Interview
Ksenia Krondo
France
Ksenia Krondo is a self-taught Siberian photographer that is based in France that found interest in photographer during her attempts in working as an amateur model.
1 Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
My name is Ksenia Krondo, I'm a Siberian photographer, based in France. I've started to find my interest in photography at my 19th, through my attempts to work as an amateur model.
2 Where did you study photography?
Nowhere, I'm a 100% self-learner
3 Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
I guess it was a friend of mine, I was trying to do some kind of quirky fashion photoshoot! Of course it was absolutely horrible, but the road to the success always starts from a small step
4 What equipment do you use?
Fujifilm gfx50r, 45mm lens
5 What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
It's an amazing feeling when people tells me that I'm an artist and my pictures looks like a paintings.
6 What inspires your unique storytelling?
I'm getting inspired the most by uniqueness and diversity of a humans looks. But can't deny that my works has been affected by medieval romance and classical paintings
7 What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Fairytale, medieval, feminine
8 Congratulations! As the winner of the MUSE Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
As a self-taught artist, who has no art background or base, and perceiving photography as a hobby most of my life - I really appreciate that my works were noticed in such a big and serious competition!
9 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the MUSE Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
I have two works this year (both are gold winners). One of them - "of humans and animals" is inspired by last year's occurrences. There are still countries in the world where women have less right to express themselves, to be seen, than mere animals. Where women deserve so much more, yet have so much less than you could imagine. The other one - "The mermaid story" - is inspired by my childhood memories. I tried to recreate fairytale illustrations from the book that I've loved to read as a small girl. Half-folklore and half-nostalgic story that visualised my homesickness that I get during leaving my country
10 How has winning an award developed your career?
My goal is to gather around myself and my art more fairy-inspired people. But my absolute dream is to collaborate with art galleries.
11 Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Paolo Roversi, Annie Leibovitz and Kristy Mitchell
12 What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Do not be afraid to make a mistakes - it's a part of the journey
13 What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Today we have so much information, opportunities and amazing people around us that are open to the perception of new unique styles. We live in a completely different era, where rules are changing every year, and the technical accessibility is pretty affordable. Give it a try and don't restrain yourself with any limits
14 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
My key to success is a hard work, pulling yourself out of your comfort zone all the time and get the inspiration from everywhere
15 How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
The social media can be really helpful with pointing the directions of the new interesting areas
16 Which THREE (3) friends/peers would you nominate to participate in the next MUSE Photography Awards?
All of my photographers BFFs. They're amazing
