Behind „Euphoria”: Photographer Nikita Hlazyrin
I live by the call of my heart — and every day brings new colors, people, and moments.
For me, photography isn’t a job. it’s a way to breathe.
Nikita Hlazyrin
We would like to gradually introduce you to the team behind ‘Euphoria’. We start with Nikita Hlazyrin, who took some of the large-format photographs. The pictures were taken in July 2025 in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. They were shot using analogue technology with a medium-format camera.
How did you first get into photography? Was there a specific moment or influence?
I grew up in a small town surrounded by nature: thick forests, endless gardens, quiet rivers. When I was about 12, my mom bought a simple camera for family snapshots — and suddenly I was shooting everything: dew on the grass, sunsets, the neighbor’s dog chasing butterflies. That’s when I first realized you could freeze beauty so it never fades.
What did your early photography journey look like?
As a teenager I was obsessed with urban bike extremes — adrenaline, speed, jumps. That’s when the camera became my best friend: I wanted to capture not just the motion, but the feeling of flying, that raw energy. Photography pulled me out of my shell, helped me connect with people, and turned into a bridge for real conversations through images.
First jobs, early steps?
At first I shot everything and everyone nonstop — friends, streets, parties. Then friends started talking about me, and the first paid gigs rolled in: parties, weddings, personal sessions. Those early paychecks felt like magic — I discovered creativity could feed not just the soul. The biggest challenge back then? Pushing myself to make every frame perfect, giving 200% so people could see themselves the way I saw them.
How would you describe your photographic style in a few words?
Documentary + cinematic, with a twist of creative madness. I love showing life as it really is — honest, raw, unfiltered — but always through my own lens, with that emotional aftertaste.
What types of photography do you enjoy working on the most, and why?
I adore carefully planned shoots with a team, where every detail — light, wardrobe, mood — serves the idea. But the real magic happens one-on-one: just wandering the city with someone, catching spontaneous decisions, adding a bit of street “grit,” raw laughs, and real emotions. Those frames stick in memory forever because they pulse with true life.
What equipment do you currently use? Any must-have gear?
Gear is like brushes for a painter — each piece has its own soul.
Nikon F3 — my loyal full-frame 35mm film beauty, with me for over 8 years. Compact, reliable, and it always delivers that “wow” feeling. I grab it for almost every casual walk — it never lets me down.
Pentax 67 — medium format (120 film). I tried tons of medium-format cameras, but settled on this one for its comfort and rock-solid build. The volume, perspective, and image quality are on another level — every shot feels like a mini-masterpiece, even if it demands patience.
Sony A7 IV — my digital all-rounder, especially for video and fast projects.
Wide-angle lenses are my go-to — I love pulling the whole space into the frame. Must-have? Film in general — without it, I feel like I’m missing a part of myself.
What’s your creative process when approaching a new shoot?
It all starts with a spark of an idea, then layers build up: location, vibe, clothes, time of day, extra lighting if needed, and choosing the right camera to nail the emotion. But the foundation is inner balance. For me that means morning rituals: coffee, working out, tending to my plants, keeping things tidy. When the space around me is calm and alive — inspiration flows in on its own.
What motivates or inspires you as a photographer?
People. Without them, any scene feels empty. Every person is a whole universe: unique stories, emotions, glances. People create the real plots worth telling over and over.
What is your personal mission or philosophy as a photographer?
To keep filling the world with beauty. Beauty — in architecture, clothes, music, human faces — is always the result of love, hard work, and generosity from the artist. I believe beauty can lift the spirit, heal, and bring us back to our humanity. It’s the beginning of everything good.
How do you hope people feel when they see your work?
I want to spark a urge to move. Because movement is life — growth, new horizons. If after seeing my photos someone stands up, steps outside, hugs a loved one, or just takes a deeper breath — then I’ve done it right.
„Together with SCHILLER (Christopher von Deylen), we created a series of black-and-white portraits against the backdrop of brutalist architecture, combining the austere geometry of concrete with his introspective presence — all of which ties in with the themes of the album: freedom (Freiheit), resilience, and inner light — this shoot was spontaneous, following our hearts. These images seem like a quiet but powerful statement: a small human figure against the backdrop of massive structures, radiating quiet strength and inner radiance.”