Life & Work with Semina Bildik

Today we’d like to introduce you to Semina Bildik.

Hi Semina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have had an interest in people and their stories for as long as I can remember. I always felt that photography was a way to immortalize a moment in life and have a visual hold on a fleeting moment. I got my first camera when I was around 11, I believe it was a Nikon D40. Before that, we used to have disposable cameras and point and shoots with us whenever we traveled or did anything as a family. I was always the designated photographer in my friend groups and family outings. Even though my passion to capture moments always existed, I was never encouraged to pursue it as a means of living. I didn’t even know it was a possibility. When I moved to the states, my interest in photography grew, but it did not bloom and I did not start getting recognition for it until the pandemic.

I had gotten furloughed from my corporate job, left New York and had more time to pursue my passions. That’s when I started reaching out to people to see if they would be open to creating together. Soon, not only were people answering but they were also reaching out to me. That’s how my photography grew into something more than just a passion. I am still growing everyday and am so happy to be able to capture so many different stories.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has its ups and downs – it’s not always smooth sailing. I think it’s important to set expectations from the beginning, especially when shooting exclusively with film. Film has its risks, it can be temperamental. Self-criticism is a huge part of my journey. I deeply care about delivering my best, I take a lot of pride in my work and the way I capture other’s stories. I feel a sense of responsibility. Sustaining a workflow month after month can be a challenge. Some months you might be completely booked up and other months, you might have only one gig. It’s important to accept this as part of the process and to let people know of your availability and not be scared of reaching out to people/brands you want to create with. It’s also very important to not equate your talent and your vision with the amount of work you create.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a film photographer and a creative project manager. I specialize in shooting on film and capturing genuine moments. I am most proud of the consistent growth in my work that I was able to achieve and the people I got to create with along the way.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Be kind to yourself, do the best you can, don’t be afraid to communicate expectations and don’t be afraid to reach out to people you want to create with.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.livredelavie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s35mms/

Image Credit
@briannamarico – photographer