Aleksandr B.Giltman is a photographer based in Russia.

Background

“I was born and raised in Russia, in the western part of Siberia, in a small provincial town…” explains Aleksandr, in an interview with Pineapple. “All my childhood I was engaged in art – piano, choreography, vocals. Having received a passport at the age of 14, I immediately left for a big city and entered a music college. All my adult life, I devoted myself to art, in one way or another. I tried to study all types of activities as professionally as possible in order to achieve certain heights. For me, art has always been a duty, although it did not bother me.”

“At a certain moment, I decided that I needed a hobby in order not to set goals, without obligations, to enjoy the process and not think about what I do in terms of canons and rules. I chose photography and started trying it out little by little. Having decided on the genre of Nu-Art, I began to invite friends who are bolder and open to experiments; and I will always be grateful to them. Before that, my job was connected with photo and video work, but not as a photographer but rather as an organiser. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what prompted me to take photography, I think it happened by itself, because of my environment and my boyfriend, who is associated with photography. There is a saying here: Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are.”

Queer creativity in Russia

“Unfortunately, Russia isn’t the freest country in the world. But this doesn’t mean that we’re not fighting for freedom. Now, people are becoming much stronger and more self-confident through the rapid dissemination of information and mutual support. I think that partly my activity is all about protesting the situation not only in my country, but in the world as a whole. For me, there is no question of how people look if they are honest, open and peaceful. Yes, for many, especially in Russia, a nude body is considered obscene and even offensive. This is all from the inherent stereotypes in society.”

“We must learn to love ourselves as we are, regardless of gender, nationality, orientation, age, social status, physical characteristics and religion. And you need to start with yourself.”

“And also, due to photography, people can clearly understand that everyone is special and beautiful in their own way. The more people see that, the more the frame work of prejudice is erased.”

“I am lucky so far. I work with great people. And I do not take into account the technical issues with location or technology, this is not a problem. I haven’t experienced any extreme social backlash as well. But I believe this to be pure luck. Many people are much less lucky than me.”

Being a photographer

“The best thing about being a photographer is communication with people – a charge of new energy and subsequently, pleasant friendships and mutual assistance. Of course, the reviews from models after they see the photos is also kind of dope!”

“I started shooting not so long ago – about two years. I remember every shoot well, including the first. I have never felt embarrassed or uncomfortable. On the contrary, I tried to create the most comfortable and protected environment, so that the models were free in actions and emotions. The publication of photos on Instagram was received quite positively and each time more and more excellent reviews and comments from subscribers came. Thanks to the comments, many models began to feel more confident and freer.”

“If the preparation for shooting goes according to my plan, then I pre-set the model for certain actions, drawing up a plan of the shooting and only coordinate a little during the process. Simultaneously adjusting to the location of the selected model. This is a very important part of the preparation and the model chooses where the shooting will take place in order to feel as comfortable and protected as possible.”

“I like everything to be natural, without artificial setting and interior. So that the light always plays for the benefit and emphasises the structure of the body. The atmosphere is important.”

“It is important for me that people see the beauty that I see. So that they understand how much everyone is different and beautiful in their own way. And of course, when I am compared to an artist, let’s be honest.”

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