constant support, both logistically and emotionally. He has allowed me to use his location for a photography studio, and has given me lots of work with the musicians he associates with through the record label. He has helped legitimize me in the community, and has included me in almost every visual aspect of his businesses. Thank you Mat for your support!

Website: www.anastasyaphotography.com

Instagram: @anastasyaphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnastasyaPhotography

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/anastasya-photography-san-diego?osq=anastasya+photography