Conversations with Oleksandra Hulova

Today we’d like to introduce you to Oleksandra Hulova.

Hi Oleksandra, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from Ukraine, and my photography journey began when I was just 13 — with a simple point-and-shoot camera and a huge curiosity for capturing emotions and people around me. Back then, I had no idea that this small hobby would turn into the work of my life.

Over time, I realized that photography, for me, isn’t just about taking pictures — it’s about storytelling through light, mood, and atmosphere. I’ve always been drawn to emotion, movement, and authenticity. That’s what led me to travel — first across Europe, spending a month or two in each city, and later throughout Asia. Those travels shaped my style — natural, emotional, and filled with a sense of place.

For the past two years, I’ve been living in Los Angeles, where I opened my own photo studio. Now I create both personal and fashion shoots, many of which are published in print magazines. I love working with people and helping them feel confident and see themselves in a new light.

To me, photography is not just about beauty — it’s about energy, personality, and the story that stays behind each image.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely, my journey hasn’t always been smooth. In the beginning, things were really tough — sometimes I didn’t even have enough money for a cup of coffee. During those times, my parents’ support gave me the strength to keep going. Like many creative people, I had moments of doubt, especially when I was trying to find my own style and voice. Starting from scratch in new countries was also challenging — building new clients, adjusting to a new environment, and sometimes even a new language.

But all those struggles helped me grow, not just as a photographer, but as a person. They taught me to adapt quickly, stay confident in my vision, and keep creating no matter what. I truly believe that every challenge led me to where I am today — doing what I love, working with inspiring people, and constantly evolving.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love creating creative and experimental shoots — playing with light, concepts, and ideas to make every session unique. For me, photography is about pushing boundaries and finding unexpected ways to tell a story through an image.

I’m proud to have shot covers for major magazines like Playboy, Marie Claire, Bazaar, and many others, as well as collaborating with well-known personalities such as Amy Jackson and Svetlana Loboda. These projects challenged me to bring my full creative vision to life, and they remain some of my most rewarding experiences.

What sets me apart is my unconventional approach to photography — from concept development to meticulous light setup — and my focus on creating something distinctive for each shoot. I always aim to make images that people remember and feel connected to.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I definitely believe that taking risks is a part of growth — both personally and professionally. For me, one of the biggest risks was leaving Ukraine to travel and work in different countries, often starting completely from scratch in a new city. There were moments of uncertainty, financial struggles, and doubts about whether I could make it work, but I knew that stepping out of my comfort zone was the only way to grow and develop my style as a photographer.

Another risk was moving to Los Angeles and opening my own studio. It was a huge leap — investing time, resources, and energy into building something from the ground up in a very competitive environment. But taking that risk allowed me to work with incredible clients, collaborate on high-profile magazine shoots, and fully realize my creative vision.

I think risk-taking is about balancing intuition with preparation. It’s not about being reckless; it’s about trusting your skills and vision enough to take the steps that can lead to meaningful growth and opportunities. Looking back, all the risks I’ve taken have been essential in shaping my career and the work I’m proud of today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sasha-hulova.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sasha_hulova
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/artspace_studio_la