1. G What kindled your interest in wildlife photography?
My passion for photography was ignited the first time I picked up a camera. My father was an amateur photographer and his love for it was passed down to me. I love everything about nature, landscape, animals, everything wild, where you can’t see the human hand.
2. L Can you mention some basic traits for being a wildlife photographer?
Being passionate, patient and being in love with the wild.
3. A What makes animals so special for you?
To be close to them makes me feel instantly at peace. I feel completely relaxed; you don’t need to demonstrate anything. The last moving moment was just observing a couple of lynx, and suddenly a flock of starlings flew above us, breaking the silent scene with their wing sounds.
4. F When on a safari, do you look for specific species?
When you go there, you can find such a diversity of wildlife. I try to be ready for expecting the unexpected.
5. K Have you ever felt the pressure of being a woman photographer?
Most of the wildlife photographers I know are male. I don’t know why, because there isn’t any difference in the gender behind the camera. Photography is about creativity and creativity doesn’t distinguish between male or female.
6. E Could you tell us what role photography plays in your life?
I love it because every single day is different, unexpected, you can only wait and be ready for everything.
7. D What species are you planning to take pictures of?
White bears in Alaska, whales in South Africa; although I’ve been there, it was not the time for whales. Puffins on the Farne Islands are also on my to-do list next month.
8. J Can photography change people’s attitude towards endangered species?
Through the Internet, photography has a great influence and gets to a huge audience. Some images can touch people’s hearts. I think the more you know about nature, the more you love it.
9 N In your view, what makes the best wildlife picture?
A good picture should impact you for any reason, the subject, the moment, the light, the action, originality, creativity, or a combination of some of them.
10. H Which photographer has been the greatest influence on you?
Steve Bloom was my first reference, the first one I started to admire and I still do. His photography has impact and touches many people’s hearts and my own one.
11. M What has helped you achieve so much?
I have never lost confidence and have kept trying, trying and trying.
12 C What advice can you give to those aspiring to photography?
I live in Ust-Kamenogorsk city. There are many places of interest. One of them -- sculpture which called "To the stars". This is the famous sculpture of a Soviet architect Vucetic and sculptor L. I. Makoveev, was opened in 1962. The sculpture is made from cast iron and mounted on a 2-stepped square pedestal, faced with gray marble. According to the architect, his work exemplifies the ease, the romance, the desire of young people to a peaceful life, knowledge and a brighter future. Installed on the street in front of the Protazanov family fun Center.