Ana Tabakova's Fresh Take On Beauty
Initially published via PHMAGG. October 2020.
7 minutes read
We sat down with Ana Tabakova to discuss her photographic journey, inspirations, and creative process.
Journey of Reinvention
Boston
After completing her undergraduate studies at Chelyabinsk State University, Anna Tabakova moved from the continental climate of the Ural Mountains to the United States. The transition proved challenging, yet she embraced the change wholeheartedly, discovering a new creative path and building lasting friendships along the way.
“I did photography here and there for a couple of years before I found my authentic voice and decided to fully commit to it about two years ago.”
Anna received her first camera at eighteen. That same year, she discovered her father’s old film camera in storage — an experience that taught her the importance of light, composition, and the necessity of reacting instinctively behind the lens.
“In photography, each moment passes so quickly that you must anticipate everything before it happens.”
After relocating to the United States, she began working on model tests and fashion shoots in New York City, a practice she continues today in the Boston area. Still, she admits that fashion photography alone never fully resonated with her. The lack of creative control often diminished her enthusiasm, though the experience proved invaluable. It sharpened her understanding of lighting, post-production, and the distinctive visual language her clients now seek.
That journey ultimately led her toward what truly excites her: art direction.
Before discovering her niche, Anna considered giving up photography altogether. Looking back, she encourages others to continue searching for the work that genuinely moves them.
“Sometimes it is hard to believe it will happen, but eventually that moment comes when you realize: this is something I truly love.”
Today, beauty, commercial fashion, and product photography form the core of her practice, alongside occasional commercial lifestyle projects.
Finding Her Voice
Like the talented Ismael Yunta, Anna is self-taught.“
It is both a blessing and a curse,” she says. “Learning at your own pace can be exciting, but you sometimes miss a more comprehensive educational experience. I firmly believe the best way to learn photography is to assist first. You gain a solid grasp of the technical aspects of photography while also learning networking and marketing.”
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Learn moreWhen asked whether she prefers the studio or the outdoors, her answer is immediate.
“I am 100% a studio enthusiast. It is my safe space. I love one-light setups, but I will never miss a cloudy-day shoot outdoors. I am not a fan of sunny days, though, like many photographers, I enjoy golden-hour shots.”
Finding her niche made Anna want to remain close to the visual language she had discovered.
“There are still so many things I have not tried in photography, and many dream clients I would like to work with. Still, I expect my images to evolve and transform as I grow. If you look at my portfolio from three years ago, it is very different from the work I do now, so I intend to let my life and career evolve naturally. I am interested in art direction and may explore it more in the coming years.”
How would she describe her style?
“I always aim for beautiful light, rich color, healthy skin glow, and emotional presence from the model. That makes my style distinctive and allows it to move naturally across beauty, lifestyle, and product photography.”
Timeline
• 2013 Anna moves to the USA
• 2015 Anna starts to explore photography
• 2018 Anna picks up photography professionally
Defining Her Path
Freelance photography brings its own rhythm: one week may hold three projects, while the next two may pass without a booking. For Anna, that uncertainty is part of the life she chose.
“You can never rely on a stable paycheck. The whole industry has changed since Covid-19, and creatives have had to adjust quickly, finding fresh ways to deliver their services and support their clients. It can get rough. Sometimes you are on your own, doing everything from shooting and retouching to bookkeeping and marketing."
“As an in-house photographer, I cannot be as flexible as I would like or do as many test shoots. I also have a four-year-old son who needs attention and lots of love, so life keeps me busy. But if you choose professional photography as your work, your life will never be dull — and that is worth exploring.”
Her advice to emerging photographers is direct:
“Shoot as much as possible until your style becomes consistent. Your portfolio needs to show what you can do for your clients. Marketing matters; talent alone is not enough today. Be ready to feel upset and fall apart, and always remember that it happens to professionals just as much as to beginners. It is simply a different scale of drama.”
Anna recently moved into a larger space where she can produce photography remotely. When she works with models, she keeps the team small and intentional.
“Whenever I hit a wall creatively, I take a step back and avoid rushed decisions. I like planning my shoots thoroughly and having other team members support me. Observing other photographers’ work also helps me get back into the mode.”
Tapping Into A Creative Mind
Ismael Yunta describes himself as restless. His enduring search for new horizons reveals one aspect of his character, but it hardly tells the whole story.
ReadMastering Her Ways
Working with people can be one of photography’s quiet challenges. In a recent MasterClass interview, Annie Leibovitz said she does not believe it is the photographer’s job to put the subject at ease. It may not be required, but if it were, Anna would certainly master it.
“I find it quite easy to work with new people, and I enjoy helping them feel comfortable. Establishing trust on set is vital for the general mood of a shoot. I am proud of being able to read people’s personalities with high accuracy, and I quickly understand what might help them relax.
“I find it quite easy to work with new people, and I enjoy helping them feel comfortable. Establishing trust on set is vital for the general mood of a shoot. I am proud of being able to read people’s personalities with high accuracy, and I quickly understand what might help them relax. A little music, conversation while makeup is being done, sharing personal stories, and showing genuine interest are all keys to building trust and a connection, even if only for a few hours on set.”
When she is not working or running after her four-year-old, Anna turns to quieter rituals.
“I am a huge movie buff and still rent DVDs. I also enjoy reading detective stories and mysteries in Russian, going for long walks, thrift shopping, and caring for my houseplants. I love making lists for the day and writing down my short- and long-term goals. It is a strange form of therapy for me.”
Asked about other passions beyond work, family, and the everyday buzz, she answers with humor:
“Honestly, I think my only other interest is a full night’s sleep.”
Looking at her portfolio and the amount of work she has created in just the past two years, this comes as no surprise.
Anna's inspiration
Tory Rust
Kat Borchart
Anais&Dax
Joshua Pestka
Sam Robinson
Local:
Leonard Greco
Joe St. Pierre
Karin Dailey
Russians photographers:
Anisia Kuzmina
Irina Vorotyntseva
Dmitry Maximov