Inspired by antiquated art genres and the polar nature between darkness and light, photographer Marta Syrko is an ambassador of creation. Balancing an abstract aesthetic with humanly elegant finishes, the Russian visionary is a pioneer for the new age of photography. Despite her minimal interest in claiming fame, Syrko is summiting a mountain of popularity with each shoot. Capturing the gravity of life’s most mystical substances, Marta Syrko is a modern day nouveau pioneer.
Interview by Alli Lindsey
When did your love for photography begin?
It started 6 years ago. I was working as a portrait photographer.
Many of your pictures seem to draw influence from surrealism, how do you incorporate that artistic genre into your photos?
I don’t believe that my photos are surrealistic, when I create them I am inspired by renaissance, realism and my favorite art nouveau.
Tell us about some of the struggles you faced when learning the technicalities of photography.
In any kind of jobs you faced difficulty organizing things. You need to remember all of the settings on your camera and lights for each photoshoot. The more experienced you get the more you have to carry around.
How do you choose your subjects?
It depends on the photoshoot. In most cases I have models that I usually work with. Sometimes the photoshoot is built on the subject, their appearance inspires me.
Some of your portfolio includes moving graphics to compliment the photo you have taken, how do you make that happen?
It was a collaboration with a friend, I created the idea and then shot the model, we made it for a girl blogger. The main idea of this shoot was facing the girl’s fears. She was afraid of fish and snakes. This moving graphic is called “cinema graph,” it’s a social media trick.
In a sea of photographers, how do you think your photos stand out amongst your peers?
I think light makes my works stand out, it’s like my signature.
“There is no shadow without light, so I use the shadow to emphasize the picture and atmosphere.”
Did you struggle developing the following you have gained now? Did you ever expect the mass following you have now?
I didn’t develop the following on purpose I was just working hard. Sometimes creative photoshoots only for myself, and then there were a lot of people who liked them. I never expected people to follow me.
Do you have any mentors that have helped you get to where you are now?
No particular person, I just get inspired by some great artists.
As a visual artist, do you draw inspiration from any writers that help define your visual style?
I don’t read fiction, I’m more visual person.
If you could choose one novel that parallels your photography style, what would it be? Why?
My photoshoots are very different in their stories. That’s why I cannot choose one book or author which would represent my style, but for now the novel ”Perfume: The story of Murderer” is living in my head and my photoshoots are influenced by it.
Living in the digital age of social media “influencers” would you consider yourself one? Do you care to be an “influencer?”
I’m not the usual type of influencer, I don’t write about my life or promote social projects. I create, like doing photoshoots with stray dogs (and cats) for the dog shelter, I also worked for the first time with people with downs syndrome.
How have you utilized Instagram to share your art?
I just put my work out there and the public shares them and talks about them.
“I’m trying to get the best result during photoshoots so that I don’t have to edit too much.”
Shadows seem to play a major role your images, why is that?
Because of the light. There is no shadow without light, so I use the shadow to emphasize the picture and atmosphere.
Tell us about the importance of colors in your photography.
It’s important because the color harmony emphasizes the objects in the picture and makes it more unusual and impressive.
How do you think photography is different than other art forms?
I don’t think that photography is different it is just a chain in the evolution of the art forms.
How long does your editing process take, and how important is editing in photography?
I’m trying to get the best result during photoshoots so that I don’t have to edit too much.
Is there one image of yours that can be seen as the defining epicenter of your catalog?
In three words, describe your artistic aesthetic.
Light, color, emotion
