Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with renowned photographer Kirill Simakov. Hailing from Russia, Kir’s work transcends borders and has gained widespread popularity not only among our readers but also the general public in Vietnam. Known for his distinctive approach to portrait photography, Kirill has been sought after by celebrities from various fields and countries to create portraits for albums, books, and magazine features. Equally celebrated for his architectural photography, his exhibitions have graced prestigious venues worldwide, including the Russian Academy of Arts, Art Basel Miami, and Venice Art.
Kir has been recognized with numerous accolades, such as the Tokyo International Photo Awards and International Photography Awards. On October 10, 2024, New York’s C+C Photography Gallery opened an exhibition featuring the finalists of the first Global Fine Art Photography Competition 2024, where Kir was named one of the top 10.
HBZVN: Kirill, could you tell us about your journey into photography? What inspired you to pursue this art form?
KIRILL SIMAKOV: I’ve always been fascinated by how the world looks through a photograph. To me, photography is a way of telling stories—a single image can say a thousand words. It’s also a powerful key to unlocking closed doors, revealing what lies beneath the surface. While people often present idealized versions of themselves, photography allows me to explore what’s hidden beneath. Perhaps that’s the true essence of this art form.
As a child, I tried drawing but wasn’t very good at it, so I turned to photography—it’s like painting with light. My journey began when I was about 16, during a family trip to Rome. My dad gave me a Canon point-and-shoot camera he brought from work, and that moment sparked my creative path. I still have those 6-7 digital photos from the trip. Before that, I had experimented with film cameras, but my passion for film photography came much later. Over time, as I gained experience, I began showcasing my ideas in personal exhibitions and international fairs. While I explored various genres—architecture, landscapes, portraits—I found that portraiture resonated with me the most.
HBZVN: Your work spans diverse subjects, from renowned personalities like Al Pacino and Ralph Fiennes to cultural figures like Mikhail Gorbachev. How do you prepare for such shoots, and what is your approach to connecting with your subjects?
KIRILL SIMAKOV: Before a shoot, I study my subject thoroughly. I review their photos, watch interviews, and even learn about topics to avoid during the session. Discovering small details about them—even seemingly insignificant ones—can create an instant connection and make them feel appreciated. When working with celebrities, my goal is to present them in a fresh light, finding angles that reveal something unfamiliar about them.
HBZVN: You have a unique ability to capture the psychological depth and emotional essence of your subjects. What techniques do you use to evoke these feelings?
KIRILL SIMAKOV: I don’t rely on specific techniques; instead, I follow a fundamental rule: never place yourself above others. It’s essential to have a broad perspective, be well-read, and educated, so you can connect with your subject on various topics. This shared wavelength fosters mutual understanding. Above all, passion and continuous self-improvement are key. Respecting and connecting with your subject as an equal is, in my view, the most important rule.
HBZVN: How do you define success in your photography? Are there specific emotions or messages you aim to convey through your work?
KIRILL SIMAKOV: Photography, for me, is about capturing life in its many forms. I evaluate my work on a 10-point scale. For example, my recent project Perspective Absolute, which featured architectural photography, scored an 8/10. It was challenging—some buildings were unfinished or unclean—but these obstacles pushed me to be more creative. The results were artistic, and the client was thrilled, so much so that we’re planning an exhibition of the project next year. Through my work, I aim to share my perspective and emotions. However, not every photo achieves this; sometimes, I let the subject tell its own story.
HBZVN: You specialize in urban, architectural, and landscape photography. What draws you to these genres, and how do they influence each other?
KIRILL SIMAKOV: To me, these genres blend seamlessly into one. I strive to create artistic images rather than just realistic depictions. The variety and challenges each subject brings keep me inspired—light, weather, and timing all play crucial roles. For instance, arriving at a site only to find parked cars ruining the perfect shot can be frustrating. While post-production can fix this, I prefer to revisit the location until everything aligns naturally.
HBZVN: What is your philosophy on finding beauty in built environments and natural landscapes? What elements do you look for?
KIRILL SIMAKOV: I don’t always focus on what the architect intended but rather on what catches my eye. For example, I photographed a modern church in Bergamo, Italy, where a palm tree’s shadow beautifully fell across a white gate with a cross, set against a blue sky. The balanced composition captivated me. This photo was featured in my exhibition Bergamo Favolosa, which even drew the church’s architect to see it in person—a moment of great pride for me.
HBZVN: What equipment or techniques do you prefer, and how do they shape your creative process?
KIRILL SIMAKOV: Light and composition are paramount to me, while technical tools are secondary. I usually plan my shoots meticulously, but I also embrace improvisation, adapting to weather conditions or my subject’s preferences. Creativity and resourcefulness often play a vital role.
HBZVN: How do you create a connection between your subjects and the viewer through your images?
KIRILL SIMAKOV: I focus on the emotion of the subject, the behind-the-scenes energy, the lighting that enhances the mood, and my personal feelings during the shoot. For me, the creative process is as important as the final result. Interestingly, I dislike getting the perfect shot too quickly—it diminishes my enthusiasm for the subsequent images.
HBZVN: Are there any of your works that hold special meaning for you?
KIRILL SIMAKOV: I cherish all my works, but one standout project is The Nine (2019), a series of circular photographs capturing the harmony and transience of nature. Exhibited in Moscow, Venice, and Bergamo, this project even received the blessing of Pope Francis—a deeply humbling honor.
HBZVN: What advice would you give aspiring photographers seeking their own voice?
KIRILL SIMAKOV: Shoot often, but thoughtfully. Of 1,000 photos, you might only showcase 150. Focus your energy on refining and perfecting those 150 images—they should represent your best work and make you proud.
HBZVN: What future projects are you excited about?
KIRILL SIMAKOV: I’m eager to continue blending architecture and portraiture under the theme People. Cities. I also have an exciting idea for a portrait series featuring American theater and cinema actors, which I’ll begin soon.
HBZVN: How have your background and experiences shaped your artistic vision?
KIRILL SIMAKOV: Experience teaches you to avoid mistakes and view things from fresh perspectives. Over time, you learn to uncover hidden aspects and present them creatively.
Photographer: Kir Simakov @kirsimakov.
Model: Yana Tarasenko @tarasenko.yana.
Stylist: Anna Khitrina @anna_khitrina.
Makeup: Natalia Malova @nataliamalovamua.
Hair: Timur Sadyq @timursadyq.
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