Photographer Lev Efimov

Often portrait-based, the Russian Lev Efimov's simplistic photographs of stunning female and male models posing often on location or doused in softly coloured lighting depict quiet moments, allowing the characters and personalities of the subjects to come through. Efimov's playful portrayal of textures and emotions on his models' faces have lent his photos a somewhat otherwordly appeal, although within the conditions of natural light are when he is most at ease.     

Dazed Digital: Where are you from/based?
Lev Efimov: I was born in Pskov, a small city near St. Petersburg but I have now moved to Moscow.

DD: How do you choose your subjects?
Lev Efimov: I prefer shooting on locations more - but often it's hard to organise... Natural light is the best for me.
 
DD: Why are you drawn to portraiture?
Lev Efimov: People need only people... I like to be a 'director', to communicate.

DD: What do you try to achieve as a photographer?
Lev Efimov: Nothing - it's a lifestyle, I shoot almost every day, I can't spend a few days without it.

DD: What equipment/film do you use? What do you like about the equipment/film you use?
Lev Efimov: Different ones... sometimes digital, depends on the task I'm looking at. I'm a child of the new technology.

DD: What are you working on right now?
Lev Efimov: Building the strongest portfolio I can have with an aim to start working worldwide.

DD: Are you inspired by any particular films? Art? Literature?
Lev Efimov: I like music much more than photography as an inspiration, it puts me in a mood. I also like love story movies or dramas, any kind where there are true feelings shown.

DD: What about other photographers? 
Lev Efimov: I like to watch them. Pictures that surprise me that can teach me - it's a science, a freedom of others' minds, a mood, a professional part.

DD: What's next?
Lev Efimov: No matter what, I have my family, my wife and a kid - that is the most real thing for me.