What first sparked your interest in photography? 
I used to be passionate about collecting orchids. At that time, I wasn’t into photography at all—I never imagined I’d be capable of taking photos. But I needed a camera to document the different orchid species in detail. That necessity led me to pick up a camera, and over time, the hobby evolved into a passion for natural macro photography.

Who helped shape your early development as a photographer? Do you have any role models? 
My first mentors were the members of the Macroclub community. They supported me when I was just starting out. I admire the work of many photographers—even Hungarian ones!

Why did you choose wildlife photography as your main focus?
My passion for photography made it increasingly difficult to sit in a dull office. Eventually, I quit my job to pursue photography full-time. That decision opened up a completely new chapter in my life—one filled with travel and the opportunity to earn a living doing what I love.

How has photography changed the way you travel? Are you looking for specific animals, places, or something else? 
Through photography, I discovered a new way to travel—even within my own country. I used to vacation abroad or by the sea, but now I’m drawn to remote, quiet places where people rarely go. Sometimes I revisit the same spot when I have a specific image in mind. For me, it’s all about exploring hidden corners of the world. Discovering unfamiliar, often overlooked parts of nature has become important to me.

You recently visited Dagestan. What drew you there photographically? 
I travelled to Dagestan for the birds. Until then, I’d only seen them as beautiful subjects, but this trip changed that. I joined a group of ornithologists to count birds of prey and explore remote areas. The experience gave me a new understanding of their world—how fragile and harsh it is, and how much they must overcome just to survive.

ou also teach wildlife photography. Who are your students, and what is your approach to teaching? 
Y I love teaching. My focus is on the artistic side of photography—helping people unlock their creative vision. My students range from beginners to experienced photographers. I also advise renowned colleagues on portfolio selection. Many of my students stay with me long-term—they’re doctors, biologists, ecologists, people from the nature reserve system. It’s a diverse and inspiring group.

How important is bird photography in your overall portfolio? 
I only started photographing birds relatively recently, so it’s still a challenge. You need to know their behaviour and where to find them, which requires a lot of learning and patience.

What are the biggest challenges and rewards in bird photography? Do you have a favourite species to photograph? 
The biggest challenge is how unpredictable birds are. They change locations frequently, and they’re incredibly skittish—you can spend hours just trying to find them. Lately, I’ve become fascinated by pelicans. Once, I watched them fish—it was breathtaking. At the time, I didn’t know how to film such a scene on a vast lake. Years later, when I got my first drone, I wasn’t very good at using it, but I took a chance. Right in front of me, hundreds of pelicans were herding fish into shallow waters. I couldn’t look away. I was so captivated that I didn’t realize the battery was running out—I almost lost the drone in the water.

What do you enjoy about participating in photography competitions? 
I enjoy the sense of competition—it pushes me to grow. Most of my entries have been in macro categories. But once, I submitted a photo of a saiga antelope to National Geographic Russia and unexpectedly won the grand prize. I was in shock for a long time; I couldn’t quite believe it.

You've served as a juror in several photography contests. What motivates you to take on that role, and what do you look for in a winning image? 
I really enjoy being a judge. It allows me to experience photography from the other side, while still being a photographer at heart. I love images that tell a story. I appreciate unusual angles, but I’m not a fan of overly processed or heavily Photoshopped work. Some may say I’m a strict judge :)

How active are you in the photography community? Is it more about collaboration or competition? 
I lead a very active life and collaborate with many organizations, but most of my time goes to the Union of Wildlife Photographers of Russia. Last year, a mining company asked me to organize a photo expedition to a national park near their site. It was a remote and difficult-to-reach place, and our mission was to document it through photography. Now, I dream of organizing similar projects with other large companies. In these collaborations, photographers aren’t competitors—we each have our own tasks, and we work toward a common goal.