We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alena Saz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alena below.

Alena, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

As a beauty photographer, I find it crucial to recognize and appreciate the significance of individuality, embracing the beauty of the human body, diverse skin tones, and natural skin texture. By avoiding excessive retouching or altering of skin textures, we celebrate the diversity that exists within the human form. This approach encourages self-acceptance, as people can see themselves represented in a more realistic and relatable manner.

I truly believe that by prioritizing the art of capturing the moment, I aim to create photographs that convey genuine emotions and tell stories. Whether it’s a spontaneous laugh, a tender glance, or a powerful gesture, these authentic moments hold a special power that can resonate with viewers on a deeper level.

Talking about the importance of individuality in art (and commercial photography as well – I feel that it’s crucial to emphasize the significance of it in the rapidly evolving field of AI development. While technological advancements are slowly invading photography industry, it is essential to ensure that these advancements do not overshadow the creative spirit and uniqueness of human expression. Moreover, by encouraging the integration of art and individuality into AI development, we can ensure that the technology remains ethical and responsible.

It is vital to consider the potential impact of AI on humanity, privacy, and intellectual property rights. By incorporating artistic values and respecting individual rights, we can develop AI systems that are not only technologically advanced but also ethically sound and aligned with human values.

Alena, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My photography career has been an exciting journey that began with my involvement in the fashion world as a model. However, my interest in art was always a significant part of my life, including various creative fields like music, drawing, and photography.

After my modeling career, I transitioned into the advertising industry, working as a creative in an advertising agency. While this experience allowed me to explore different aspects of visual communication, I always felt an attraction towards photography. Initially, I pursued it as a hobby, capturing moments and experimenting with different techniques. Little did I know that this hobby would soon become my true passion.

However, I have to admit that I faced some self-consciousness in the beginning. People were not always quick to accept me as a serious photographer due to my background as an ex-model. Despite the initial skepticism, I remained determined to prove myself and establish my credibility in the field.

To overcome these challenges, I dedicated a significant amount of time to learning the technical aspects and theoretical foundations of photography. I immersed myself in studying composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques. I sought practical experience by photographing friends, honing my skills, and refining my artistic vision.

Over time, my dedication, hard work, and unwavering passion began to garner recognition. I started to build a portfolio that showcased my vision, technical proficiency, and ability to create visually compelling narratives. With each project, I grew more confident in my abilities and found my voice as a photographer.

Today, photography has become more than just a career for me—it is the essence of who I am. It has allowed me to combine my diverse artistic interests, my experiences in the fashion world, and my passion for visual storytelling into a fulfilling and dynamic profession.

My photography career has been marked by significant transformative moments of starting over – these experiences include moving from Moscow to the United States and later from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Each transition served as a powerful catalyst that pushed me to re-evaluate my path, reinvigorating my passion and driving me to define what I truly wanted to achieve in my photography career.

I am proud of my ability to navigate these changes and use them as stepping stones toward personal and professional development. Starting over multiple times has not only given me a deeper understanding of myself as a photographer but has also allowed me to forge connections with diverse artistic communities and embrace a broader range of creative opportunities.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

My creative journey has been a multifaceted exploration, influenced by my academic pursuits and a thirst for inspiration. Obtaining a Masters degree in Art History played an important role in shaping my artistic perspective. Drawing inspiration from art has been a constant driving force in my creative process. I find myself captivated by colors, textures, and narratives found in paintings, sculptures, and installations. Art serves as a major catalyst for pushing the boundaries of my own artistic expression. I often seek to infuse elements of art history into my photography, whether it’s through composition, lighting, or color schemes.

The integration of cinematic principles into my photography has further honed my skills, offered valuable insights into composition, visual storytelling, capturing candid moments, and expanded the creative possibilities I can explore.

Reflecting on my early career, I sometimes wish I had the opportunity to assist experienced photographers. Learning directly from their expertise would have provided useful insights. However, my journey of self-discovery led me to develop my unique style and approach to photography. It taught me to experiment, take risks, and learn from the successes and failures. These experiences have shaped my ability to think outside the box and find creative solutions.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

When it comes to managing a team and fostering high morale, there are several key principles that I believe are essential. First and foremost, it is crucial to be genuinely nice to people and appreciate their time. Treat team members with respect, kindness, and gratitude for their contributions. Recognize their efforts and acknowledge the value they bring to the team. Effective communication is another major aspect of maintaining team morale. Encourage open dialogue and create an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas.

Building relationships behind the scenes is equally important. Take the time to get to know your team members on a personal level, beyond their professional roles. Show interest in their lives, passions, and aspirations.

Supporting other artists within the team is crucial for maintaining high morale. Celebrate their successes, offer assistance when needed, and provide opportunities for growth and development. Encourage collaboration and create an environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to express their creativity.

Be real and transparent with your team. Avoid putting up a façade or being fake. Be honest about challenges, share your own experiences, and demonstrate vulnerability when appropriate. Compassion and empathy allow for a deeper connection and help foster a sense of belonging within the team.

By embodying these principles, you can build a positive and thriving team environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and motivated to achieve their best work.

Contact Info:

• Website: alenasaz.com
• Instagram: alena_saz
• Other: https://models.com/people/alena-sazonova