In intimate conversation with: Anastasiia Lisitsyna

(Q) Your photographs often evoke a sense of intimacy, as if the viewer has stumbled upon a private moment. How do you create such a genuine connection with your models to capture these intimate scenes?

(A) I love it when the model and I achieve a natural and relaxed state during a shoot. It usually works best when we all try to keep it easy and comfortable, avoid overthinking, experiment, and give space for “life” to happen. I cherish the process of co-creation with models. When I guide the posing, I always suggest the model adapt it to their own plasticity to feel more comfortable. One of my favorite moments in the entire shooting process is when we catch that flow with the model, start to understand each other almost without words, and experiment more boldly.

(Q) Film photography plays a significant role in your portfolio. Can you share with us what draws you to film as a medium, and how does it contribute to the unique feel of your images?

(A) I really love the feeling and special attitude that film brings to the photography process. The fact that you don’t see the result while shooting creates a sense of anticipation and a surprise effect. Additionally, having a limited number of frames makes you more conscious while shooting. I also love the fragility of film—so many processes influence the result, especially with non-automatic cameras, which makes the images even more special to me.

I’m so glad I had the chance to experience all the manual processes with film—from shooting with totally manual cameras to processing, scanning, and analog printing in the darkroom myself. Now, even though it’s possible to almost imitate film colors and grain with iPhone apps, I value the true analog processes even more.

(Q) Every artist has a starting point. Could you tell us about your journey into photography? What initially inspired you, and how has your style evolved over time?

(A) I was born in a small provincial town in Russia and developed an interest in photography quite early—at the age of 13. I took my parents’ small camera and started to capture everything around me: my room, my friends, and my way home after school. Very soon, portrait photography became my favorite focus. I spent all my free time photographing my friends and exploring color and editing. At that moment, I wasn’t planning anything serious, but I still value that period of pure interest and experimentation.

After school, I studied photography direction at St. Petersburg University of Cinema. This experience influenced me both positively and negatively; the program had many irrelevant strict approaches, but it also provided a vast field for research and inspiration in different periods of cinema, which continues to have a great impact on me.

I believe my style and approach to photography have been shaped by many things: places, life events, and the people I’ve met. It’s important for me to remain flexible, to feel and absorb openly, and to be ready to change.

(Q) Inspiration can come from various sources. What has been inspiring you lately, and how do you incorporate those inspirations into your creative process?

(A) To be honest, the last two years have been so intense, filled with decisions, events, and travels, that I now find most of my strength and inspiration from the days I spend slowly and simply. It can be as easy as home routines like cooking or having long, thoughtful conversations with my husband Nikita or my friends. I’m kind of glad that the period when I used to shoot every day has passed. I think it gives me more space to reflect on my approach to photography, figuring out what I want to keep and what I want to change. I feel like I’m in a very fluid, non-static state in photography right now, and I’m very interested in seeing where this will take me.

(Q) Lastly, what are your top three favourite beauty essentials?

(A) Now that I have to travel a lot for work, I notice how little things—like a tiny bottle of my favorite scented oil or even my favorite toothpaste—bring me a sense of familiarity and a cozy space away from home. One of my favorite products is the Aroma Oil Blend 02 from RYOKO Senses Salon in Berlin. I use several drops and apply it to my wrists and temples; the aroma always calms me down. I’m also a fan of Bruxa Body Oil of Winter, which I keep on my bedside table. I love the delicate rose scent—so simply natural with a nice hydrating effect. I like using it after a shower on slightly wet skin.

Another favorite is Thai Herbal Green Balm. The best ritual after a long shooting day is to mix a small amount of balm with cream or oil and apply it to your feet, massaging a little. These small rituals help create a sense of home and comfort, no matter where I am.