Today we’d like to introduce you to Alevtina Kalashnik.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hey everyone! I’m Alevtina Kalashnik, a Ukrainian fashion photographer living it up in sunny Los Angeles, California. I’ve been into photography since I was a kid, but the real “aha” moment happened when I was 14.
Imagine this: I was casually snapping a pic of a flower with my trusty Sony Ericsson G900’s 5-megapixel camera. To my surprise, the shot turned out amazing, even though I was just winging it with my limited photography know-how. It was like a lightbulb moment, confirming that photography was my thing.
That moment led me to ask my mom for a camera, kicking off my journey focused on sports photography. As a former pro swimmer, capturing those perfect moments mid-action fascinated me. While I was good at it, I didn’t fully dive into it as a career until 2021.
I initially picked Visual Communications in college to explore different communication fields. But it turned out to be a jackpot with film classes and all things photography, fueling my passion even more. I became known as one of the top students because I genuinely loved what I was learning.
During a student exchange in Thailand in 2017, I got deep into the cultural and historical sides of film, realizing how media shapes our views. My first pro gig was making backing videos, but I felt a bit off about it. That’s when I switched gears to focus on fashion photography.
I went all-in on learning lighting tricks and sharpening my skills as a creative director. Spending time in Ukraine was a game-changer, where I connected with the straightforward approach of the Slavic communities. From shooting basic videos in my friend’s kitchen to teaching at the International Fashion Academy Paris, working on brand campaigns in London, and turning my passion into a thriving career—it’s been an incredible journey.
Fast forward to now, I’ve been published in Harpers Bazaar and Pap magazine and worked with incredible people like Akon and Wolfgang Puck. But I’m not stopping there—I’m diving into new fields like Workshops on teaching photo and video technics, off-line and online as well. Hospitality and commercial work, exploring different aspects of my craft and pushing boundaries. It’s all about growth and finding myself in every project I take on.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I faced a significant struggle when I constantly tried to prove myself capable of more, leading to burnout and prolonged recovery periods. However, I realized that this approach was unsustainable and detrimental to my well-being.
To overcome this challenge, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-worth. I took the time to reflect on my strengths, unique vision, and the value I bring to my clients. By focusing on honing my skills, refining my artistic style, and delivering exceptional results with every project, I shifted my mindset from constant proving to genuine growth and fulfillment.
Investing in my knowledge and gaining hands-on experiences globally was pivotal in expanding my understanding of my craft and how I navigate the creative world. Working with professionals at a higher level not only enriched my skills but also boosted my confidence and empowered me to set fair prices for my work.
During my journey, I stumbled upon a hidden passion that I had initially overlooked: teaching. At first, I resisted this idea, thinking it wasn’t a significant part of my career path. However, as I began sharing my knowledge and experiences with others, I discovered an incredible sense of fulfillment and purpose that I hadn’t anticipated.
Teaching became more than just imparting information; it became a way for me to inspire and empower others on their own creative journeys. Seeing the growth and progress of my students filled me with joy and motivation like never before.
This realization taught me an invaluable lesson: sometimes, our true passions and callings are hidden in unexpected places. Embracing these unexpected passions can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life and career. So, I encourage you to explore every aspect of your interests and talents—you never know where your greatest source of inspiration and fulfillment may lie.
This journey taught me the importance of valuing my own worth, pacing myself for sustainable success, and continuously learning and evolving in my creative endeavors.
As you know, we’re big fans of AK Photography LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
AK Photography LLC, based in Los Angeles, specializes in a mix of commercial and artistic content creation. What sets us apart from others is my unique blend of creativity, technical skills, and a keen eye for detail. I am known for our ability to capture compelling visuals that resonate with audiences and convey the desired message for our client’s brands or projects.
One aspect we’re particularly proud of brand-wise is our commitment to deliver exceptional quality in every project. Whether it’s a commercial campaign, a fashion shoot, or a creative video production, we strive to exceed expectations and create memorable experiences for my clients and their audiences.
I want readers to know that my brand is built on professionalism, creativity, and a passion for storytelling through visual media. We offer a range of services, including photography, videography, and content creation tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. From concept development to post-production, I ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience, delivering results that make an impact.
In addition to my photography and videography services, I also organize workshops related to these fields. These workshops are designed to educate and inspire aspiring photographers and videographers, providing them with valuable insights, techniques, and hands-on experience.
Through these workshops, participants have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals, hone their skills, and network with like-minded individuals. The workshops cover a range of topics such as composition, lighting techniques, post-production, storytelling, and more, tailored to meet the needs and interests of participants at various skill levels.
Overall, I’m dedicated to pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the industry, and I look forward to collaborating with clients who share the same vision for excellence and artistic expression.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are so many people who have played pivotal roles in shaping my creative journey, and each one deserves to be highlighted for their contributions. From my loving and supportive family, who have always believed in me, to the mentors, colleagues, and friends I’ve met along the way, each person has left an indelible mark on my growth and development.
I’m incredibly grateful for the wisdom, guidance, and inspiration I’ve received from these individuals. They have challenged me to think differently, pushed me to explore new horizons, and encouraged me to never settle for mediocrity. Their diverse perspectives, experiences, and insights have broadened my understanding of the creative process and enriched my work in profound ways.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of my journey. I also want to acknowledge that there are too many people to name individually, and I sincerely hope that I haven’t unintentionally left anyone out. Each person has contributed in their own unique way, and I am deeply appreciative of all the support, encouragement, and collaboration I’ve received.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://akphotographyla.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alevtina.visual_arts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077721371901&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alevtyna-kalashnik-049691161/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBmrfI3c1IDUgHHHuB6mF4g?app=desktop
