Mountains and stars

Yevgeny, how did the photo come into your life?

 

I started taking pictures in a smooth way. I can’t remember when I started shooting, maybe 3 years ago. It all started with astro observations. I wanted to capture what not many people saw with their own eyes. Photography is family, my father was fond of it. Therefore, lenses, film I have known since childhood.

 

 

 

 

 

Family passion is great, has it turned into a major profession?

 

No, photography is not my profession. This is a hobby for me, without which it was difficult. By profession I am a sales manager of optical devices (telescopes, binoculars). In addition to nature and landscapes, I do astrophotography. When I was a kid, I had binoculars. I was probably looking at the moon at the time.

 

 

 

 

Is your lens primarily about nature?

 

Not just nature, sometimes people. The difference is that when you shoot a landscape, you rest, and when people work. Working with people teaches you a lot, for example, you need to shoot so that the client is satisfied. No other way. In your head, you constantly scroll through what shots should turn out, what moments should necessarily be in the lens.

 

 

 

 

 

From your pictures you can see that the Urals is one of the main sources of inspiration for you.

 

First of all, I must say that each region and region is beautiful in its own way. I was lucky to be born in the Urals. There is just an incredible number of beautiful places: from the polar Urals to Bashkiria. But most of the locals do not know the Urals.

 

 

 

 

In the comments under the photo is not a rare question: “Where is it shot, what place?” If we talk about the whole of Russia, there are many places for inspiration in our vast country. Take one trip to the Main Ural Range. I can't put it into words! Just imagine: snow-white snow, trees-sculptures and untouched nature.

 

 

 

 

Are there places you want to go back to again and again?

 

A lot of places, where he pulls time after time, away from the metropolis. The city and the bustle greatly affect human health. Unity with nature, one night in a tent by the river will replace your psychologist.

 

 

 

 

Back to the photo. What's the "perfect shot" for you?

 

Photography now and 30 years ago are completely different things! This is primarily felt by the older generation. Now on each gadget you can take pictures, no films and negatives. The Internet is filled with photos for every taste and viewer.

 

But for me, the perfect shot should be shot correctly technically, and of course compositionally. Such pictures subconsciously like a person. There has to be a story. Do not forget about the corresponding post processing.

 

 

 

 

 

How do you choose a place and company to shoot?

 

We choose the location depending on the time of year. In autumn in some places, in winter in others. Of course, it all depends on the weather conditions. For shooting landscapes, it is preferable to ride not a crowd of photographers, 1-3 people is the optimal number. The point is to take at least one decent shot you need to feel it. Enjoy the moment, and then start shooting without any haste. Therefore, a large company can harm this delicate process.

 

 

 

 

 

Share the secret, tell an interesting story from the shooting.

 

One funny story happened in the fall of 2018. We were going to the ridge "Urenga" in the Chelyabinsk region. This time we decided to stay overnight on the mountain. The autumn forest is especially beautiful in its multicolored appearance, so there was no doubt - we will bring good shots. But as soon as we climbed the mountain, we noticed a large cloud moving rapidly in our direction. There was a strong wind, happy that we managed to set up camp. As a result, after a little rain there was a thick fog. We sat in tents all night and couldn’t see anything. Despite the fog, the dream was repulsed by the strong wind, as well as the thought that we are in one of the most densely populated places with bears. For our patience and effort in the morning, the weather allowed us to take pictures. In the luggage remained not only pictures, but also emotions.

 

 

 

 

 

Technology, as a loyal friend, fails?

 

Whoa, whoa, whoa! But the technique is very happy, never failed. With one camera, we passed the Altai rivers, the heat on Baikal, and frosts in the Northern Urals.

 

 

 

 

They say that often behind the scenes lies hard work.

 

Not all the shots were given to me by the click of a button on the camera. If we talk about astrophotography, then nightscapes need their own approach. To work out one picture you need to build a composition, and you do not really see anything. Instead of one frame you have to do more than a dozen, and it sometimes takes more than 15 minutes. And all this so that the frame turned out not just technically, but artistically correct.

 

 

 

On the Main Ural Range, when shooting the hut, we had to sit in snowdrifts almost to the waist for more than 15 minutes in a still state. One man hurled the stove to get as many sparks as possible. The shot was spectacular.

 

 

Yevgeny, how are things with plans for the future?

 

I really want to visit the polar Urals, see the mountains “Manaraga” and “Narodnaya”. Virgin nature untouched by man, mountain turquoise lakes. About your next plans? Shoot, shoot, shoot.

 

 

 

 

And of course, good advice from a good person.

 

Living without any passion is difficult. Work, home, work, home. Communication with like-minded people, new acquaintances, this is very motivating and uplifting. Look for your hobby and sooner or later you will find something that will make you happy.

 

Photo from the personal archive of Evgeny Kudymov

Interview prepared by Anna Belushina