We’re looking forward to introducing you to Liana Islamgareeva. Check out our conversation below.
Liana, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
If I don’t have to go anywhere in the morning, I love to start my day calmly and mindfully. The first thing I do is drink a glass of warm water, then I go for a 30-minute walk on the treadmill to reach my daily goal of 10,000 steps. After that, I make myself a delicious breakfast while listening to something relaxing — either a meditation or an inspiring podcast. Then I take a shower and enjoy my coffee — that’s my perfect morning ritual.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Liana Islamgareeva — I’m a fashion and portrait photographer, educator, and creator of photography and lighting programs. For over eight years, I’ve been crafting visual stories that help people express their true selves through the lens.
My mission is not just to create beautiful images, but to help people see their own uniqueness, feel confident, and radiate the energy that makes them special. In my work, I blend fashion aesthetics, emotion, and natural light.
What inspires me the most is showing others that creativity can change not only how you see yourself but also the world around you.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Since childhood, I’ve always been drawn to creativity. I dreamed of becoming an actress and loved everything about emotions, beauty, and self-expression. But life led me into photography — and I realized I had found exactly where I was meant to be. Photography became my way to tell stories and inspire others.
My parents always gave me the freedom to be myself, which shaped my independence and courage. I only ever felt out of place in environments with too many rules. When I started traveling and photographing people and places, I felt like I had finally come back to myself.
Today, I truly believe there are no limits. Anything is possible when you stay true to yourself and create with love.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Of course, there were moments when I wanted to give up — especially in the beginning, when you don’t have confidence, experience, or stability. You’re just trying, failing, getting back up, and trying again. What truly helped me then was the support of my friends from photography school. We kept each other motivated and never let anyone quit.
But what always inspired me the most was the feedback from the people I photographed. Their emotions, kind words, and the way they saw themselves through my lens — that gave my work meaning and strength to keep going.
When I started traveling, photography opened a completely new world to me — new connections, collaborations with brands, bloggers, and hotels. Today, I also find inspiration in my students. Watching them grow, apply what I teach, and reach their own success — that’s the biggest reward and motivation to keep moving forward.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I truly believe in the power of photography — not only to create beauty but to give people confidence, freedom, and a sense of self-expression. For me, photography isn’t just about images; it’s about inspiring and mentoring others, helping photographers grow, believe in themselves, and build a life filled with creativity.
My long-term vision is to create an international photography school and production company — a space where people from around the world can learn, find inspiration, and bring their ideas to life. I also dream of hosting exhibitions in different countries and building a global community connected through light, people, and meaning.
I live by one simple principle: Do what you must, fear nothing, and everything will work out. That belief keeps me moving forward every single day.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m definitely doing what I was born to do. There was a time when I tried to live “the right way” — working in offices, following structure, doing what was expected of me. But deep down, I always felt out of place. I knew I was meant for something more — for creativity, freedom, and inspiring others.
Photography became the space where I could finally be myself. It brought together everything I love — people, light, beauty, emotion, travel, and meaning. Through my work, I don’t just take photos — I help people see themselves differently, feel confident, and open up.
Today, I can’t imagine living any other way. I truly believe that each of us is born with something special, and when you follow that calling — life unfolds exactly as it should.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://temnaya.wfolio.pro
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ph_temnaya
Image Credits
Sofia Alekseeva
Lauris Hounkpevi
Yuli Bar
Mikhaylova Sasha
Mikhailova Anastasiia
