© Tanya Sharapova
Lisa, 14, left Kiev with her mother; her grandmother later joined them in Frankfurt. Lisa wishes to remain in Germany long-term. She believes that by the time the war is over, her home country will be completely destroyed.
from the series I Called Home
2023

Words and Images by Tanya Sharapova

Interview by AnnaRose Goldwitz

What made you pursue photography?

At first, it was a wish to stop or remember the moment. Later, photography became a tool that gave me the opportunity to travel, observe, and tell stories. In the beginning, I wasn’t confident enough to become a photographer, even though I was photographing all the time for myself. I first started working as a picture editor at Condé Nast, but at some point, I realised that I could create images just as well as the photographers I was hiring. So I quit the editorial job and became a freelance travel photographer for magazines. Over time, I shifted from travel photography to documentary work.

How did you develop this series?

When the Russian full-scale invasion in Ukraine started, for the first two days, I was just shocked, reading news non-stop and seeing a huge catastrophe approaching. On the third day, I went to volunteer for Ukrainian refugees arriving in Berlin. We were collecting donations from Berliners and distributing them to Ukrainians arriving in Berlin and also sending some initial supplies to Ukraine. I worked there for some time, speaking a lot with Ukrainian people coming to Germany and passing through Berlin or planning to stay there. I wanted to tell their stories, so I went to a refugee camp run by the Red Cross in Frankfurt an der Oder, a city on the banks of the Oder River in eastern Germany, that was the first point of entry for many Ukrainians who fled westward through Poland.

What challenges came up during this project?

Building trust and making contact – the fact that I’m Russian didn’t help at all. Plus, it wasn’t allowed to photograph inside the camp. Luckily, I met a group of teenagers on the camp's outskirts, and that’s how the story started. They were curious about my life in Germany; I was curious about theirs. The most difficult part was hearing their stories about the war in Ukraine, which had become a new normal for the kids.

What was your favorite thing about making this series?

Spending a lot of time with the kids — sometimes it felt like I was a teenager myself. Also, it was incredibly touching to observe these young people experiencing love, flirting, and making life choices. We’re still friends with one of them, Timofey, - he comes to every one of my exhibition openings in Berlin, and I’m always curious to hear how his life is going.

Do you prefer black and white or color photography?

Mostly, I shoot in color, but for my current project in Moldova, I’ve started experimenting with black and white. I’m curious to see where it will take me.

Describe your creative process in one word?

Exploration.

Can you walk me through your creative process from concept to final image?

Before going to a location, I usually have a general plan and some ideas about the images I want to make — but it rarely turns out to be exactly what I imagined. The plan is always a starting point, and then the story takes its own direction. I collaborate a lot with the people I photograph, giving my protagonists a creative say.

What inspires you to pursue image-making?

My interest in the region and in how people live there. The first goal is always to explore, understand, and then tell a story about what I’ve seen.

Do you have any post-processing or editing techniques that you prefer?

For scanning film, I use a Hasselblad scanner; for editing, I use Adobe products. As for image selection, I always prefer to wait a bit after the shoot is finished, to calm the emotions and choose the right images with a clear mind.

Is there a selection of your work that you are most proud of?

For the I Called Home project, I really like the group photo from a teenager’s birthday celebration. It captures youth, joy, and fun so well - despite the dramatic events happening in their lives.

Was there one particular photographer and/or teacher who inspired you to pursue photography?

I think it was Mark Power. I attended his workshop at Void and realised how much I still had to explore in photography. At that time, I was doing travel photography professionally, shooting for Russian editions of National Geographic and Condé Nast Traveler. But that workshop completely changed my perspective. Shortly after, I began my 3 1/2 years of study at Ostkreuz Photo School in Berlin, graduating from Irina Ruppert’s class.

What do you enjoy most about being a photographer?

Having a reason to travel to new places and observe how people live there. Always trying new things, meeting new people, and seeing where the story takes me, how it transforms from my initial vision.

What was the last book you read or film you saw that inspired you?

The last book that left a strong impression on me was The Wall by Austrian writer Marlen Haushofer. As for movies, I recently watched a TV series called Adolescence, and I really liked it.

What is the best exhibition/museum you have visited recently and liked?

Rineke Dijkstra’s latest show in Berlin, Still — Moving Portraits 1992–2024, at Berlinische Galerie.

What advice would you give to people just starting out in photography?

Never be afraid to try something new, experiment, and go outside to speak with people. The first step is always the hardest.

If you could teach a one-hour class on anything, what would it be?

I think it would be on how to meet protagonists and create intimate portraits. It's important to understand the people you photograph and make your intentions clear - so they can trust you and act naturally. Meeting and photographing strangers isn't as complicated as it might seem at first.

What is your favorite thing (podcast, album, audiobook...etc.) to listen to?

I rarely listen to anything — my maximum is NTS Radio, which I really enjoy since I don’t have to choose the music. For working or walking, I prefer silence so I can focus better. But I really enjoy concerts and DJ sets — my friends usually pick them, and I just join in. I also have one huge playlist of liked songs that I usually listen to when I’m on the way - on a train or bus.

How do you take your coffee?

I don’t drink coffee - mostly tea. Herbal or green tea is my usual choice.