Our community member Marina Chebanova (marinastudio) picked up the camera seven years ago and has had an truly amazing ride. Based in Northern Europe, more precisely in the capital of Finland, Helsinki, Marina works as a fashion and beauty photographer. She has her own, unique photography style where she aims to show the natural and powerful side of women - the very true inner sexuality. Although she is in Fashion and Beauty she dreams of trying out underwater photography. Who knows, Marina might combine Fashion and Underwater Photography in the near future? The team at ViewBug would love that!
What inspired you to be a photographer?
Perhaps it was something the environment I grew up in or maybe it had something to do with my friends. I was born in the South, where there’s a lot of beautiful girls. The beautiful women and the beautiful locations I saw on a daily basis or while traveling inspires me to be a photographer. Also, other great photographers work and the cinematography of movies inspires me as well.
What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?
It was a small digital pocket camera, one of the first on the market for that time. The Canon Mark II became my first professional camera and to this day I still use it.
When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from it, what are you trying to communicate?
Images can be very powerful. They can talk about human feelings, thoughts, dreams and your pain, pictures often tell you a story that words cannot tell. With my images I want people to stop and think. Some images can change the way you view the world for the rest of your life. I do not know if I can do just that, but I always try to cause the viewer to feel good and bright thoughts and feelings.
What is it that you love about photography?
Once you start noticing details, you inevitably start to see how much beauty is all around you. Every day is filled with it — in the most ordinary or unexpected places. When you start to derive happiness from seeing some particularly awesome light, you’ll realize that photography has changed your everyday experience.
What has photography done for you?
Photography is something you get immersed in. You lose yourself in shooting, and all your worries and daily stresses just melt away.
Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?
The underlining theme of my work is emotions, people, experiences and happiness. A lot of times you will see emotions in my photos. But sometimes I work with my team - stylist and make-up artists and I pose people for shooting. Usually each photo has a story behind it. Some stories are longer than others, while some have no need for words.
How do you describe your style?
This is a difficult question. It is always difficult to describe myself or my works. I remember that time when I heard that someone told me: "When I see these pictures I know that it’s your work". It was great pleasure to hear that. I realized that I have my own style. It is important for me to show the natural and powerful side of women and their inner sexuality.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
I would choose Canon 50 mm 1.4 lens. It is just spectacular. I really like to open it up a lot and the bokeh is creamy, the focus is tack sharp and has really low distortion. This is my universal portrait lens.
What are your 3 tips for others who want to become better photographers?
1. Develop your artistic taste, it is very important in any kind of art.
2. Shoot what you love and learn as much about your camera as you can.
3. Enjoy and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
Have you received negative feedback from your work? What did you do about it?
Luckily, I usually only get positive feedback.
Where did you learn to take photos?
In the beginning I had some private lessons with professional photographers. Now I usually read a lot on the web or in books.
Raw vs jpg and why?
Both.
What do you carry in your camera bag?
Canon Mark II, lens 50 1.4, lens 135 2.0 , lens 24-70 2.8 and a couple of old manual lenses. Also some snacks like apples, water, nuts… so I don’t get hungry.
If you could have the gift of a great photographer who would it be and why?
The best gift for me would be the possibility to see great photographers in action; working. I have never seen other photographers working and it would be very interesting for me to take part in one of their shooting. I love the pictures by Mario Testing, Andrey Yakovlev, Patrick Demarchelier. It would be so much fun to be part of their work - behind the scenes.
What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?
Creating something too vulgar and raunchy.
What is your dream location to shoot?
I have for long dreamed about underwater photography. Maybe I’ll try it out someday after acquiring the necessary equipment.
How do you decide on where to shoot a photo?
Spontaneously, I am not one of those photographers who thinks long and hard before going out to shoot.
What is next for you? Any planned adventures with your camera?
I have a lot of things planned. Right now, I have an overwhelming desire to shoot. When I started five years ago and picked up a the digital camera, I could not imagine that one of the largest and popular photography communities on the internet would want to write about my passion and creative work. So right now I will continue to shoot, enjoy it along the way and try to please my fans.
For more great photos taken by Marina, visit her profile, website, Facebook and Instagram.
