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

Andrey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I can’t say that I have taken risks many times in my life; however, there have been pivotal moments where taking those risks proved essential, especially in my journey as a photographer and author that required me to step out of my comfort zone. Let me tell you about one of them. In the very beginning of my travel experiences, I was convinced by a friend to go on a trip abroad just a couple of months after returning from my very first international journey. Before that, I held the stereotype that, like some other people I knew, I should only travel once or twice a year. However, since I deeply respected that person and valued our friendship, I risked the new job I had just started and spent all my savings on that trip. I was young, recently graduated, and just starting my career, and I had envisioned saving money, making stock investments, and buying a car. In other words, I was trying to postpone my life, choosing to do a job that I didn’t enjoy too much instead of starting to explore the world right then. But as I said, I went on that trip and felt absolutely happy during my travels. I felt that time while traveling passed longer, brighter, and more intensely, as if I were prolonging my life. A week at home could pass almost unnoticed, day after day, but when you travel, you feel every day, bringing new emotions into your life. With such an elevated mood, and not regretting the money spent at all, I returned home and, a few days later, completely unexpectedly, found a new job with a salary approximately three times higher and a flexible schedule. This job allowed me to fulfill my needs, like getting a car, and to start traveling much more often. So, taking that risk helped me cultivate my passion for traveling and, later, for photography, as well as trusting my feelings and paying attention to things that happen to me. I don’t mean that you should always agree to everything, but if it’s something good, then it’s definitely worth paying attention and thinking about.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Absolutely! Thank you very much for the opportunity to share my story. As you mentioned, my name is Andrey Vlasov. I’m a photographer and travel writer behind the brand ‘Photravel,’ where I seek to share my experiences by capturing the essence of diverse cultures and landscapes. My journey into this field began at 22, when I discovered my love for photography, which perfectly complemented my passion for travel. Over the years, I’ve published more than 20 travel books filled primarily with unfiltered photographs, allowing readers to glimpse the authentic beauty of each destination I’ve explored.
Through my work, I aim to showcase stunning visuals that speak for themselves, inviting viewers to connect with the places and cultures I’ve encountered.
I think what sets me apart is my ability to see the world through my lens and capture the beauty of the places I visit in a natural, unembellished way. I take pride in the relationships I’ve built with the people I’ve met during my travels and in the moments when my work has resonated with others, including having some of my books featured in select Barnes & Noble stores.
For those interested in my work, I hope to convey that my mission is to inspire exploration and a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures around us. I invite others to join me in discovering the beauty of the world, one photograph at a time.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The primary goal driving my creative journey is to inspire others to explore the world and appreciate the beauty of diverse cultures and landscapes through my photography. I believe that authentic visual storytelling can foster a deeper connection to our surroundings and encourage a sense of curiosity and adventure.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, society can best support artists and creatives by fostering an environment that values and prioritizes creative expression. This can be achieved through increased funding for the arts, providing grants and opportunities for emerging artists to develop their skills and showcase their work. Communities can organize events, exhibitions, and festivals that highlight local talent, creating spaces for artists to connect with audiences and collaborate with one another. At the moment, it’s very hard to find a gallery in California that will show your work unless you are a famous photographer with a big name. It would be very helpful to have more galleries that promote the work of amateur artists. Additionally, promoting arts education in schools will nurture future generations of creatives. Furthermore, leveraging internet resources can also help artists gain visibility by sharing their stories and work with a wider audience, connecting them with potential supporters and collaborators.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amazon.com/author/andreyvlasov
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photravel_ru