![We Are Handsome - Grizzly Bandeau Bikini](https://wearehandsome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/NAT_WAH_project_05.jpg)
MUA / Maree Spagnol
Model / Kobi Collins from eMg Sydney
Hair pieces / ‘Only the Lonely’ by Angela Sterchele
Here at WAH HQ, we’re proud to introduce the photography stylings of one of our own, design whiz Natalia Horinkova. Nat’s taken the reigns of the Handsome Project and we couldn’t be more excited about the shoot she put together! Read on for the rest of Natalia’s WAH interview and photoshoot…
![We Are Handsome - Diver Zipsuit](https://wearehandsome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/NAT_WAH_project_07.jpg)
How did you get to here? (What’s your photographer history?)
It started off very spontaneously. Although I always had a special place for photography and art, I was not one of those kids who had their first cameras when they were 12. I bought my first camera 4 years ago when I decided that photography could be part of my professional life.
Are you a self-taught photographer or did you have a mentor/teacher that showed you the ropes?
I think a bit of both. I took one-day course to get more comfortable with my camera but most of the time I learn on the spot, by testing, I did lot of assisting. I think I’ve been very lucky to meet a lot of nice people through last few years who were always keen to help. I really appreciate people who like to share and help.
How did you come up with the concept behind your Handsome Project shoot?
I have a dancing background and always wanted to shoot with a dancer. I love dancing. I wish instead of running somewhere all the time, I just could dance my way through. For the project I knew I wanted a ballerina, I wanted a soft look with lots of movements, energy and emotion.
![We Are Handsome - Scoop One Piece](https://wearehandsome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/NAT_WAH_project_06.jpg)
What keeps you enthused in the photography industry?
Well, this is a hard one. I’ve had my ups and downs with photography, and almost let it go but I missed the whole process of it, from the beginnings – planning till the very end – results. I guess it’s telling the story, to be able to express my self and what I feel through photography.
Describe your approach in four words.
Taking as it comes.
Black & white or colour?
Black & white.
Do you prefer film or digital? Why?
I like both. I shoot with digital because is convenient and modern but I like the look of a film photos and I like the fact that shooting film is the real deal.
![We Are Handsome - Showman Bandeau Bikini](https://wearehandsome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/NAT_WAH_project_02.jpg)
Favourite camera?
I am Canon person and proud owner of 5D mark II.
Describe your photographic approach.
I do all this planning but never stick with it 100%. As for the WAH project, I wanted sunny, sexy but still emotive photos, but that day it was not sunny. In fact, it was overcast and it looked like it would rain at any minute. My emotions matched the weather and somehow instead of happy and sunny photos, I ended up with a very different shoot. I always go with the flow, if it is in real life or photography. I take what the life offers to me and try to use it in the best possible way.
Favourite photographer?
There are so many great talents around the world but at this very moment I really love to look at Zhang Jingna photography.
Favourite photograph?
I enjoy Annie Liebovitz personal collection, just because there are so honest and real.
![We Are Handsome - Anchorage Leggings](https://wearehandsome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/NAT_WAH_project_031.jpg)
What turns you on?
Chemistry! Chemistry between the model and me. I also really like happy, positive people who work hard but enjoy every second of it!
What turns you off?
Arrogant and negative people. I know there are many out there but I do not believe it’s necessary.
How do you decide on locations & subjects for your shoots?
I daydream. I spent a lot of my time travelling, listening to music, I observe a lot. Not stare, observe.
If you could take your photography in any direction without fear of failure or rejection, where would it lead? What new things would you try?
As much as I enjoy fashion photography, I think journalistic photography is something else I would love to try. To go out and travel, take photos of real people and situations. I lived in Dubai for almost 3 years and visited Iran, and I still find it really hard to be a woman photographer in this world.
![We Are Handsome - Hunter Scoop One Piece](https://wearehandsome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/NAT_WAH_project_01.jpg)
Best advice you’ve ever received.
Happiness is not a destination but a journey. And also I have been told, with photography and art to always do what I like and never waste my time doing stuff that other people want me to do.
What is the one quality you think is needed for a photographer to be great?
People skills, patience and open eyes!
Where to next?
Hmmmm, …. I guess anywhere it takes me.
Nat: I would like to thank Maree Spagnol (mua) for the great work she did on the day of the shoot and Kobi Collins (model) who wasn’t just pleasure to work with on this project someone I really enjoy talking to. Last but not least to Angela Sterchele from ‘Only the Lonely’ for the beautiful hairpieces I could use for the project.
![We Are Handsome - Grizzly Bandeau Bikini](https://wearehandsome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/NAT_WAH_project_04.jpg)
We are incredibly proud of Natalia for taking on the Handsome Project and putting this shoot together, it’s unbelievably gorgeous!