Elizaveta Porodina Shares Her Photography Journey from Munich

Renowned Photographer Elizaveta Porodina Answers Our Call from the Streets of Munich

When we reached out to photographer Elizaveta Porodina for an interview, she was not at her desk or even indoors. Instead, she appeared bathed in sunshine, walking along tree-lined streets in Munich, a city she calls home.

I mentioned that I had never been to Munich, and Porodina offered to give me a virtual tour during our conversation. As we spoke from my artificially-lit desk in New York, I felt like I was being whisked away on an interview-length excursion into her world.

Porodina's background is as fascinating as it is unique. Trained as a clinical psychologist, she has applied her knowledge of the human mind to create portraits that invite both her subjects and audiences into vivid, surrealist dreamscapes.

What began as a hobby, taking portraits of friends, quickly evolved into a passion and eventually a career for Porodina. Her work is always informed by her studies in psychology, which add depth and complexity to her photographs.

Porodina's experiments with light and color have made her a standout in the world of photography. Her use of allegory and narrative symbolism draws the subconscious to the surface, making her subjects feel more like characters from a dream than real people.

Her unique style has caught the attention of top models and celebrities, including Zendaya, Brad Pitt, Ariana Grande, and Paul Mescal, who have all posed for her in some of the world's most prestigious magazines.

Porodina's latest project is a photography book titled "Found Dreams, which showcases years' worth of work exploring the boundaries between reality and fantasy. As we spoke about her career, she mentioned that this book marks an important milestone.

The question on everyone's mind is: what inspired Porodina to publish a book? She explained that it was the culmination of a phase in her creative journey, but also hinted at new beginnings and possibilities.

As Elizaveta Porodina delves into her creative journey, she reveals that a common thread runs through many of her recent projects - telling stories through narratives.

This narrative-driven approach is evident in her work, which often takes on a life of its own as it unfolds.

Her editorials, commissions, and personal projects have all been built around a specific narrative skeleton, one that she has committed to with unwavering dedication.

The culmination of this phase is marked by the release of her latest book, an end and a new beginning in equal measure.

Porodina wanted to celebrate this milestone by putting a bow on it, acknowledging the journey she's been on while also leaving room for what's next.

She draws inspiration from various sources, including a quote from David Lynch that emphasizes the importance of perspective in storytelling.

In his words, Screenwriters are too worried that everything has been said," highlighting the value of fresh perspectives and unique experiences.

Porodina approaches her work with sincerity and authenticity, seeking to extract visual metaphors that reflect her own experience while also being universally relatable.

She believes that this approach allows for a deeper connection with her subjects, creating a more collaborative environment where everyone can express themselves freely.

Elizaveta Porodina's approach to photography is distinct from writing in that it doesn't require including every detail on the surface. Instead, she presents her work as a visual narrative, allowing viewers to interpret and connect with the images on their own terms.

This approach is reminiscent of filmmaking, where scripts are not typically included alongside the finished product. Viewers can appreciate the final result without needing to see the behind-the-scenes process. Porodina's interest lies in presenting her photographs as standalone pieces, rather than providing a detailed explanation of how they came to be.

Some people may prefer to have more information about the creative process, but it's not essential for everyone. Porodina understands that each viewer brings their own perspective and expectations to her work, and she respects that diversity of opinion.

A recent GQ story featuring Paul Mescal is a prime example of how storytelling can be woven throughout a collection of photographs. The narrative thread was strong and cohesive, with no images included simply for decorative purposes. Instead, every element contributed to the overall story being told.

When an artist creates from the heart, their work often transcends mere self-expression. It becomes a channeling of something deeper and more profound. Porodina likens this process to being a vessel, allowing the creative energy to flow through her and take shape in unexpected ways.

The experience of capturing such moments is exhilarating for an artist, leaving them feeling invincible and inspired. Porodina describes it as akin to experiencing a rush of concentrated energy, where the presence of the muse imbues their work with a divine power.

In this particular project, featuring Paul Mescal, Porodina aimed to capture the essence of an artist waiting to be discovered by the muse. The setup was ideal, with both Mescal and his co-star Lydia embodying pure energy and creativity. Their interactions were dynamic and fulfilling, allowing Porodina to craft a compelling narrative through her photographs.

Photographers often work with models who have some acting experience to bring a story to life through their expressions and body language. Porodina's approach is similar - she looks for individuals who can convey emotions and energy, regardless of their profession.

Working with actors allows them to tap into their creative side and respond authentically to the photographer's vision. This dynamic is essential in creating compelling images that tell a story beyond mere portraiture.

When it comes to collaborating with subjects, Porodina values openness and willingness to experiment. In one notable shoot for GQ, she had the opportunity to work with an A-list actor who was eager to step into her artistic vision.

The subject of this particular shoot was someone often associated with a strong, stoic image - but Porodina wanted to subvert that expectation by combining it with elements typically considered feminine. This approach allowed her to explore new and interesting possibilities in her work.

Porodina's process is always about discovery and experimentation, rather than planning every detail beforehand. She approaches each shoot with some uncertainty, eager to see how the subject responds to her ideas and how the images unfold.

When planning a shoot, she often engages in discussions with her team to explore different concepts and visual approaches. In one instance, Porodina and her editor had a grand idea for a project that combined their shared passion for strong visuals and storytelling.

This collaborative approach allows them to push boundaries and create something unique and engaging - as seen in the images that result from these creative exchanges.

Photographer Elizaveta Porodina's creative process is driven by a desire to capture more than just aesthetically pleasing images. Her goal is to convey complex emotions and ideas through her work, often pushing the boundaries of what is considered conventional.

Porodina has spoken about the challenges she faces when attempting to achieve this level of emotional intensity in her photographs. She has mentioned going through periods where she doubts her ability to capture the essence of a scene or subject.

When working on a particular project, Porodina's studio becomes a space for experimentation and exploration. She is known to arrive early in the morning, eager to set up equipment and get into position to capture the perfect shot. Her enthusiasm is contagious, often involving the entire team on set in her creative process.

On one occasion, actor Paul walked onto the set around 10 AM, only to find Porodina fully immersed in her work. She was so focused that she forgot to greet him properly, instead grabbing his hand and sharing her ideas with him. This brief exchange seemed to spark something within both of them, and they quickly got to work.

Porodina's artistic journey is marked by periods of intense highs followed by moments of calm. In a recent conversation, she described one such experience as being like a rollercoaster ride without any lows. She felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and creativity, which ultimately led to the creation of something truly special.

When asked about her sources of inspiration, Porodina revealed that her tastes are eclectic and diverse. She has mentioned that certain books have had a profound impact on her work, including those by Ursula Le Guin. Specifically, she has cited Left Hand of Darkness and The Dispossessed as influential works that reflect her own passions.

These novels speak to Porodina's interests in science fiction, nature, and the environment. They also highlight her desire to explore complex themes and ideas through her work. By incorporating elements from various genres, Porodina aims to create something unique and thought-provoking.

In addition to literature, Porodina has expressed a love for horror films and classic fairy tales. She believes in covering all bases when it comes to inspiration, whether that means exploring the latest releases or revisiting timeless classics. By doing so, she hopes to stay connected to the zeitgeist and continue pushing the boundaries of her art.

Porodina's fascination with the human condition is a common thread throughout much of her work. She has spoken about the importance of allowing individuals to express themselves freely, without being constrained by societal expectations or norms. This theme is reflected in many of her photographs, which often feature subjects in a state of transformation or self-discovery.

Photographer Elizaveta Porodina's work often explores themes that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. She finds that horror movies serve as a modern-day equivalent of fairy tales, allowing viewers to project themselves into the narrative and experience catharsis.

This concept is exemplified in the works of David Cronenberg, who crafts films that can be appreciated on multiple levels - from their technical aspects to their deeper psychological undertones. Viewers can engage with his movies intellectually or simply enjoy them as entertainment.

Porodina's photography has been exhibited previously and now features prominently in a new monograph. In this format, her photographs are presented independently of other content, allowing viewers to focus on the images themselves rather than being part of a larger narrative.

When compared to how her work is typically showcased in magazine profiles, Porodina notes that there's a difference between the two formats. Her own experiences as a child, devouring printed matter such as books and magazines, have influenced her approach to presenting her photography.

Porodina views magazines as having both modern and timeless qualities - they're accessible to a wide audience yet possess an archetypal charm. By presenting her work in this format, she hopes to entice viewers with the aesthetic appeal of her images before drawing them into their deeper meaning.

Ultimately, Porodina's goal is for her photographs to engage viewers on multiple levels and invite them to explore their depths, rather than simply being admired superficially.