MANICPROJECT photography

I’ve been a creative since a very early age. As a kid, I remember feeling like an alien, knowing I was not born to have a 9-5. My first love was music, so naturally I was sure that I’d become a rockstar.
A brief brush with boy band stardom during my upbringing in Moscow, Russia was a memorable time to say the least. My family moved to Utah in 1992, putting an end to my time in the spotlight. I was an alien all over again, and that feeling only grew exponentially. It wasn’t until college that I finally started to connect the dots and trust that internal calling to create. My interests became more visual in nature. For the first time in my life I was enjoying attending school and learning among likeminded people. I received a BA in Visual Communications with a Photography Minor.
I spent several years working as a freelance graphic designer and an art director, including two years in an advertising agency. I loved that time in my life and reflect back upon it as an immensely valuable experience. But I always wanted to work for myself and be my own boss, so after being laid off during the financial crisis of 2008, I seized the opportunity to pursue photography on a professional level. I can undoubtedly say that I found my calling, my true passion.
I LOVE what I do and take great pride in it. Shooting across many genres keeps me interested and engaged on a daily basis. No shoot is too small or insignificant, after all, it’s my name and reputation on the line each time I pick up the camera. I strive to create not only beautiful, but timeless images that demand the viewer’s attention.
A story has to be told, a feeling has to be evoked. I’m an old soul, so I tend to steer away from trends and gimmicks.
My favorite images beg the question instead of providing you with a simple answer. They stay with you. That’s what I’m after.