I was born on a cold but sunny morning in Kyiv, just a day after a heavy snowfall. Everything was blanketed in white. My twin sister, Olya, and I were born in an old hospital right across from the Main Botanical Garden. We arrived a month early, and the nurses took us away from our mother immediately—she didn’t even get to see us. For the next month, she was only allowed to visit and spend limited time with us. Finally, we were brought home.
I firmly believe it’s crucial for a baby to be with their mother in those first moments of life, but I was deprived of that bond. At least I had my sister—we were in it together. It was the Soviet Union, a time when empathy and a mother’s emotions seemed to matter little. A harsh, unfeeling world...
I always felt a bit away from this world. I had many fears, too many thoughts and dreams.
“Introverted people are spending more time observing human nature than those who are busy interacting with others.” —Jessica Stillman, Introverts Actually Understand People Way Better Than Extroverts Do
Art has always been by my side, but it wasn’t until 2012 that I decided to pick up a camera and step out into the world. Not many people believed in photography as a real profession. A photographer? Is that even a job? they’d ask. But I started to explore life from a different angle. With a camera in my hand, new doors began to open.
The camera became my companion, my safe space—a way for me to hide while still connecting with the world.
What I know for sure is that I want to help people see the world from a different perspective, not the one we’re so accustomed to. Not the one shaped by trends, ads, or others’ opinions. I don’t want you to pose, smile, or pretend to be the version of yourself you imagine you should be. I want to reveal who you truly are—in the most beautiful, authentic way. Photography heals me, and I want it to heal others too.
Even as an introvert, stepping out of my bubble isn’t easy. But be patient with introverts. We may be quiet, but we listen, observe, and understand. Introverts are changing the world—just at a slower, more deliberate pace.
Looking for everyday moments and finding beauty in nature, people, and home. It's so much to be grateful for.
