Nick Bondarev has a true talent to inspire people through his images and words. He shows the beauty of our World, the power of Nature, the soul of People. Nick has been doing photography for the last 9 years, and he is also creating amazing videos. His life is filled with adventures, and we are so excited that Nick gave us an interview where he shared his experience, thoughts and emotions.
Check more of Nick' work on his site built with Onyx.
1. You’ve been doing photography for 9 years. It’s a very long journey. Tell us about that moment when you decided to become a photographer.
I've always had another vision of the world, actually I've been living in my own world, and photography was just the best way to show my vision.
2. What did you do for the first two - three years of your photography? What did you shoot and what emotions you felt at each shooting? Did you have challenging moments, feelings of doubt whether this is your way or not?
Of course, it’s a hard way, especially if you’re doing it in Russia. Nobody appreciates art there, nobody’s gonna pay for it. First few years I've been working as a portrait, wedding and reportage photographer. Also, I did many other things, because photography was not enough to make money in my place (Siberia). It was such a hard way, but it gave me understanding that I can do everything, if I really want it.
3. Russia and photography. What genre of photography is popular now in Russia and how’s the competition? What are the main differences between photographers? How easy or difficult is it for new photographers to access the market and find their type of client? And what kind of images Russian audience wants and values now?
I think mostly people are doing wedding photography, cause it's the easiest way to make money. The competition is really strong but it's a huge market anyway. As I know, prices in Moscow are around 1500 - 2000$ for a full day shooting for the best photographers, who are usually working with film cameras. Moscow has a completely different market, whereas in other cities it would be 800 - 1000$ for a full day for best photographers. But usually people are working for around 500 - 700$ for a 12 hours wedding day.
4. You travel a lot and organize trips for others. The list of countries which you visited is breathtaking (equally as are your photos from these countries). Do you remember your first trip? Why did you decide to go beyond the borders of big Russia? And is there a particular reason why you chose countries as Iceland, Mongolia, Alaska, Greenland?
I was born in Uzbekistan, and moved to cold Siberia when I was 7 years old. It wasn't my choice and I decided to leave Russia when I can do it. I did my first journey when I was 19 - I went to South East Asia for 7 months (Indonesia, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, China). My first journey with clients was 2 years ago in Iceland. I'm in love with Scandinavia and northern regions, nature, people and their interaction. I love wild things, real people, culture and ethnics. My goal is to find new challenges and new experiences. Meet new people, who have the same lifestyle and vision as I have.
5. You have a special relationship with nature, animals, as well as speed and motorcycles. Tell us about it.
I love nature. I like to be offline and just enjoy and explore wild things, felling myself a part of the nature. It's something about a deeper experience, way older than we are.
Motorcycles and cars have always been my favorite toys. Just a small thing with wheels can take you wherever you want. I have many plans with cars and bikes. Soon I will go trough part of Russia and all Europe with my 85 Toyota Land Cruiser fj 60.
6. When traveling, besides your passport and camera, you always have your notebook with you. What is in it? Can you show us some snippets with your notes? :)
:) Russian is going to be unrecognisable for most of readers. There are usually some notes about my changes, my mood, text for my book, quotes from books I'm reading and some business plans.
7. Your book “Northern Winds”, which you’ve worked on for the last couple of years, will be published soon. Tell us about it, what’s the goal of the book and how do you believe it will affect your readers? (P.S. we also want a copy !!!)
This is a book about northern countries, people and their interaction. My goal: collecting my stories and photos in a one place and sharing them with people that have the same interests as me. Here is more - https://www.nickbondarev.com/stories/2017/6/5/the-book
8. Which step or decision, do you believe, changed your life radically?
Of course to be a photographer. I made a step away from the reality of my region, away from the people around me, I made the biggest step on the way to myself.
9. Share your playlist, what you listen when you go on a trip. (5-6 favorite songs)
Oh ... its always different. For example in Mongolia I've listened to local music, to be deeper in the atmosphere. But mostly folk and rock, The Lumineers, Gregory Alan Isakov, Iron and Wine, Moby, Radical face, Linkin Park and many many others. Music has always been a big part of me.
10. We think that you must have seen these movies: “Into the Wild”, “Wild”, “Tracks”. Did you plan to do your own long trip alone for a couple of months?
Not really, I did a couple of weeks in Alaska and a few journeys in Asia. But I love to be alone from time to time, its a great opportunity to focus on my thoughts and feelings.
11. You have your vision of photography, your own unique style. This doesn’t come immediately, and many photographers fail to achieve this. What advice can you give to those who are just entering the photography world? What do you advise to your students?
Surround yourself with the right books, things and people. The world around you - it’s you. Your reality forms your vision. Our taste is a clear system of aesthetic landmarks and our task is to select them correctly and remove all the unnecessary ones.
12. If you caught a goldfish and it would realize 1 of your cherished wishes, what would it be?
Time machine! I want to go to the beginning of the 19th and 18th century! To explore the world without internet, real style and feelings. This is my magical wish, other things like money, love, happiness - I can probably manage somehow by myself :)
