Ukrainian Photographer Yulia Doroshenko: The Shooting Process Often Begins with the First Glance at a Person

Yulia Doroshenko is a Ukrainian photo artist known for creating shoot concepts that often resemble paintings. Her journey into photography began after a car accident it – was then that an old camera found its way into her hands. For Yulia, the concept for a shoot usually emerges from the very first glance at a person – that's when she starts to see the entire vision come together.  Yulia shared insights with Drive Music Media about how she began her journey in photography, the psychological challenges of working during russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, and her latest project with a fashion magazine.

Interviewer: Your photographs often resemble paintings. How did your journey into the world of photography begin? When and how did you decide to become a photographic artist?

Julia: People often say my photographs look like paintings, and that's incredibly rewarding to hear! My journey into photography started quite unexpectedly. At the age of 12, after a car accident, an old point-and-shoot camera ended up in my hands. From that moment on, photography took on a much deeper meaning for me.

Interviewer: How do ideas for your shoots usually come to you? What appears first in your imagination – the location or the image?

Julia: For me, a shoot often begins with the very first glance at a person. In that instant, a visual concept starts forming in my mind – something that can help reveal hidden aspects of their personality or highlight their most striking qualities.

Interviewer: How difficult is it to connect with people during a shoot? What techniques do you use to make them feel comfortable in front of the camera?

Julia: During a shoot, I focus entirely on the process – it's almost like a form of meditation for me, a state of flow where only the moment matters. When working with clients, I create an atmosphere of ease and comfort. My own confidence acts as a catalyst, helping the person in front of the camera to relax and express their true self.

Interviewer: Tell us about a project that holds special significance for you. Why is it so important?

Julia: There is a series of projects that became a true lifeline for me at a certain point in my creative journey. Working on them helped me overcome a difficult period of stagnation and opened new horizons for my artistic development – and for a deeper understanding of myself.

For example, one of the photos – “Girl with a Bear” – carries a deep symbolic meaning. The teddy bear often represents childhood, vulnerability, and the need for protection. The girl, in turn, symbolizes a part of the self that feels fragile and in need of support. She is trying to cope with feelings of confusion, helplessness in the face of certain circumstances, and internal conflicts. These emotions became the focus of a personal exploration of weakness and despair through creativity. The feelings and experiences were expressed in the photograph through the specific use of lighting, the psychological perception of colors (ed. – “blue girl” photo), and the conceptual foundation behind the image. This creative process helped me find inner resources to overcome a difficult period and discover new aspects of myself.

Interviewer: Could you tell us how the idea for your first creative shoot came about? What was it about?

Julia: You know, at the time, there wasn’t really a clear "idea" as I would define it now. It was more of a feeling – a sense that the everyday reality around me was a little boring. I wanted to bring more color, more emotion, a special kind of atmosphere – the kind I used to see in MTV music videos or on the pages of glossy magazines I loved flipping through.

I remember we listened to a lot of music back then – Spice Girls, Nirvana, Backstreet Boys. Each song had its own story, its own mood. And I wanted to capture that mood visually. That first shoot was probably my attempt to recreate the atmosphere of a music video. I don't even remember exactly which one, but I remember the bright colors, the rebellious spirit, and all that energy. My friends dug out the most neon leggings from their closets, grabbed their dads’ old tracksuits, and we styled these wild hairstyles with tons of hairspray! I was only 13 at the time, standing on a stadium field with a camera in one hand and a giant boombox blasting music.

It was a story about youth, about friendship, about the desire to be bold and unique. About that spirit of freedom and experimentation that was in the air in the ’90s.

Of course, technically the photos were far from perfect, but they had something real – a genuine desire to create. That’s when I first realized that photography isn’t just about capturing a moment – it’s about creating your own world, expressing your emotions and your vision. And that feeling, that drive for artistic expression, became the beginning of my journey as a photographer. That's why creative photography, for me, isn’t just about taking pictures – it’s about making art.

Interviewer: How challenging has it been to continue your career amid russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine? What obstacles have you faced as a photographic artist?

Julia: Emotional instability and frequent burnout have been serious challenges. War equals emotional instability plus constant exhaustion. It's difficult to create while dealing with stress, anxiety, and a pervasive sense of irrelevance. Inspiration and motivation often waver. Career difficulties compound personal struggles – being a photographer during wartime is a daily battle.

Interviewer: What kinds of projects would you like to work on in the future? Why these in particular?

Julia: I would love to work on projects that explore and reflect contemporary Ukrainian identity. I'm interested not just in documenting destruction and tragedy but in capturing the incredible resilience, strength, and creativity of our people.

Such projects can reveal the rich, complex world of modern Ukraine – its dynamism and potential – without focusing solely on tragedy. They can showcase the vibrancy, creativity, and endurance of the Ukrainian spirit, as well as the evolving social interactions, values, and lifestyles influenced by globalization, technology, and new ideas.

Interviewer: What projects are you currently working on?

Julia: Right now, I'm involved in a fashion project for a glossy magazine. It's a very exciting collaboration! You’ll soon be able to see the results of our team's work on my Instagram page.

Interviewer: Are there any "no-go zones" for you professionally? What kind of shoot would you never agree to do, and why?

Julia: I would never shoot pornographic material. It simply doesn't align with my personal and moral values.

Interviewer: If you could associate your body of work with one word, what would it be, and why?

Julia: Narrative. One photograph can tell an entire story, evoke emotions, and spark thoughts. These stories can inspire others to create their own projects, narratives, or reflections.

Interviewer: What mission do you see for yourself as a Ukrainian photographic artist? Why this mission?

Julia: My mission is to promote Ukrainian photography on the global stage, introducing international audiences to Ukrainian mentality, culture, and creativity.

Pictures were taken by Julia Doroshenko