Ira Chernova is a Russian photographer/model. I had seen her photos floating around the internet (uncredited) for months and months and kept wondering, WHO IS SHEEEE?!?!? Luckily I found out through http://www.reneeruin.com/ =] Since then I’ve been able to chat with her and keep up with her work.
Ira Chernova has only been taking photos for a few years after coming across an old camera. She’s been giving us beautiful images from both sides of the lens ever since. Her travels have taken her across Russia, France, Portugal, Holland, Czech Republic and maybe someday *fingers crossed*, the United States. Ira has also been featured in Inked Magazine and shot for Dillinger Escape Plan.
It took longer for me to pick the photos to use than it did for her to get back to me. You cant blame me because if I could, I’d use all of her photos.
Here’s what she had to say.
What equipment do you shoot with?
It all depends from my mood and the type of picture i’m looking for
Do you prefer film or digital and why?
Can not really choose, i like it both. Absolutely different types of pics.
I feel the same way, I miss the darkroom process of shooting film though.
by Ekaterina Grigorieva
A good amount of photographers I’ve met have another artistic talent that they’re interested in or are good at. Do you?
Nope, unfortunately I’m quite miserable in knowing how to do only one thing.
Aw, well its better to be really great at one thing than mediocre at several things.
You are another photographer that doesn’t consider herself a model, but takes great self portraits. If the opportunity presents itself for you to make a living modeling full-time, would you accept?
You know, it always depends. Everything goes so closer nowadays, but I
can be doing it only in the case I have enough time for my photography.
Where do you want to be with your photography a year from now? Magazines, solo shows, touring w/bands?
I want it all!
Even though you are a work-aholic, what do you do for fun
that is not photography related?
Emmmm… can not think about anything certain. I guess just hanging out with my friends is enough. Or clothes shopping, damn, I love it.
You said some people where you live don’t like that you have tattoos. Did you know this before you got yours, or care? Because even though you say you’re shy that seems brave.
I’m not thinking about impressing or frightening anybody with tattoos… I love them, I’m making it for myself, it’s just not very comfortable getting attention in the streets, people should think about themselves instead of criticizing others.
If you hadn’t found photography 4 years ago, what would you be doing now?
No idea
I’ll tell you this though, everyone is happy that photography found you.
How did you get your head in a dinosaur’s mouth? It’s a rare photo to see you so smiley =]
Haha, yeah, I just do not have many “live” photos. It is just a sweet toy in a store.
Haha. AwwwmNomnomnommm.
Coolest thing that has happened to you as a result of photography?
Ive met many awesome people.
How do you feel about the photos posted online that don’t credit you?
It’s internet, nothing can be done about it.
by Mary Kuzmenkova
Sad but true. Whenever I see art/photography that I like, I always want to know who the artist is so I could see more.
How does it feel though to see that after only a few years of taking pictures, they’re all over the internet?
Mmm, it’s not the level yet i wanna reach but not the worse beginning at the same time.
After browsing your journal, I could definitely see progression in your work, especially recently.
Its obvious that you’re a Metallica fan, what music do you listen to that puts you in a happy mood?
Metallica have plenty of happy songs 🙂 I like Jane’s Addiction, Tricky, Prodigy, Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly etc
What is beautiful to you?
Beauty is everything what we love.
What is your favorite part of traveling?
I will sound really boring again but it’s all in together
Any plans to visit the U.S?
Yep, planning it for a long time. Hope to have some nice work somewhere soon to finally be able to afford it during summer.
Awesome! The entire country awaits for your arrival.
If I don’t ask many people will be upset. Are you happy and single/taken/ unavailable?
Then I can help people not being upset telling that i’m happily single.
I could actually hear people smiling after that response. Thank you so much for your time!
For more of Ira Chernova’s work: