We recently connected with Teimur Aliiev and have shared our conversation below.

Teimur, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I was born in Ukraine and, because of the war, had to leave my home and rebuild my life in California. Photography, filmmaking, and surfing became my anchors through uncertainty. My mission is to create work that inspires resilience and hope by telling authentic stories. It’s meaningful to me because I want to show others — especially immigrants and people starting over — that even in hard times, you can rebuild, create, and find purpose.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Teimur, a photographer, filmmaker, and surfer based in Los Angeles. Born in Ukraine, I had to rebuild my life in different countries before settling here, and my work reflects that journey. I capture authentic moments in events, portraits, and surf/lifestyle shoots, focusing on real stories and emotions. My goal is to create work that connects with people and leaves a lasting impact.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I was born in Ukraine, and due to the war, my family and I had to leave everything behind and start over in multiple countries before finally settling in California. Each move meant rebuilding from scratch — learning new languages, adapting to new cultures, and finding ways to support my family. Photography, filmmaking, and surfing became my anchors during these transitions. They taught me patience, persistence, and the power of focusing on what I can control. This journey of constant adaptation shaped who I am today and fuels my mission to inspire others to keep going, no matter the challenges.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a photographer and filmmaker is the ability to capture moments that matter — real emotions, personal stories, and experiences that people will remember for a lifetime. I love seeing how my work connects with others, whether it’s a family seeing their story through my lens or a surfer celebrating a perfect wave. Being creative allows me to turn life’s challenges into meaningful art, and knowing that my work can inspire, uplift, and resonate with others makes every project worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teimur_aliev?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@teimuraliev538?si=30gt_9aocni_xqBk

Image Credits

Teimur Aliiev