From Phone Snapshots to Artful Narratives | A Talk with Svetlana Fadeeva

Hey, I'm Svetlana Fadeeva. I've been interested in photography for the past few years. I've always been drawn to architecture — its shapes and geometry. Earlier, I just took photos with my phone, but over time, I wanted to develop my skills and started doing it more consciously.

I am a self-taught photographer, developing my skills and style through experience and practice.

My first shots were taken at the Milan Design Week, and later they were featured in an online article about design.

Leica Q3.

In photography, I’m driven not only by professional growth but also by the constant search for new forms of self-expression. It’s my passion that inspires me with every new shot. I want my work to be not only technically perfect but also to evoke strong emotions in viewers, creating unique and profound visual stories.

The most touching compliments came from my family and friends. Their support and sincere belief in me were a true source of inspiration. These words not only gave me confidence but also made me believe that my work could have meaning. When you have people around you who believe in your abilities, it gives you invaluable motivation to keep moving forward.

My unique approach to storytelling in photography is inspired by the world around me, particularly the architecture that surrounds us. It’s not just about capturing a moment, but about evoking an atmosphere and crafting a visual narrative with every shot. I am drawn to the subtle, often overlooked details and textures, seeking to present familiar elements from a fresh, unique perspective.

For me, this award is recognition of my efforts and creativity. To receive such an honor means that my work has been appreciated at a high level, and this inspires me to keep evolving. This award not only highlights the significance of what I do, but also motivates me to reach new heights in photography.

My work, titled Desert Crystal, was taken on the grounds of the Qatar National Museum. The building, designed by Jean Nouvel, resembles a giant sand rose. Its layered forms and flowing lines have always fascinated me. I chose this project for the competition because its visual complexity and the harmony of light and form perfectly reflect my perception of architecture as an art that combines structure and aesthetics on a deep level.

Winning the award has opened new horizons for me and given me the opportunity to be recognized in a broader professional circle. This recognition has significantly boosted my confidence and inspired me to continue developing. I feel that the award has become not only a validation of my efforts but also a strong motivation to keep experimenting and seeking new creative approaches.

Ezra Stoller.

The best advice I received was the support of my family. Their belief in me always gave me the confidence and strength to keep moving forward.

My advice is not to be afraid to experiment and find your own style. It’s important not only to master technical skills but also to learn to see the world in your own way. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes — they help you grow. It's also essential to never stop learning, to constantly develop, and to find inspiration in the world around you.

The key to success is a passion for what you do and the willingness to keep learning. Success doesn’t come overnight, but if you are dedicated to your craft, unafraid to take risks, and never stop improving, the results will come. My parting words of wisdom: never give up and don’t be afraid to follow your path, even when it seems challenging.

I try to remain curious and not shut myself off from new ideas. It’s important for me to constantly explore, try new things, and not be afraid to step outside of my comfort zone.

I would like to thank everyone who supports me on this journey. I hope that my work will be an inspiration to others.