Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Ivanov.
Hi Elisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started taking photos when I was 13 years old. I was gifted my first camera by my parents and it was a basic point & shoot Canon Power shot SX520 I brought it everywhere with me. I mostly took pictures of the flora and fauna around me and then about a year later I would take portraits of my friends in my backyard. My best friend and I would go out and have photoshoots almost every time we saw each other in high school. We took pictures anywhere we could find. In parks, on the school bleachers, on parking garages, and on brick walls.
My junior year of high school came around and a lot of changes happened to me during that time. I fell out of touch with my creative side and put down my camera for about 3 years. Then one day in August 2021, I had a sort of epiphany. I wanted to be creative again and remembered that a friend from high school is the founder and editor-in-chief of an independent publication called Backward Noise. I reached out to her through Instagram DMs and asked if she was looking for photographers. She responded and said she would love to have me on the team and from there, my photography blossomed.
Being able to work with Backward Noise has been such a blessing for me. It has allowed me to find my creative outlet again and really enjoy what I do. I’ve been able to shoot concerts that I never thought I would’ve been able to do. As someone who really enjoys music and going to concerts for fun, this really allowed me to see music in a different light. I’ve been able to pick up Photoshop, Lightroom, and a camera again because of this publication so thank you, Jade, and thank you Backward Noise for creating an awesome community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wish I could say it was a smooth road but, the trials and tribulations of life have gotten in my way previously when it came to photography. I would definitely say that self-doubt was a serious struggle of mine when it came to my art. I really felt like I was not good enough at what I was doing and would compare my likes or followers on Instagram. I would compare my art to others and I began to see my mutuals as competitors instead of partners.
Over time, however, I began to really understand how art is subjective. I know we’ve all heard this before however, it’s really hard to grasp that concept as an artist. Everything falls into place eventually and I learned to trust the process instead of getting anxious over things I cannot control.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer and I specialize in portrait and concert photography. I am most proud of being able to work for Backward Noise
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory was going camping with my dad and friends every couple of months for 4 or 5 years.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @photosbymona
- Twitter: @backwardnoise
Image Credits
Elisa Ivanov
