Canadian professional nude photographer Alexander Sviridov is from Toronto. His images are well-known worldwide, and he has won numerous international photo competitions, including the Trierenberg Super Circuit, 35Awards, WPE, VIPA, Photocrowd, Gurushots, and Viewbug.
He initially majored in art design in Russia as a result he became passionate about photography. His chosen genre is fine art photography, where he fuses the notions of surrealism with the works of past masters to produce works of photographic art that are indeed masterpieces.
Alexander constantly looks for fresh, original concepts to incorporate into his works of art. Many of his artworks are inspired by and feature his youngest daughter.
In this interview, you hear from the man himself how he became a professional nude photographer and kept maintaining it.
Check out a fantastic masterclass to get creative nude photographs here.
Q1. What inspired you to make nude photography a niche in your career?
A. After studying art for many years, my favourite artists like Rubens, Caravaggio, and Dali frequently portrayed nudes in their artworks. I believe the human body is the most beautiful creation in the world.
Q2. How do you ensure a comfortable and safe environment for your models?
A. Creating a comfortable and safe environment for my models is important to me. I always shoot in my photo-studio, which is a warm and inviting space. During my photoshoots, I play relaxing music in the background to help my models feel at ease. I make an effort to be friendly, approachable, and always communicating.
Q3. As a professional nude photographer, how do you handle potential controversy or criticism that can arise from nude photography as a niche ?
A. I understand that some people may have concerns with nude photography, but ultimately I follow my passion and artistic vision. I believe everyone has a freedom to choose what they engage with, and I respect that.
Q4. How do you ensure that your photography is tasteful and respectful towards your models?
A. I approach the process as an art form, and communication is an important step. I discuss my ideas and plans with the model, and share my sketches beforehand to set honest expectations.
Q5. Can you walk me through your process for preparing for a nude photo shoot?
A. I find unique ideas, and sketch out my concepts. Once I have a solid plan in place, I plan the photo-shoot accordingly and prepare my studio with the proper lighting and props. By conversation and consideration with the model, I try to work together to create art.
Q6. How do you select the models that you work with?
A. Models usually reach out to me on social media like Instagram or Facebook, and after some conversation, choose those who match my ideas and who I would be comfortable working with.
Q7. How do you balance artistic expression with your responsibility to your models?
A. I value creative expression, but take my responsibility to the model seriously. I discuss my process so the models know the plan ahead of time, and how the final result will look. I use photomanipulations to create unique art while maintaining respect for the models and their boundaries.
Q8. Can you tell me about your difficult situation as a professional nude photographer and how you handled it?
A. I aim to create a comfortable and professional atmosphere during my photoshoots, but there have been occasions, after discussing with a model that I did not feel it would be a good fit to work together. I would respectfully decline to book a photo shoot, and try to avoid any potential discomfort or complications in the future.
Q9. What message or feeling do you hope to convey through your nude photography?
A. In my nude photography, my goal is to blend my personal artistic vision and emotions with surrealistic or classical influences. I believe that everyone brings their own life experiences to the table, and hope that each person may interpret my art in their own way.
Q10. Where do you see the future of nude photography evolving, and how do you plan to adapt to changing trends being a professional nude photographer?
A. While I appreciate the potential for changing trends in nude photography, I plan to continue following my passions and creating art that speak to my personal vision. I am always striving for improvement, and finding ways to better express this vision
Q.11. How do you spend your leisure time?
A. I like to stay in a creative mindset and let my imagination run. I enjoy spending time with my family, and try to stay active with my personal fitness by exercising.
Q.12. What are your plans for the next 6-12 months?
A. I have no major plans in the short-term, but I hope to expand my work and continue being able to create unique art.
Q13. Name three photographers who have inspired you.
A. While my inspirations come more from artists like Rubens, Caravaggio, and Dali, rather than photographers, I do appreciate the work of many different photographers and their contributions.
Thank you, Alexander! You indeed are a bank of creativity, as showcased in your work. Many budding and professional nude photographers, and we are glad to experience your successful projects.
Don’t forget to check out more work by Alexandar here!
