Interview with Tatiana Kurnosova | MONOVISIONS - Black & White Photography Magazine

MonoVisions Black & White Photo Contest 2024

Tatiana Kurnosova is a fashion photographer, stylist and blogger with almost 10 years working experience in fashion industry.

Tatiana’s career has begun since her first trip to Milan. Since then she has never stopped going forward and growing as an artist. Multiple awards – winner, published photographer and author of “All you need to know about model test shoots. The ultimate guide for fashion models, fashion photographers and aspiring stylists” book, Tatiana is currently sharing her knowledge about fashion photography and modeling on her YouTube channel.

Tatiana’s photography style is a mix of sensuality and simplicity, dramatic and minimalistic, with a tint of Asian scent.

Tatiana Kurnosova Photography

– How and when did you become interested in photography?

I fell in love with photography after visiting Japan. It was during my University years in 2007 year. Being so in love with Tokyo, I tried to capture every part of that wonderful city and people, always carrying the camera with me.
After getting back to Russia I’ve continued photographing, mostly focusing on people: first my friends and later on then agency’s represented models, because I was always interested in fashion.
I think of 2012 year as the beginning of my photography career and the launch of my business. It was also the time of my first trip to Milan working with established modeling agencies there.

– Is there any artist/photographer who inspired your art?

I admire Asian cinema and art. When I was just starting photographing, I was really influenced by Wong Kar-Wai’s movies and photos of Wing Shya.
Right now I can’t choose only one artist. I do love many of them starting from classic Peter Lindbergh to yet unknown professionals.

– Why do you work in black and white rather than colour?

Being a fashion photographer you can’t really work in BW only or only in color. If you want to be successful in this industry, you need to be able to adjust and keep in mind client’s needs. But I do think that black and white photography is way more dramatic than color and is a great tool to express human emotions, very deep feelings. There’s a lot of character and deep personal impact in black and white portraits.

– How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph/series of photographs?

Fashion photography is truly a team effort and I really appreciate the opportunity to work with so many talented people. When I’m working on big projects I take it very seriously and try to think about every detail starting from moodboard to posing referral pictures for models. I always explain the team what kind of mood we need to achieve and ask the client about their preferences.
I take my personal projects very seriously as well and basically do the same as for commercial work, but in this case I am my own client and I can decide everything by myself on 100 percent.

When it comes to quick test shoots or anything really basic and simple, I also like being spontaneous and see where it will goes. Still I do a bit of preparation anyways.

– Where is your photography going? What projects would you like to accomplish?

I used to overthink a lot, creating so many plans and then being stressed when it went to another direction.
At the moment I like being spontaneous and just see where the life will lead me. My priority and the main goal is staying true to myself, keep going forward and constantly growing as an artist.
I’m currently working on several projects, including my second book. It’s about fashion industry like the first one, but way more personal, so I’m both really scared and excited about it.
I also plan to continue sharing my knowledge about modeling and fashion photography on my YouTube channel and organizing more editorial shoots.

Official website http://tatianakurnosova.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tatianakurnosova
YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/tatianakurnosova