The magic of childhood – this is what Irina can capture in her shots. And not only ;). I don’t know if you came across her shots, but you can’t miss the love and attention to detail invested in each of them.
And Irina herself is …
Imagine that you could go back to your childhood… At what point would you come back? Which naughtiness will you make in a new way? Tell us a funny story from that time. Would you show us your baby photo?
Childhood is a magical period in a person’s life, filled with many emotions, of which, unfortunately, we remember only a small part. However, children’s experiences are important for what each of us is today. If we had the strength to change something from our past, we would inevitably change our present. I have no recollection of being a naughty child, but to this day my mother and father and I comment on individual episodes. I would like to have more detailed memories. From the past I miss only the relatives who are not among us today, but I always return to the memories of them with affection. These are some of the reasons why it is important for me to capture the emotions of children and their families. I believe that one day they will be useful and pleasant reminders for them, for the people who are important to them, for the events that are important for them, for the places that are important for them.
What’s good photography for you?
I don’t know who I’m quoting, but “a picture is worth a thousand words.” If a frame can convey a message, inspire, feel, convey emotion – this is good photography. Good photography is an art, but good photography is done with a lot of heart and soul
If you could have a superpower, what would you choose? How would you use it?
When I was little I really wanted to be invisible. I dreamed that I could go into the pastry shop to eat pastry at will and rob a bank. Come to think of it, I would do it now, and it sounds interesting to me … 🙂
Why are you shooting? What does photography give you?
As I said earlier, this is my way of helping people keep their memory. This is my way of expressing my sympathy for beautiful and full-fledged emotions, even if they belong to someone else. It is a pleasure to present to people their sealed experiences, which sometimes they themselves overlook. I often observe how people manage to relive the excitement of the shots I choose for them, and that makes me happy.
Is it easy to preserve childhood magic with photography?
I don’t know if it’s easy, but it’s possible! This is exactly what I am trying to do with my photos. One must begin to pay more attention to the important things in life, to people, to their emotions, to children. When we seek the good and the soul of people, we can always see it and keep it in the frame. I believe this is contagious when seen after 100 years.
Where do you think the power of photography lies?
In the ability to capture moments, emotions and events that are otherwise in danger of being forgotten or fading over time.
Where do you look for inspiration for your photos?
The movies I watch, the music I listen to, the emotions I experience, affect the way I see the moments and the emotions around me. The way my photos look represents my view of life and the people around me. When I present people with photos of their emotions and experiences, their reactions are invaluable. This inspires me to bring more joy and charges me.
What do you think is the difference between the adult world and the children’s world you capture? How would the first one get better?
As people grow older, they learn some “skills” to hide their emotions and act against what their heart dictates. If adults kept at least a little openness to themselves, at least for the real things, our lives would be fuller.
What photo project would you like to do?
I have an annual project in which I take pictures with my daughter on each of her birthdays. Having not thought of doing the same project between my husband and our son, I am now considering how to recover the time and make up for lost time.
Who or what can make you smile at any moment?
They make me smile at those closest to me, but overall I’m a positive person, so I always smile.
No matter what happens, you have to be above things and accept everything more calmly.
Who is the photographer you admire the most? Why? What’s your favorite photo of him and why?
I can’t say just one photographer I like, but I really like Russian photographers.
Catherine Belotserkovskaya, Elena Shumilova, Elena Mihayilova – so much tenderness and beauty is gathered in their photos. Everything has been worked out to the last detail and has become magic. These are photos full of energy and life.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve received a hell of a lot of timely and useful advice, but one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that sometimes you’ll have to take a step back – but then you’ll be two steps ahead. The other is that “No one owes you.”
Ask yourself a question and answer…
What do you regret the most in your life? And I can safely say … “For nothing”
Instagram: @stoilova_irina
Facebook: Irina Stoilova Photography
Author: Villy Goutova
