by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 19^th of June 2023

Eleonora Fridman loves the combination of beauty, expression, softness, colours and feelings in her wonderful portraits which are a real celebration of femininity. She strives to found the right models, clothing, lighting and wants to continuously improve her skills.
Enjoy her outstanding work and learn more about the artist behind her images.

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Dear  Eleonora, first I would like to thank you so much for taking the time to answer this questionnaire!
When and how did you start your photographic journey?

I was born and raised in Ukraine. At the age of 17 I immigrated to Israel. I studied in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and I have a Ph.D in Molecular Biology. I work in one of the research departments at the University.
I grew up with a father who worked as a photographer and who influenced me the most.  He pushed me to hold a camera as a child. Later, as a grown women, my dear father gave me a new camera and I started to enjoy the art of photography, striving to develop myself and continuously learning.

For many of us photography is either a hobby or a way of life. How would you define your relationship with photography?

To me, photography is a hobby but it is in my head every moment and I find myself thinking and imagining on what would be the next picture or project.

What would be the most important experience so far that has influenced your steps in photography?

My very first personal project which interested me a lot, was my son. During his childhood I went almost every week to photograph him. He was my favourite model for many years, but now he’s a teenager and refuses to be photographed. Over time,  I started to go out to the old part of Jerusalem to shoot characters in the street. This made me curious about photographing people. Now I usually shoot fine art portraits in the studio. I participated to some art workshops with other photographers and I feel that I’m constantly developing.

'Margo'

'Almog'

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Describe your overall photographic vision.
I love beauty,  I love colours, I love feelings.

'Eri'

'Almog'

'Margarita'

The mood, composition of your fine art female portraits are outstanding! What is your secret and why are you so drawn by this photography type?
The female figure is a very hot topic in all kinds of arts. The combination of beauty, expression, softness and colours made me choosing for this genre. I usually start by finding the right character and then I think about the creativity to use, I try out lighting, clothes and sometimes make-up to complete the picture I have in mind. 

'Margarita'

'Anastasia'

What are the main features of a successful portrait photographer in your opinion?
I think the most important for a portrait photographer is his humanity and character. The ability to make a good connection with people and to make them feel comfortable and relaxed is very really essential to achieve good work.

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Can you please tell us something more about your workflow from the idea to the final product?
About a two years ago I found an amazing location. This place was reconstructed by a graphic designer. He made his home into a Rococo styled palace. It took him almost ten years to complete the project. Now it became a wonderful location and I find a lot of ideas when I work there. The process starts by picking the right style model and look for the place. Then I take care of the clothing, sometimes hair and make-up. After the shoot I edit the photographs. My edit workflow is very simple, I try to stay as natural as possible and go along with original colours and beauty.

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'Yara'

'Shelly'

Where do you look to find inspiration for the visual stories you want to convey? What inspires you?
I find my inspiration in the works of other painters and photographers. To name a few of the them:  Amedeo Modigliani, Caravaggio, Paul Gauguin, Paolo Roversi, Sarah Moon.

'Shelly'

'Shelly'

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'Anastasia'

Many are of the opinion that the gear is not very important when the passion for photography is strong. However, can you please share with us what gear you use (camera, lenses, lighting, tripod, etc.)?
I use a Canon 6D Mark ll.
Lenses: Canon 70-200mm F/2.8, Canon 24-105mm F/4, and my favourite Sigma art 85mm F/1.4.

Who are your favourite photographers or mentors whose works have influenced you and your photography?
I really love the works of Vincent Peters, Peter Lindbergh, Desiree Dolron and  Anka Zhuravleva. I also find the works of Israeli photographer Yossi Adam very special and beautiful.

'Somaya'

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Now, since we have almost reached the end of this interview, I would kindly ask you to share with us your plans or photographic projects you would like to be involved in.
My dream is to realize a photo shoot inspired by Desiree Dolron. I already have a model in mind and my imagination is working day and night building the set, clothing, light etc.

Eleonora Fridman