Photographer Sergey Vasiliev Speaks Out On The Ukraine Conflict

Hi Sergey, how are you doing today?
Hello. Here in Ukraine, we say ‘I’m alive’ and this is the best answer for nowadays.

You say you were in New York when you realised that you wanted to become a fashion photographer? What was it that specifically inspired you?
I was in the US as an exchange student when I was a student. Before returning to Ukraine I was in New York, and there was a Vogue Fashion Night. I saw models and fashion and realised that this is what I wanted to photograph.

What is your favourite part of being a photographer?
This is like a game, you can play with light and completely change the vision of what is happening, for example. This is a moment that will never be again, but you have the chance to show it in the form of a photograph.

You were born in Ukraine, what was your upbringing like there?
I would describe it as a happy and carefree childhood. My parents gave me and my sister everything they could give. I was born in the city of Kharkiv. This is the first capital of Ukraine, a city of students and parks. The biggest part of this city is ruined now by Russians.

And you moved to Kyiv, Ukraine in 2015. What was it that drew you to Kyiv?
I love big cities like Kyiv. Kyiv is a city of contrasts where everyone will find their own place. Everything was easy for me in Kyiv; I started my relationship and started my career as a photographer. Pretty quickly, I started shooting for brands and collaborating with magazines. This is totally one of my favourite cities.

How are you dealing with the current events unfolding in Ukraine?
This is the worst period of my life. 23rd of February, I was walking in beautiful Barcelona and 24th of February I woke up from exposure in Kyiv. You plan your future and in one moment, everything collapses. Ukraine must win this war with Russia, light will conquer darkness. I never thought that I would live in wartime. It’s a horrible time with the sounds of sirens – this sound I will remember all my life for sure – and when you never know where the rockets will fall, when you’re talking with parents and hear the sound of exposure when you can see how people could lose everything they have, when families are trying to save their children and when people lose their loved ones. And it’s also time to see how people can help each other. This war changed everything and everyone here.

Given the current situation, is there a message you’d like to send out to the world?
Stand with Ukraine! We are fighting for our and your freedom. Appreciate and live today because tomorrow may not be. Smile, love and help each other.

Does Ukraine inspire your photography and how you create?
I love Ukraine and the people who live here. I think Ukraine is an underrated country and so many people should come and see how beautiful the country is. The country is so big with a lot of colours. As for me, there is a strong fashion life in Ukraine, you can find a lot of models, good designers and interesting people.