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

Alright, Dinara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I collaborated with 20 other individuals on this project for a total of 6 months. The final set of photos was completed and ready in March. The project is about Finding the Value of yourself through individual experiences and embracing personal shadow aspects. This involves:

– Expressing one’s sexuality openly and authentically., being liberated.
– Affirming a woman’s entitlement to have multiple partners, regardless of race, gender, age, etc.
– Acknowledging that women have the right to take on dominant roles in sexual relationships, similar to men.

These aspects are often lacking in people’s lives, but they serve to complement and enrich both sides, fostering a deeper self-understanding. The emphasis lies on wholehearted self-acceptance, free from shame or societal judgment. Women are empowered to make choices about their bodies without restriction, recognising the diversity of individual experiences in the journey of self-discovery.

The significance of this project holds a personal resonance for me due to the challenges I faced within the constraints of a Muslim family during my childhood. This project has been a transformative journey, contributing significantly to my own healing. Moreover, it seems to have touched and resonated with many other women, as I’ve received messages from several of them after the project’s release.

My primary goal is to advocate for women’s freedom, liberating them from societal boundaries. I aim to convey the message that every woman is inherently beautiful just as she is. The impact of the project has been substantial, resulting in its feature in five magazines, inclusion in one book, and the recognition of being named the third inspirational photographer by “ThePhoBlographer.” This recognition only reinforces the project’s success in reaching a wider audience and contributing to a meaningful dialogue about freedom, self-acceptance, and the beauty inherent in every woman.

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?

Over the course of my 12-year career as a photographer, I’ve successfully established a strong presence in the field. In 2021 alone, I took the lead on photo shoots for models and businesses, served as the head photographer for the San Diego Swim Week fashion show, captured moments at Super Bowl, and worked with Miss Earth, TikTok celebrities and major brands. My work has been showcased in over 15 magazine publications, including five covers.

In the realm of fine arts, I had the honor of being featured as an artist in the “Let’s Coast” art show in 2022. Adding to my diverse experiences, I took on the challenge of participating in a photographer competition within the reality show “Spectrum,” set to be released in 2024. Beyond my own creative pursuits, I’ve taken on a mentoring role for other photographers, engaged in public speaking engagements, and have been featured in interviews for magazines and podcasts.

At this juncture, I can confidently affirm that photography is not just a profession for me; it is my life’s passion, and I am fully committed to the art and craft of visual storytelling.

My photographic identity is characterized by its dynamic nature, filled with peaks and valleys. I derive immense joy from being a photographer and utilizing my photos as a means to influence and transform the world positively. However, there are instances when the demands of overworking leave me disoriented, making it challenging to connect with my own identity. During these times, the focus shifts from changing the world for the better to the need for personal restoration.

Taking breaks becomes crucial for me to regain balance and continue my artistic journey. Interestingly, these pauses in my work not only serve as moments of rejuvenation but also spark new beginnings and concepts that I am eager to share with the world. It’s a cycle of intensity followed by renewal, ultimately contributing to the evolution of my artistic expression and the narratives I wish to convey through my photography.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

It’s evident that my journey as a photographer is not just about capturing moments but also about personal fulfillment and growth. While the primary goal is to savor the present, my ambition to continually elevate my craft and explore new realms, such as fine art photography, reflects my commitment to artistic evolution.

Shifting towards more creative shoots and the sale of prints is a meaningful step, allowing me to align my work more closely with my artistic sensibilities. It’s a natural progression that honors my evolving passion.

Beyond artistic pursuits, my desire to educate and raise awareness about societal issues is commendable. Using my platform to prompt discussions, inspire empathy, and foster a sense of community reflects a broader vision of contributing positively to the world.

Balancing personal fulfillment, artistic expression, and social impact is a multifaceted journey, and my dedication to evolving my approach suggests a dynamic and purpose-driven path ahead. As I navigate these aspirations, may each step bring me closer to the harmonious integration of my artistic vision and societal contribution.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

My insight into the challenges artists face is profound and sheds light on the often misunderstood aspect of the creative process. The depth of emotions, the constant search for inspiration, and the need for time and space to cultivate ideas are integral to the artistic journey.

We – Artists, by our very nature, are deeply attuned to emotions and experiences, drawing inspiration from the nuances of life. This process, however, isn’t always immediate. The need for periods of reflection, contemplation, and living outside the realm of work is crucial for the creative mind. It’s during these times that ideas ferment, concepts crystallize, and the artist finds the emotional reservoir necessary for authentic expression.

For non-creatives, this may be perceived as a lack of productivity or as “laziness.” The challenge lies in communicating that this time away from direct work is an essential part of the creative cycle—a phase where the mind is incubating ideas and gaining the perspectives needed for meaningful creation.

Artists require the space to live, feel, and think deeply in order to bring forth work that is not only visually striking but also resonant with genuine emotion and thought. It’s a process that may not always align with conventional notions of productivity, but it is, in its own right, a meticulous and essential journey towards creating impactful art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dinaraphotos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinara.photos?utm_medium=copy_link
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dinara.photos
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinara-baizakova/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWolDCSTISZO2JR9vawERIA
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dinara-photoshoot-san-diego

Image Credits
John Phillip Eugeniya Lomeyko Daria Dobrynina Crystal Ciara Kalia White Jeff Bennion Rachel Ray Neda Ghassemi Elise Brisco Tori Brillantes De’Shaun Patacsil Dylan Cook Jermaine Castaneda Gadner Destine Riley Carpenter Jonel Awit Stewart Ray Nastya Sherbakova Nina Cicolo