Interviews / Stories
Interview Photographer Kirill Buryak (San Francisco)
Tell us something about yourself
I’m a published portrait, fashion, beauty and editorial photographer. I’m based in San Francisco.
My publications have been on the covers of Surreal Beauty, Salyse, Promo, Sheeba, and Alpha Fashion Magazine, as well as others. Some of my publications include: Ellements , Institute, Elegant, Dark Beauty, Solis, Dreamingless, 7Hues, Scorpio Jin, and Flawless magazines.
How and when did you get into photography?
I was born and raised in Ukraine where I first learned to appreciate film photography in my family’s darkroom while developing B&W photographs with my father. I was hooked!
Since then my interests in photography have evolved over the years from nature and landscapes, to multiple exposure and HDR, and now have firmly settled on the fashion and beauty editorial photography.
What does photography mean to you?
With portraiture, my goal has always been to create striking images that grab your attention and make you do a double-take.
Photography is similar to directing a movie, except the photographer is in the role of a director, a screenwriter and a producer. Photographers must create a vision, organize the project, assemble the creative team, design the art concept and, last but not least, fund it. But it is the other collaborators (models, art designers, stylists, H&MUAs) that bring the magic to the shot. Without them you would have a blank canvas.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
My photographic style includes beauty portraits, studio and on-location fashion editorials, ballet and dance photography, powder aerial dance.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I look at a lot of good fashion and beauty photography. I like to know what others do, the current styles and trends. I follow over 200 fashion magazines.
Do you think you in advance what you want in the picture?
I plan my shoots by creating mood boards and collaborating with the stylists, designers and MUAs to set out a vision and a plan for the shoot.
Studio, on location or both?
I enjoy both studio and on location editorial photography.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I’m somewhere in-between - photography is much more than a hobby for me, but not yet a business.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
My last fashion editorial shoot was on a 42’ yacht, sailing in the San Francisco Bay - it was a lot of fun!
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
I love to get inspired by the photography masters, such as Paolo Roversi.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Canon 5DS. Favorite lens - 85mm F/1.2L II - it’s a magical lens. I once borrowed it from a friend for a week, and I immediately knew I won’t be able to do photography without it. I can’t put it down ever since, and would not trade it for anything.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Don’t rush into it. Start by doing photography as a hobby, discover what your like to shoot, discover & develop your personal style, before you get into the business side of it. Most importantly, do what you love, whether it’s your business or hobby.
What do you think of our new magazine?
Love your beautiful magazine.
Instagram @kirillburyak