Photographer Elmira, @elmirkami
I CAN TELL YOUR LIFE STORIES THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY
Buenos Aires, Argentina
¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?
My name is Elmira. I am a political refugee from Russia. Decolonial activist. But during the shoot, I am just an outside observer.
How do you get to know someone these days? More often than not, it happens through social media. But when I was little, it was done through online diaries. Imagine that you are now exploring just such a diary, but dedicated to my photography.
What do I photograph?
It’s all about the life. I like to speak through photography. Capturing scenes in the ordinary. Looking for what might make one think. What did the author want to say? What connects these five shots? You can come to me for stories. Reportages hold a special place in my heart. One way or another, everything comes down to this genre through the lens of my understanding. The result of such shoots is often described as: lively, genuine, candid shots.
Freddy & Roman
My first wedding shoot in Buenos Aires, with main characters from Peru.
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Date
A romantic story celebrating the 12th wedding anniversary.
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“Fairy” by Anna Melikyan
The screening of the fantasy drama “FAIRY” at casalisto with the lead actress, Ekaterina Ageeva.
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What is the cost of a photoshoot?
It depends on the format of our collaboration; reportage shoots start at $50, other types of shoots start at $100. For more details, see the pricing section.
When will you get the photos?
Already on the day of the shoot, once I get home, I upload a preview of the photo story. I transfer all the files to my PC, select a few shots that catch my eye, and do a test edit. The colors are experimental, some shots are in black and white, and the final result will be slightly different. The final photos are usually delivered within two weeks, except for reportage shoots. For more details, see the pricing and conditions section.
Do I edit the photos?
Sure, I don’t like raw shots. How does the editing process work? First, I transfer all the photos to my PC, then upload them to Lightroom Classic. The shoot rests for a couple of days, waiting its turn. Then I go through the selection process, eliminating those with bad lighting, awkward poses, and boring or silly scenes (interestingly, each time, there are more good shots and fewer rejects). The next day, I review the photos again and remove duplicates. I spent two days selecting the color (each of my shoots has its unique color scheme). Once all the photos are colored, I adjust the entire series to a unified color with some allowances—after all, it looks strange when one photo is cool-toned and another is warm, one bright and light, and another dull and dark. My final pass involves minor retouching (removing pimples or redness, cleaning up the space around the subject), and I use a brush to correct light and other imperfections. So, I have plenty to do at this stage. I’m a fierce perfectionist. For more details, see the pricing and conditions section.
Do I provide the original files?
Back in mid-2023, I was against this idea, but now… why not? For some people, it’s really important to have the ability to choose the color themselves, in addition to my vision. Some don’t want to bother with this at all, as they trust me completely. You can request the original photos from me within two days after I deliver the final work. For more details, see the pricing and conditions section.
How long does the photoshoot last?
I don’t impose strict time limits, except for reportage and wedding shoots. A photo story with me lasts from 1.5 to 3 hours. We have many conversations with my heroes, take breaks, change locations, and often enjoy tea or coffee. For more details, see the pricing and conditions section.
In which currency should you pay?
Prices in the pricing and conditions section are listed in dollars. Payment can also be made in the equivalent amount in pesos at the blue rate on the day of the shoot or in cryptocurrency—accounting for the transfer fee plus an additional 2 USDT.