Aydan Aliyeva about her photo art: A single well-crafted portrait can reveal much more about a person than an entire series of staged photos

Aydan Aliyeva is a Ukrainian photographer who believes that a single successful portrait can reveal more about a person than an entire series of staged shots. In her art, she holds on to authenticity and "living" moments. She shared with Drive Music Media her thoughts on the harmony of location and shoot themes, her love for experimentation, and the impact of the war on her creativity.

Interviewer: Why did you choose photography? What attracted you to this field?

Aydan: I chose photography because I wanted to bring to life the images that have been forming in my mind since childhood. This field is fascinating to me because it offers endless opportunities for learning, experimenting, and thriving in a competitive market that encourages diversity in photography services.

Interviewer: Where do you find inspiration for new shoots? How do you see the person in the frame? How challenging is it to help someone "open up"?

Aydan: I often draw inspiration from classic 20th-century photography, as well as from film, fashion, and visual art. Each person is unique to me and requires an individualized approach. To help them open up, I often joke around and try to create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere behind the camera.

Interviewer: Most of your photos are portraits. Why do you focus on them?

Aydan: I love studying human faces, analyzing their structure and symmetry, and observing how light falls on them. A single well-crafted portrait can reveal much more about a person than an entire series of staged photos.

Interviewer: Which shoot has been the most memorable for you? Why?

Aydan: My favorite shoot was one that captured dance. I attended a master class with a well-known photographer, and that experience made me realize that I want to capture more people in motion – to capture moments and the essence of people in dance.

Interviewer: Tell us about unplanned shoots: what might inspire you to do one?

Aydan: Movies and music videos often spark ideas in my mind – color combinations, types of characters I'd like to photograph. I’m currently planning to shoot a couple in a “cinematic” style to tell a story.

Interviewer: What’s important to you when choosing a location? Where would you like to shoot?

Aydan: A shoot location should enhance the image, the people, and their story, conveying a specific mood. If it’s a studio, I prefer spacious settings with minimal details but lots of lighting options to experiment with. I'd love to shoot in well-preserved abandoned buildings, though access to them is often restricted.

Interviewer: What types of shoots would you never agree to? Why?

Aydan: I would never agree to photograph newborns. In general, children and family shoots aren't for me – they’re very energy-draining, and some family members often aren’t too enthusiastic about participating.

Interviewer: How challenging is it to work in today's Ukrainian reality? What are photoshoots and their preparations like during wartime?

Aydan: The hardest part in today's reality is dealing with constant air raid alerts – you never know if something will hit nearby, or if you and your model are safe. Shoots in studios are frequently interrupted as we have to drop everything and head to shelters. The tense situation in the country impacts creativity as well; it’s hard to stay motivated.

Interviewer: Describe your photography in one word. Why that word?

Aydan: I don’t consider my work to be “art”, but I like to think that it highlights the individuality of each person. I often notice qualities in people that others might overlook.

Interviewer: What message do you convey with your photos? What underlying meanings do you embed in them?

Aydan: My goal is to show that everyone has their own unique beauty. Each of us can allow ourselves to be a bit more open during a shoot, since we’re usually expected to wear masks and meet society’s expectations every day.

Pictures were taken by Aydan Aliyeva