Ukrainian photographer Anastasiia Katolichenko: The war has taught us to live in the moment, so I decided not to postpone my dream of photography

Anastasiia Katolichenko is a Ukrainian photographer who, during the war, realized she wouldn’t put her dreams on hold. She decided to leave the legal field and opened her own photo studio "Charisma". Her work has been featured in magazines, including projects on socially significant topics like "Anorexia" and "Melancholia", which were published in Canadian and British magazines. Anastasiia shared her journey of pursuing her dream, opening her photo studio, and creating the "Anorexia" photo project with Drive Music Media.

Interviewer: Despite having a legal education and experience in the field, you made a dramatic career change to pursue photography. What were your first steps, and why did you make this decision?

Anastasiia: I’ve always had a passion for photography and gradually started dedicating more time to it. When my job stopped inspiring me, I began looking for new challenges and opportunities for self-fulfillment. Leaving my position as a lawyer was a very tough decision, but I chose to be happy. The first thing I did after resigning was to look for courses that would teach me how to shoot professionally. I love learning, so I picked the biggest and longest program, “Photo Artist”, which lasted five months. It allowed me to earn an internationally recognized diploma that holds value worldwide.

Interviewer: Your work has been published in magazines. Can you share more about this experience? What were the themes of these works?

Anastasiia: Yes, my work has been featured in magazines such as Imirage Magazine (a Canadian glossy magazine) and Feroche (from the UK). The themes were quite heavy: Melancholia and Anorexia. This was a very valuable experience, as the preparation for these shoots required extensive research to understand these emotional and psychological states better. The final results were worth it. The series turned out to be deeply emotional and resonant.

Interviewer: You now own your own photo studio, making your dream a reality. What drove you to finally open your studio despite all the challenges? Was it hard to achieve this during the war? What inspired you?

Anastasiia: Dreams are meant to come true. For almost three years now, like all Ukrainians, I’ve been living each day knowing it could be my last. The war has taught us to live in the moment and not to postpone our dreams. I realized I didn’t want to keep waiting. I had envisioned what my studio should look like and what it should include, so when I found the perfect space, everything fell into place quickly. However, the renovation process was incredibly challenging.

First, I had to handle most of the renovation myself since many skilled workers – especially men – are at the frontlines. I became an expert in construction materials and even learned how to plaster and paint walls. Second, the costs were much higher than I had initially planned. But the result exceeded all expectations. The studio turned out amazing! I draw inspiration from fellow Ukrainians who keep going, building businesses, starting families, and rebuilding homes. They are truly unbreakable.

Interviewer: What was the opening of your studio like?

Anastasiia: I didn’t want a grand, formal event, so I decided to celebrate the opening with my closest friends. Once the renovation was complete, I invited them over to see the result. It was like a housewarming party but with a special, creative atmosphere.

Interviewer: What is important to you in photography? What do you focus on?

Anastasiia: Technique and lighting. I continuously refine my technical skills and my ability to work with light. This allows me to execute more complex and ambitious ideas.

Interviewer: Are you planning to continue pursuing photography yourself, or will you take on a purely organizational role? Is your studio open to other photographers, or is it exclusively yours?

Anastasiia: My photo studio is a creative space with a soul, open to all. It’s available to photographers as well as people hosting workshops, training sessions, and other events. I can’t imagine my life without photography, so I continue shooting alongside managing and organizing the studio. Right now, I’m both a photographer and an administrator.

Interviewer: You have a photoshoot featuring an unusual look with a custom headpiece. Could you tell us about it?

Anastasiia: The client was the incredibly talented headpiece designer Iryna Pidlypska. It was my first time shooting such stunning creations. I really enjoy capturing unique catalogs – not just clothing but pieces that have a story and character. My job as a photographer was to convey that character, highlighting the details and quality of the work. I believe we succeeded.

Interviewer: What are your next steps?

Anastasiia: I’ve always been someone who had a plan, but not in these uncertain times. I’m not entirely sure what my next steps will be. Right now, my priority is preparing the studio for potential blackouts, purchasing a generator, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. In the future, I’d love to organize photo projects, workshops, and eventually open a photography school within the studio.

Interviewer: What word best describes your photography? Why?

Anastasiia: That’s a tough question. Probably LIGHT. Light is one of the most essential elements in photography – it gives the images that special atmosphere.

Interviewer: What are your expectations for this new stage in your career?

Anastasiia: I expect many creative shoots and exciting collaborations. But I also really hope to have some free time. I want to spend it with my family.

Pictures were provided by Anastasiia Katolichenko