Back to school with Northern California fashion photographer, Olga Lavrukhina

Photo by: Olga Lavrukhina

 If you’re wondering where the next great fashion photographers are coming from, you can get a good idea just by looking into the many different trade schools that offer specialized curriculums that provide aspiring artists an outlet to pursue a degree in the visual arts. While there may be a big difference between art and vocational schools compared to major universities, one thing is certain. Art schools are pumping out just as much quality talent as major universities.

This week we meet someone who is a perfect example of the immense talent art schools, such as the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, are producing. Olga Lavrukhina came to the United Sates from St. Petersburg, Russia, three years ago in search of education and a dream to express herself creatively.

While Olga developed her artistic background in St. Petersburg, it is San Francisco where she is positioning herself, with the help of the Academy of Art University, to become the next big name in fashion photography. She ultimately hopes to be able to travel internationally on assignment. Her images today are trendy and eye-catching, and tomorrow they should continue to get better.

I was able to catch up with Olga during the week to participate in the following Q&A. I have also included some additional information about Olga below the questions and answers that follow.

Be sure to check out the slide show at the end of this article to see some of Olga's beautiful fashion photos.  He Q&A follows:

So you are currently attending the Academy of Art University for your Master of Fine Arts in Photography. Where else have you previously studied?
Yes, for the past year and half I have been attending the Academy of Art in SF. I obtained my first MFA degree, diploma of Education, in Biology and Ecology from Pedagogical University in St. Petersburg, Russia.

How far along are you in your studies at the Academy, and how has the experience been so far?
Right now I’m at midpoint preparation. I plan to present my Theses project in the summer. So far I’m very happy with my studies at the Academy of Art. I started very slow, and just took one class. I never thought I would go as far I am going right now.

I have many opportunities, and access to a variety of equipment. Cameras and lenses, studios and networking among stylists, other photographers and designers, it is become very addicting! I can say now it has been an amazing experience. But this success is also attributed to the fact that I cannot sit still. I do not wait for opportunity, I reach for the ones I want. For example, I was able to attend the New York Mercedes Benz Fashion Week last September, by using an Academy pass. Tt was just one show, but I was able to see it; that trip was definitely worthwhile.

Why did you choose fashion photography as a creative outlet for yourself?
It happened naturally. I looked inside myself as it was at a time when I was not happy with my life. It took me a year to make the first step by coming to San Francisco. Without thinking too much, everything else came together very smoothly, and now I have my dream business and fantastic opportunities ahead of me. It just felt so natural, I cannot really say why I chose fashion photography. Nobody ever suggested it to me, I guess I just refused to listen to those people who told me it is hard, competitive, and that you can’t make it because of money and other things. I closed my mind and opened my heart. So easy!

I have, however, experienced my own creative ruts. From my child hood, I spent hours with little pieces of fabrics and magazines. I remember as a little girl, the things you wanted most relied on knowing someone at a factory who could put fabrics and materials together. I thought I might become a designer. Today my feelings have dramatically changed from back then.

Where do you see yourself five years after you get your Masters?
I see myself traveling internationally for photography work, being published in magazines, shooting for high fashion designers, fashion advertising, successful businesses. I see myself shooting for Absolute Vodka or the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. As a part of fairy tale journey, I see shooting more upscale weddings in Napa or New York, and exotic destinations as Fiji, and the Dominican Republic.

How does AAU teach you fundamentals that encourage personal style?
The Academy of Art really supports personal style of the students, even in the real world it might not fit perfectly -- that right away. With the right critics and personal direction, the Academy always support my visual expression, and I believe it gives me strength to do what I want to do and follow my inner dreams. But even I feel like I know what my style is, I have to learn more toward unmistakable perfection of the technical aspects of photo work. This will give polish and definition to my own personal style.
Describe ideal settings for a fashion shoot (provide location/studio details, equipment info).

It is hard to say if one way or another is ideal. It all depends on what type of fashion, lifestyle or mix of the two. If it can be done with only one reflector or 4 complicated light setups will determine if it will be ideal to fit the concept. It also depends if it is an outdoor location with natural light. It’s alwys good to have a Plan B for back up lighting. Ideally you would also have a very good professional model with an easy going attitude, and the right team of professionals in-front of me.

What makes a good fashion image?
Outstanding team work, absolute trust in a photographer’s vision, and lots and lots of preparation. Non-stop work before the actual day of the shoot will make final results successful. The right model, talented designers, the flawless skills of makeup and hair stylists, and positive attitudes from all involved will contribute to the success of an image.

Technical aspects are very important. I really look forward to learn more of that from other photographers, from my experience, books, school, and from work.
Last but not least, the spiritual aspect. I rely mostly on my inner conversations with light. It is my best friend. Light is energy, so I try to focus my spiritual energy into the natural energy of light, so magic can happen. I have to talk with light, It is a very quiet and special conversation. I do not have normal words to describe it. But I know it is works, and I have to have it for all my shoots.

Who are your favorite photographers?
I find inspiration from Mertz and Marcus photography, Nick D` Emillo, and Bruno Dayan. They all inspire me to think big, to reach unmistakable perfection in my work.

How would you describe the fashion scene in Russia compared to the United States?
Since I started as a fashion photographer here in the United States, I can only compare from that side only. In Russia I would only be overlooked in the fashion industry, but here in America, I am able to merge, get closer, and somehow be part of it. Even if it is a tiny part right now. So it is easier for me to develop my professional qualities here, and then be ready to rock over in Russia at some point. It is very interesting, that I know more about what is going on in fashion here in United States than in Russia. But I do still feel I have a European touch to my photography.

If you could photograph any celebrity in any setting of your choice, who, and where, would it be?
I would photograph the famous top model Natalia Vodianova. I would photograph her somewhere in Paris, in a small hotel window with view to the old city, very editorial, dramatic with wind in the hair and mystery mood. Also, another idea, also for her, would be in Venice. It would be a romantic setup, in a gondola, in a Venetian Lagoon somewhere. I would try to provoke a running from a secret lover-feel to the shoot.

Some interesting facts about Olga Lavrukhina:
Olga enjoys belly dancing and salsa dancing.
She has become a vegetarian since arriving to San Francisco.
She claims to have one weakness.  Chocolate!  But it has to be all natural and organic only.  She has even designed a label for a brand she hopes to produce someday.
Olga also has  special fondness for black cats.