To begin, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how did you get into the photography world? Do you have any formal training in your background?
My name is Tatiana Malinnikowa. I was born in Kazachstan, and currently I live in Poland. I have been fascinated by photography since childhood, when during holiday trips with my parents I had to plan every single shot due to a limited number of film frames. In my teenage years and later on I found daylight amazing, and also I was moved by the possibilities of how you can create an image all by yourself. Finally, in 2016, there was a moment in my life, when I wanted to delve deeper into photography. I am self-taught and I have attended only one photography workshop.
As the expert you are, what are the unique features of this kind of photography and the keys to mastering it?
I think the absolute basics are a good sense of lighting and framing. I practice both through observation and analysis. I pay a lot of attention to how daylight works, where it falls, and how it can be used. I follow a number of awesome photographers, at the same time trying to master my skills in framing.
What are the technical challenges of this kind of photography and how did you overcome them?
If the session takes place outdoors, the most challenging are always weather conditions. I mainly use daylight, so there aren't many technical challenges. But a little assistance will always be greatly appreciated!
In your own experience, what are the biggest challenges for an independent photographer?
For me, personally, it is managing your own time. Since I am myself responsible for managing my work time, I realized that the most important thing is to set your priorities straight. This is something that definitely makes the whole organizing process way easier.
Your projects are a collaborative process. Tell us what is like to always be working with new stylists, models, and designers.
Part of my team works with me permanently, but I am always open for a collab. I love to meet new people with a fresh visions. And thanks to this diversity, everyone who takes part in the project can evolve.
What project(s) are you especially proud of? Why?
I am most proud of my creative, independent projects because thanks to them I can fully reveal my sense of aesthetics.
In your opinion, is it fair to alter reality by adjusting images in post-production? And what do you think it delivers in the final image?
I think it mostly depends on the creators themselves, the type of a photo, and what they want to tell through their work. For me, it is a very personal matter. If you want to add a laser-shooting unicorn in post, just because this is your vision, then you got a full right to do it. Colors and retouch have a huge influence on the final result. The whole atmosphere of the photographs can be built up thanks to that.
What are you usually looking for in a fashion model? What is an "aha" factor for you?
For me it's always been the face and expanded facial expression. I love close-up portraits!
From your experience, what is the key to getting the best out of a model?
The dialogue. Before any session, I always talk to models to create a bond. Also, equally important for me is for the models to feel comfortable both during the preparations and the entire session itself.
Would you have any tips for non-models on how to look good in front of the camera?
The more confident you feel, the better you look. It doesn't matter what you're wearing, or where you are!
Where can our readers keep up with your work and get connected with you?
The best way to reach me is to follow my Instagram account @tatiana_malinnikowa. Feel invited!
Set Designer: Flora Weiss @florencjaweiss
Fashion Designer: Stacherzak @stacherzak Wardrobe Stylist: Adriana Kwast @blulimon
Assistant/Set Designer: Ania Szuber @aszubii
Fashion Designer: Krystian Szymczak @kry_szy Wardrobe Stylist/Assistant: Natalia @nannie.na Footwear Designer: Daria Osińska @bialababa_
Fashion Designer: Daria Opasiak @daria.opasiak
Fashion Designer: Missme @missme_beachwear Fashion Designer: Many Rhizomes @many_rhizomes Model: Oksenia Rybak @ecmanagement @okseniarybak
Model: Anna Efimova @ecmanagement @ephimova_ann Fashion Designer: Urszula Fajerska @suknieslubnefajerska
Photographer: Tatiana Malinnikowa @tatiana_malinnikowa
Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist: Klaudia Sadoch @sadochklaudia
Fashion Designer: Karolina Borowska @kb.karolinaborowska
Fashion Designer: Dominika Deręgowska Wsuffka @wsuffka_ozdoby
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