Daily Inspiration: Meet Vladimir Grishin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vladimir Grishin

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into the world of photography isn’t just a story of picking up a camera and taking pictures. It’s a story about discovering myself, finding my style, and carving out my place in the world. Born and raised in Azerbaijan, I’ve always felt a pull toward creativity, but life circumstances often pushed me into new and unfamiliar places. Moving from country to country was not just a test of resilience but the foundation of my growth as a photographer.

The first spark of photography ignited when I was 14. I picked up a point-and-shoot camera at a friend’s house and started taking photos of her son. It was something new and exciting, but at the time, I never imagined that years later, this passion would grow into something more. Later, during my third year at university, photography found its way back into my life when I participated in a competition and submitted a photo I had taken in Baku-an image of the majestic Flame Towers. That moment reminded me of how powerful a single shot can be.

But it was in Taiwan where my passion for photography truly came alive. Working in an amusement park and living in conditions far from comfortable, I met my mentor, friend, and guide, Vladlen Lytviak, who showed me that photography is an art where light, shadows, and storytelling come together. One evening, in a small hotel room, I tried shooting with a flash, and that was my turning point. The camera ceased to be just a tool-it became an extension of myself.

The path to becoming a photographer wasn’t easy. The constant moves from Azerbaijan to Taiwan, and then to the U.S., each new home brought new challenges. In every country, I encountered new cultures, faces, and photography styles that reshaped my perception and inspiration. My preferences and approaches to photography evolved along with me-from architecture and street photography to more complex portrait and fashion shoots. It was a search for my style that continues to this day. I always strive to balance tradition and innovation, experimenting and blending different genres.

The first camera I bought was a Sony a7II, and it has been my faithful companion ever since. My first shot-a simple but memorable photo of a Patrick toy from “SpongeBob SquarePants”-marked the beginning. From there, I started photographing friends, acquaintances, and gradually expanded my horizons.

I’ve always been interested in a variety of shoots-from cars and object photography to portraits. Each new project is a challenge and an opportunity to explore new facets of myself. One of my favorite memories is working with a cyclorama, where I felt like a true creator, coming up with scenes using a bar stool, skateboard, leather jacket, and other unique props.

It wasn’t without difficulties: my early commercial shoots for ID photos in Taiwan, not knowing all the technical details, moments when equipment failed, or a memory card froze before a shoot. But I believe these challenges hardened me and taught me how to find solutions in any situation.

I find inspiration everywhere-from great masters of photography and artists like Annie Leibovitz to books and movies. I’m captivated by how Leibovitz could convey not just beauty but depth of character and emotion in her work. I strive to bring the same emotional richness to my photographs.

Today, I still use my trusted Sony a7II and Godox equipment, which has never let me down. My goal is to grow in the fashion industry, although I don’t limit myself because every type of photography-whether it’s weddings or portraits-adds something special to my palette.

Looking back, I see how every shoot, every challenge, and every change has shaped me as a person and as a photographer. To me, photography isn’t just an image. It’s an emotion, an idea, and a way to tell a story that inspires and stays with you. And I’m grateful to keep walking this path, creating art frame by frame.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Moving to the U.S. and pursuing a career in photography was both exciting and challenging. At first, the biggest obstacle I faced was finding clients. I didn’t know which platforms were best for seeking work or which websites were essential for offering my services. Navigating a new market with its own unique demands and norms was daunting, and it took time to learn where to position myself to reach potential clients effectively.

Initially, I spent countless hours researching and testing different approaches. I would post my portfolio on various social media channels, experiment with freelance job sites, and network at local events, hoping to build a reputation from scratch. Despite my efforts, progress was slow. It was difficult to break through without established connections or an understanding of how clients typically found photographers in my area. There were moments of frustration when I felt like I was putting in more effort than I was getting in return.

One of the most challenging parts was dealing with clients who booked sessions without a deposit. I would block off time in my schedule, prepare my equipment, and plan the shoot, only for the day to arrive and receive no response from the client. These experiences were disheartening—not only did I lose valuable time that could have been spent on other projects, but I also had to deal with the uncertainty of when reliable work would come through.

As time went on, things started to improve. I began to understand which platforms yielded the best results, from specialized photography marketplaces to community forums where creatives shared job opportunities. I set up professional profiles on websites known for connecting freelancers with clients and invested in building an online presence that showcased my unique style and skills. Learning to establish clear booking policies, including requiring deposits, helped me secure more serious clients and avoid the pitfalls of no-shows.

Through perseverance and adapting to new methods, I gradually found my footing. What once seemed like an overwhelming challenge became manageable as I learned the ins and outs of the industry in the U.S. Now, I look back on those early struggles as essential lessons that taught me resilience and strategic thinking. These experiences not only strengthened my career but also deepened my understanding of the value of my time and work. Today, I’m better equipped to handle these challenges and continue to grow as a photographer, fully embracing both the creative and business sides of this profession.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Working as a dance instructor at a studio has been a fulfilling journey where I get to share my passion for dance with people of all ages. I teach various dance styles, including ballet, contemporary, and ballroom dance, from classes for young children to sessions for older adults who are eager to improve their physical health and keep their minds sharp. Dance offers a unique blend of physical exercise and cognitive stimulation, helping to build and maintain new neural connections in the brain while promoting overall well-being. This is achieved through the coordination of movement sequences, rhythm, and spatial awareness, which challenge the brain and enhance memory, focus, and problem-solving skills.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is teaching couples, especially newlyweds who are preparing for their wedding day. There is something truly special about guiding them as they learn a beautiful and elegant dance to share with their guests. It’s not just about the steps; it’s about creating a moment that reflects their love and joy, making their big day even more memorable.

My journey in dance began when I was just six years old, studying at the Baku Choreographic School under the guidance of renowned instructors, where I graduated with a diploma as a ballet artist and received recognition for my dedication and performance in various school productions. I later continued my education at the Oryol State Institute of Culture, specializing in choreography and production, and studied at the Institute of Culture and Arts in Khimki, Moscow, and because of this, I have a vast reservoir of experience and knowledge in the art. This depth of understanding allows me to bring creativity and insight into every class I teach, every choreography I create, and even into my photography. This experience helps me guide my models to maintain proper posture and appear aesthetically pleasing during photo sessions. Whether on the dance floor or behind the camera, I draw on my lifelong connection to the art to inspire others and help them express themselves fully. One memorable moment was when a model, initially unsure of how to pose, found confidence after I demonstrated a graceful dance movement that perfectly matched the shot’s concept. Moments like these remind me of the power of combining dance and photography to create something unique and impactful.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
While most people who know me or follow my work as a dance instructor and photographer are familiar with my dedication and passion, there is one surprising detail that often goes unnoticed: I have a profound love for spending quality time with my wife, Olga, and together we enjoy sports, cycling, video games, and active hobbies such as kayaking, rock climbing, and disc golf. My days are often filled with dance rehearsals, teaching sessions, and photography shoots, but in between those moments, I find solace in the pages of timeless novels and philosophical works.

These active pursuits have had a unique influence on my artistic approach, both in dance and photography. The energy, challenges, and dynamic experiences from these activities inspire me to bring excitement and a sense of adventure to my choreography and visual storytelling. When I teach or create, I aim to infuse each movement or shot with layers of meaning—capturing not just the physical beauty but the emotional essence of a moment.

Most people see the structured, high-energy world of dance or the precision of a photoshoot and may not immediately connect it to moments spent engaging in sports or outdoor activities. Yet, it is through these cherished moments with my wife, Olga, and our shared activities that I recharge and gain new perspectives that enhance my art. This balance between motion and stillness, external expression and internal contemplation, is what keeps my creativity alive and constantly evolving.

It’s this unexpected blend of high-energy performance and quiet intellectual pursuit that shapes who I am. And while my audience might only see the final result—a perfectly timed dance routine or a well-composed photograph—there is always a story behind it, often inspired by the timeless tales and wisdom of classical literature.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vg4art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bolodika/
• Other: nishirggg.photos@gmail.com