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6 QUESTIONS WITH SEMYON PLENKOV

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The City Never Sleeps: Semyon Plenkov on the pulse of nightlife, AI, and the future of fashion.

 

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1.The City Never Sleeps: Your nightlife photography often captures the city's vibrant party scenes. What's your favorite spot to capture the city's nocturnal energy, and how do you approach lighting in these environments?

Yes, indeed, party photography has really captured my interest lately. I love going out, I enjoy the atmosphere, and I can really feel the vibe. Sometimes, I think my photo reports turn out more fun than the party itself. As for the technical side of shooting, I don't worry too much about it; I always shoot with direct flash, mostly in automatic mode. I'm more focused on the content of the shot and capturing the right moment, rather than on the technical details.

2. As AI becomes more prevalent in the photography industry, how do you think it will impact the way we create and consume images? Do you see AI as a tool or a threat?

As a popular fashion photographer, I see AI as a powerful tool that opens up new creative possibilities, but also as a challenge for the industry. Artificial intelligence can greatly simplify many technical processes, such as retouching or adjusting lighting, allowing the photographer to focus more on ideas and concepts. This certainly pushes the boundaries of how we can create images.

However, on the other hand, AI can blur the line between art and algorithms. It's important not to lose the personal touch that has always been at the core of good photography. Despite all the advantages, photography remains an art form that depends on the human eye, emotions, and a unique approach to visual storytelling.

I would say that AI is more of a tool that we should use to elevate our craft to a new level, but it should not replace the creative process or devalue the importance of human involvement.

3. How do you think social media has influenced your work and the way we consume photography? Do you find yourself curating your online presence differently than your physical exhibitions?

Social media, especially Instagram, has become my main tool for sharing my work. Thanks to this platform, I've been able to grow most of my audience, who actively follow my creative journey. It has given me the ability to instantly share my photos with a wide audience, receive feedback, and engage with fans in real-time.

When it comes to curating my online presence, I try to be very thoughtful. On Instagram, it's not just about the quality of the photos, but also their sequence, theme, and overall mood—all of this creates a certain image. My account has become a sort of virtual gallery where each photo and post are part of a larger story.

Unfortunately, I can't compare this experience to physical exhibitions, as I haven't yet had the opportunity to participate in such events. However, I believe it's a completely different format requiring a unique approach to presenting work and interacting with an audience.

                                                                                                                                                       

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4. In your work, fashion is often used as a form of storytelling or performance. Can you talk about a particular project that exemplifies this approach, and what inspired you to take this direction?

Fashion has always been my passion, and I've been surrounded by it since childhood. One project that particularly reflects my approach to fashion as a form of storytelling is tied to my personal family history. I used to sew outfits with my grandmother, and I recently discovered that my great-grandmother was a well-known seamstress in her village despite having no formal education. I feel that the love for fashion and craftsmanship is practically woven into our family DNA.

Over time, I lost interest in sewing and sought another way to express my love for fashion. That's how I turned to fashion photography as a form of self-expression. In one of my recent projects, we recreated the 1980s, which happens to be one of my favorite eras. This project allowed me to express my love for fashion through visual storytelling and present it in a new light.

5. How do you think AI can be used to enhance or challenge our understanding of beauty and aesthetics? Do you see AI-generated images as a new form of artistic expression?

As a fashion photographer, I believe that AI can significantly expand our understanding of beauty and aesthetics. Artificial intelligence is capable of creating images that can be both innovative and surprising, opening new horizons for visual art. For example, AI can combine elements from different eras, styles, or cultures to create unique visuals that would have been difficult to achieve otherwise.

Moreover, AI allows for experimentation with an unlimited range of visual styles and techniques, which can lead to new trends and forms of artistic expression. It truly represents a new form of art that blends traditional notions of beauty with modern technology.

However, it's important to remember that AI is a tool, and the ultimate significance of an image depends on how it is used. The creative approach and human vision remain crucial elements that give art its depth and meaning. So, while AI represents a new form of artistic expression, its true value is revealed in the context of human creativity and artistry.

 

 

6. What's the most unforgettable moment you've experienced through your lens?

One of the most unforgettable moments I experienced through the lens was photographing Catherine Deneuve in Paris. It was such an unexpected opportunity that I didn't have time to adjust the camera settings; so the shot ended up being quite dark. Despite the technical shortcomings, the moment was iconic for me. I adore Catherine Deneuve, and this shot with extended exposure—while far from perfect—became something special for me. If you'd like, I can show it to you—haha!

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