Photographer Iryna Shostak

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Philadelphia, United States? :)

—Cliff Mautner

—Are you photogenic?

—It depends on who takes my portrait.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—My passion for photography came as a surprise to me when in 2009 I was studying web design in Ukraine. I took a digital photography course, and I rented a camera because it seemed to me it only made sense to know photography well if I was going to be in web design, and I thought it might be a nice second income for me. Little did I know then I’d find a passion for art that would lead me into a whole new phase of my life. When I moved to New Jersey from Ukraine I quickly found a job at one of the best wedding studios in Philadelphia specializing in Indian weddings. Since then I shoot 2-3 weddings a week and I do enjoy this industry.

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—Connection, emotions, light and attention to details.

—Do you love traveling?

—Sure!

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Creating outstanding portraits

—What do you like least about your profession?

—being rushed and chaos

—What will be the future of photography?

—I hope it will bright and profitable!

—What is special in the photography genre you specialise at?

—Emotions

—How do you handle criticism?

—If it is from the person who better than me, I will try to improve myself.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—air photography

—What should be the criteria for a customer to choose a photographer?

—When a couple chooses a photographer they just see the top of the iceberg or only best photos of the portfolio. It is very important to look at a few full wedding days in order to understand the professional level of the photographer. The engagement photoshoot will help to know how a photographer works, his or her personality.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—to be stiff and reserved

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a photographer notice?

—Wedding photographer notices every little detail that can ruin the whole portrait, great light, flattering pose, moment happening.

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—As for me, it is my experience and equipment.

—What person can be the symbol of the 21st century in your opinion?

—Tony Robbins

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I like to take portraits of people who inspire us to become the best version of ourselves

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Cruelty

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Casey Neistat and Susan Stripling

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I am afraid to be late and to be lost when I go to the place I have never been too, because I like to be always on time and ready.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Conference Unleash the power within 2018 with Tony Robbins

—If you were a cartoon, book or movie character, who would you be and why?

—My husband calls me Dora the Explorer because I love to go to new places and wander around taking photos.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My family, they are my WHY and I want them to be proud of me and inspire them for improving their lives too.

—How do you define success? How do you measure it?

—It is being happy doing everyday things.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respected.

—What is the biggest mistake you have ever made at work?

—dropped the expensive camera on the ground and broke the only tilt-shift lens I had at the wedding.

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—I take Nikon D 750 and tilt-shift 45mm because I love to create images that i can't take with my iPhone.

—Is there anything among your gadgets that you wish you haven't bought? Why?

—3 Matthews stands, they are so heavy that I hardly can lift them.
Phottix transmitters and receivers I never use because I use Godox system.
Nikon 28 mm f 1.4, just don't like the image it creates.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—The first thing I did when I moved to the USA I subscribed to The Wedding School by Susan Stripling and Jerry Ghionis education. I have bought lots of different courses on marketing and business. Every year I attend a few workshops or masterclasses.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Cliff Mautner and Susan Stripling.

—What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

—Never buy kit lenses.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want to inspire people to see love in every moment of their life.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—I love to create a magic using my equipment and then show it to my clients and hear their awe and admiration.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—They were just perfect.

—If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

—I would be more focused and more confident.

—What about life on other planets?

—I don't know.

—Who are your heroes?

—My mom)

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Putin

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I am an avid reader so it is my favorite thing to do. I love knitting, jogging, spinning, listening podcasts and audiobooks while I am driving, riding a horse or a bike

—What's the side of you that the public never sees?

—My hard work and dedication

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Never)

—Do you believe in the traditional roles for men and women?

—no

—Do you make friends easily?

—yes

—Where would you like to live?

—When I retire I will live on the coast of Italy with the view of the islands.

—What's the stupidest thing you've ever agreed to do?

—drink Vodka

—Is there life after marriage?

—Definitely)

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Both and horses too.

—Who or what do you hate?

—nobody

—The best thing in life is:

—love

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—regret

—Is there anything around you that you would like to change?

—I want to spend more quality time with my family.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—Lose 60 punds

—What would you like to change in the world?

—I would love people become more aware of their actions, become minimalists and vegans.

—Can you give a few tips for photographers who are just starting out?

—Never stop learning.

—If aliens come to the Earth and you are the first person they meet, what will you tell them?

—Hi!

—If you are called to shoot a movie, what genre will it be?

—Romantic comedy

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—SEO for my site!