From childhood, parents, and teachers knew that my future would be related to creativity. The young Ukrainian photographer Anastasia Nikolaychuk told us about choosing a profession, working during the war, volunteering and plans for the future.
Photo from the archive of Anastasia Nikolaychuk
How did you choose your profession?
In my school years, which is exactly the period when most teenagers begin to think about their future profession, I definitely understood that I wouldn’t choose a technical specialty, because it was boring for me. I also hate offices and work “at the same place”. I always wanted to do something creative. I didn’t miss a single event at school: a presenter, a snow girl, a dancer, whatever. After the 9th grade, without any doubts, I decided to go to college to study as a journalist. You know, as it’s said: “One who has found a dream job, doesn`t work a day.” At that time, I was 100% sure that journalism would be the job for me. Now you might ask: “Why did you start taking pictures?” And I won`t find the answer. Really. It was just an impulsive decision. After my birthday, I collected the money that was given to me and bought my first camera. Later I realized that it was a sign and an impetus to action. I was engaged. I, as a small child, ran and photographed absolutely everything, experimented, tested different modes. Over time, I started photographing family holidays, which made my family excited, because we have many pictures to remember.
Then I started doing photo shoots for friends and at the same time ran an Instagram page where I uploaded the best photos. Every day my works became better, the first clients appeared, and now the business for the soul began to bring in income. And for more than three years now, I always have my camera with me. Of course, I continue my development. I have done some courses for photographers, bought professional equipment and also set up a studio at home, in which I have already conducted plenty of photo sessions. I believe this is only the beginning.
About war and volunteering
The war caught me in Kyiv. I have been living separately for several years, my parents live in Vasylkiv. On the morning of February 24, my mother called and said that the war had started, that the local airfield was being bombed. The next day I packed my things and went to my family. It was a little scary, but it’s much better to stick together. In the early days, my father joined the territorial defense and my mother with other women of our district prepared lunches for the military in the school kitchen. A lot of portions were needed, but there was a catastrophic lack of products. I wanted to be as useful as possible, so I helped as much as possible. On my Facebook and Instagram pages I opened a fundraiser so that we could buy at least some cereals and meat. I couldn’t even think that so many caring people would respond. When the orcs* began to retreat from the Kyiv region, we decided that it was necessary to help the residents of the cities that suffered the most. In the premises of the school, people began to collect humanitarian aid: hygiene products, things, canned goods, water. When it was time to go to Borodyanka, I persuaded my dad to take me with him, and for some reason I had a great desire to grab a camera, film the crimes of the Russian evil and show them to the whole world. I thought I was going to take photos of destroyed buildings, but on the spot I realized that I had come to photograph destroyed lives.
Photo by Anastasia Nikolaychuk
After the trip, the desire to help became even greater. I continued to raise funds, after which I sent money to verified funds that support the military. My brother also protects our Motherland, so now I’m helping him and other guys from the Azov regiment to raise funds for a drone. More than 30,000 have already been raised. By the way, this will be the third transfer to help the boys.
About the first author’s projects
One of the first and most favorite is “Я Є UKRAINIAN” [I am Ukrainian – transl.) ]. I worked on it for almost two months. The history of our people is closely connected with all cultures of the world. Each contributed her ribbon to the colorful Ukrainian wreath. This project was created to show the beauty and uniqueness of the Ukrainian woman. Strong, gentle, brave and fragile. My heroines are so different, but they all have one word in common – Ukrainian. I wanted to show the colorful beauty of our culture with a series of these photos. To show that every Ukrainian woman is beautiful and special in her own way.
Photo by Anastasia Nikolaychuk
And another no less important project in my creative activity is “Artoborona”. It was created to support the Armed Forces and Military Personnel, which protect us every day. It’s a protest, it’s a cry, it’s anger and rage. At the same time, it is faith, hope and indescribable pride for our people. No matter how they break us, scare us, kill us and torture us, we will definitely stand up.
By the way, for a donation of 50 hryvnias, you can buy postcards with photos that were taken for the project, as well as postcards with photos of the suffered Borodyanka. 50% of the sale goes to help the Armed Forces and volunteer organizations.
Photo by Anastasia Nikolaychuk
About work during the war and development
When the war started, I was sure that my profession was dead. No one needs photos right now, it’s not the most important thing. But I was wrong. After a few months, I returned to work and realized that I really missed it. Even before the war, I started working as a photographer in сivil registration in the capital. Such a paradox, because before I said that I would never take photos of a wedding, because it’s very nerve-wracking and hard work. For more than a year now, I have been helping lovers preserve the happiest emotions and turn them into pleasant and warm memories. You know, I’m glad that I have such experience. After all, it helps to sharpen the necessary skills and stress resistance. You must be able to take pictures quickly and efficiently and capture the moment. You learn to find an approach to a person with any temperament, this is important.
Photo from the archive of Anastasia Nikolaychuk
In my spare time I continue to do personal photo shoots, shoot master classes and creative events. Nevertheless, I understand that people who possess several specialties at the same time are most in demand on the labor market today. Therefore, I decided to additionally master SMM. I believe that learning and development should always be present in your life. It is crucial! Therefore, my advice to everyone is to invest in yourself and your knowledge.
*Orcs – Ukrainians call russians soldiers “orcs” since they rape, loot and murder civilians.
Translator: Bohdana-Nikolietta Terekhina
