Exploring the Art of Photography with Elena Volkova

Welcome to our latest episode, where we delve into the fascinating world of photography with Ukrainian-born artist and educator, Elena Volkova. In a recent episode of the “10 Frames Per Second” podcast, hosted by Joe Giordano and Molly Roberts, our former co-host Elena shared her journey into photography, her unique artistic processes, and her ongoing projects.

Early Beginnings in Photography

Elena Volkova’s passion for photography began at a young age. Growing up in Soviet Ukraine, she was introduced to the magic of photography by her father. Her early experiences in developing and printing pictures in their bathroom left a lasting impression. This childhood fascination was rekindled when she moved to the United States and took darkroom photography classes.

Influences and Inspirations

Mastering Alternative Processes

Elena Volkova is known for her work with alternative photographic processes, particularly tintype. She learned this historic technique in 2019 and has since embraced the unknown elements and magic it brings to her art.

Why Tintype?

Notable Projects

Elena’s project in Anacostia, a historic neighborhood in Washington, D.C., involved creating community portraits using the wet collodion process. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, the project was well-received and culminated in an exhibition showcasing over 100 plates.

Elena’s ongoing project, “The Me Before the War No Longer Exists: Ukrainian Portraits,” is deeply personal. As a Ukrainian, she captures the stories of displaced women and children, exploring themes of identity and resilience.

Challenges and Reflections

Elena discusses the challenges of teaching photography in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and visual literacy. She also reflects on the evolving landscape of photography and the need for artists to be well-rounded storytellers.

Future Endeavors

Elena is working on publishing a photo book of her Ukrainian portraits and continues to seek funding for her projects. Her dedication to capturing authentic human experiences through photography remains unwavering.

Elena Volkova’s journey in photography is a testament to the power of art in exploring identity, community, and resilience. Her innovative use of alternative processes and commitment to storytelling make her a standout figure in the world of photography. Stay tuned for more updates on her inspiring work.

For more episodes of “10 Frames Per Second,”  listen on your favorite podcast platform. You can also explore back episodes here and on WLOY.org.

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Photojournalism, podcast, photography, photojournalists, Joe Giordano, Molly Roberts, Elena Volkova, Ukrainian artist, educator, liminality, subjectivity, domesticity, Ruby’s Grant, Baltimore Municipal Arts Society, Hamiltonian Artists, Maryland Center for History and Culture, Anacostia Arts Center, Stevenson University, darkroom photography, tintype, alternative processes, digital photography, wet collodion, community portraits, Anacostia, COVID-19, Ukrainian portraits, displacement, social practice, visual literacy.

The post Episode 147: Elena Volkova (Documentary Photography) first appeared on A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.