Arina Emelyanova

“I want to observe and capture that sparkle that an open person has.”

Intercru: Where are you from?

Arina: I was born in a small scientific town in the center of Russia, surrounded by beautiful Ural forests and lakes.

Where do you live and work now?

After living for 3 years in Bali I moved to Lisbon. Bali was a place where I started making money as photographer. I built a portfolio there and I started working with teams as a fashion photographer and also a producer. I enjoyed that time a lot, it was a good experience.

How did you get started in photography? How long have you been taking photos?

Being a teenager I started going through the family photo archives, and I especially loved the black and white film photos of myself when I was a baby with my parents. The photos were very special to me and I met with the photographer who made them- she was a good friend of my granny. This woman gave me one of her vintage film cameras, a Zenit, and I started to shoot my family members, friends, and nature. That camera has always been my trusty companion for the last 12 years.

How would you define your creative style?

I am still working on it, going with the flow and trying to be honest to myself and with the person whom I am shooting.

What types of emotions and feelings do you try to show in your photography?

All sorts of natural and heart spoken emotions. I want to observe and capture that sparkle that an open person has.

What makes the perfect portrait?

The moment of trust, when embarrassment goes away and you just have to choose the right “magical” moment to make a click.

Where do you find creative inspiration?

It’s everywhere around you! You just always need to remind yourself to be open and not to be closed off in your vacuum.

Arina Emelyanova is a Lisbon-based fashion and portrait photographer. To see more of her photography, you can visit her website arinaemelyanova.com or follow her work on Instagram @ohyesarina.