Yan Eremenko: For me, photography is primarily about people

Photographer: Yan Eremenko @yeremenko.ph
Makeup Artist: Anastasia Zharikova @weka_mua
Hair Stylist: Sofia Chagina @chagina_sofi
Model: Anastasia Konchina @kvnadm_
Model: Yana Ten @iamyanaten
Model: Semyon Stepanenko @stepanenkosemion

Yan, could you please briefly introduce yourself, and tell us about your first encounter with photography? Who has influenced you to start taking photographs?

My name is Yan Eremenko, I am 20 years old, I have been shooting for two years. I am from Russia, Blagoveshchensk. Even as a teenager, I liked to shoot different moments from my life on my phone. Over time, I realized that photography is interesting to me as a professional activity, and I decided to start learning this. By chance, I bought a relatively inexpensive camera and started practicing. The first fashion model was my girlfriend. in length of time, I began to develop in different directions of photography, but fashion photography has taken a special place in my heart.

From your point of view, what are the most difficult aspects of professional fashion photography?

In my opinion, the most difficult aspect in professional fashion photography is the selection and combination of ideas, images, light and mood of shooting, as well as finding the boundary between overload and excessive simplicity of the frame. I believe that fashion photography is changing, and now more than ever it is necessary to go for bold and creative ideas.

In your opinion, how beauty is perceived at the present age? What does photography mean to you personally?

Now the world is striving for minimalism and naturalness, and this trend is very close to me. Each person has a unique appearance and its own characteristics. For me, photography is primarily about people. I want to show the beauty of a person from an unusual side.

What type of models do you prefer to shoot with? Why?

When shooting, I prefer to work with models of a completely different appearance, but I really appreciate the pronounced features of appearance.

Are there any other photographers you lookup? Who?

I am often inspired by the works of other photographers, and also follow their creativity. Among them are Cho Gi Seok, Igor Novikov, Maxim Baev, Sergey Gunin, Irina Vorotyntseva and others.

You are going about conducting a photoshoot, could you take us through the typical planning process for your images?

Preparation for shooting begins with the selection of landmarks that reflect the mood of the shooting. They are needed primarily so that the team understands the purpose of working together. This is what we do with my girlfriend, as well as a makeup artist. Next, the selection of images begins, as well as the light in the photo. I always prepare lighting schemes in advance, but most often I improvise during shooting.

In addition to being sharp and well lit, your photos are beautifully edited. What is your retouching/production philosophy?

In retouching, I always adhere to naturalness. Good retouching where it is not visible. I rarely use frequency decomposition, I prefer the technique of “dodge and burn”.

What would be your tips/advice to models looking to expand their portfolio?

I would like to advise novice models not to hesitate to go for bold ideas, and also offer cooperation to photographers on their own. In addition, you always need to communicate with the team.

What projects are you working on next, and what are your goals for the future?

I am currently working on several projects that will only grow in their execution. In the future, I would like to cooperate with world-famous magazines and brands.

Where can we see more of your works and get connected with you?

Well, you can see my work on my Instagram page @yeremenko.ph