"Sometimes the photo is the excuse - the real gift is the connection."

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Mitchell  Kanashkevich  is a travel and documentary photographer best known for his emotive portraits, vibrant visual storytelling, and deeply immersive work documenting disappearing cultures and sacred traditions. With a career spanning two decades, his images have been featured in top international publications and exhibitions — but it’s his humble, human-first approach to image-making that truly sets him apart. In this conversation, we explore not just where he goes, but how he sees, and why he photographs in the first place.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The trip that changed everything 
• What shaped his early career
• Why naïveté can be an asset when photographing people
• His evolution from hobbyist to full-time photographer 
• Navigating commercial needs vs. personal passion 
• What it means to give back ethically 
• How to build trust and connection 
• The role of storytelling, aesthetic depth, and emotional resonance in strong portfolios
• Why originality is a myth

Find Mitchell's work on his platforms:

Website: www.mitchellk-photos.com
Education: www.photographic-process.com
Instagram: @mitchellkphotos
Substack: www.mitchellkphotos.substack.com

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