May 21 : 2026
Alexander Shilov
Alexander's quietly surreal image bends perspective until composition becomes its own kind of magic.
by Lily Fierman
Q:
Can you please tell us more about creating your winning image, “Equilibrium”?
A:
I had wanted to create this image for a long time. During this shoot, I found the perfect location for this frame.
Q:
On your website, you mention your ongoing interest in black and white photography as your medium of choice. Was it always so?
A:
Yes, I have always been drawn to black and white photography. It allows me to remove unnecessary visual noise and focus on the emotional essence of the image.
Q:
You’ve talked about the viewer's own story being born in their imagination. Do you think about that imagined story when you're shooting, or does it only become clear afterward?
A:
I think that story becomes clear only after the shoot. Each viewer creates their own version of it, shaped by their imagination and life experience.
Q:
You speak of composition, light, and emotion as a trinity. Which of the three do you find hardest to capture and which arrives most naturally to you?
A:
Light and composition are elements a photographer can control with a certain degree of confidence. Emotion, however, does not always depend on the photographer. That is why preparing for and capturing a powerful emotional moment is the most interesting and challenging task.
Q:
What subject is next on your list?
A:
In my upcoming shoots, I want to search for and highlight unusual moments in everyday life, as well as place my subjects in situations that feel unfamiliar to them.
Q:
What is your dream subject, regardless of time, place, or any impediments to making this happen?
A:
I want people, when looking at my photographs, to become kinder — and for our world to become better, without wars or hostility.
ARTIST
