Portfolio: Maksim Finogeev
In column “Portfolio” the Bird In Flight editorial board shows photos of young photographers who work in various genres, and asks them to share why they decided to do photography, what goals they pursue, who they learn from and what. In the current issue – portfolio of Maksim Finogeev.
When did you start doing photography?
As a student, I attended photo-quests and found it exciting. I did my first professional shoot for the designer house of DOMANOFF. For some reason they entrusted into me, although I didn’t have much experience at the time. We shot at a construction site, the ground was red – therefore the pictures turned out interesting.
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 1”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 2”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 3”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 4”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 5”
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What do you shoot?
I’m interested in fashion photography because it allows room for creating images. Let’s say, we did a shoot with Corner Concept Store for the Holiday Fashion Week show. It was a photo history about people who were still in their offices, but their thoughts were already at a sea. We shot models in the studio, printed pictures and photographed the pictures on a beach. Usually it goes like this: one gets an idea, and then they come up with a way to bring it to life.
In my case it’s visa versa: technology comes first, and the scheme follows. I try to experiment – develop, cut, enhance photographs.
Why do you consider photography your thing?
As I mentioned, photography to me is creating images, playing with them. It seems to turn out okay.
What is it that makes a picture good?
I despise a flat image. I always try to evolve the composition. If you are not in a studio, it’s difficult to achieve depth in a still, and it greatly irritates me. I try to defeat white background, tear it apart. Sometimes even literally.
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 16”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 17”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 18”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 19”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 20”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 21”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 22”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 23”
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What obstacles do you run into as a photographer?
Business doesn’t fully understand the importance of creating a visual image for a brand. Everyone knows that they need photography, and want that photography to stand out from the rest. The clients are afraid to take risks, that’s why it is hard to talk them into creating something new and unique.
Whose experiences do you find interesting?
I love the way people like George Rousse and Daniel Gordon approach reality, and how Vivian Sassen, Ren Hang and the duo of Tatiana Leshkina and Eric Hart illustrate behavior and temper of their characters. I also like Damien Blottiere’s skillful collages.
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 15”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 16”
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“img”: “/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/max_17.jpg”,
“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 17”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 18”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 19”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 20”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 21”
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“alt”: “Maksim Finogeev 22”
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What do you shoot with?
Canon 6D.
Do you make money off photography?
I do.
What are your hobbies?
I once considered getting involved into law. I used to work as an insurance agent, but later started hating my job. When the crisis rolled in, I was furloughed and that made me insanely happy. I realized that it wasn’t my thing and decided to do photography full time. If I didn’t become a photographer I would be an artist, a graphic designer, or a cartoonist.
What are your goals?
In the nearest future I’d like to participate in group exhibitions. It’s too soon to talk about personal showcasing – first I need to gain some experience that will help me deliver my message to the public. Right now it’s hard for me to imagine how to accomplish that. Of course, I will continue shooting fashion. In my different way – even if it’s not in high demand, I will keep on ripping, coloring, putting together some complicated compositions. And hopefully it will find its viewer.
New and best
