Elle Urakova’s journey into photography began as a family tradition, but her path took a detour through the corporate world before she embraced her true passion. Inspired by Paris and fueled by growing demand for her work, she transitioned from economics to becoming a sought-after photographer. Today, she collaborates with influencers, top magazines, and leading brands, bringing her artistic vision to life.
How did your family’s love for photography influence your style?
Photography in my family was never just about capturing memories—it was a language, a way of expressing love, time, and the beauty of fleeting moments. I remember my parents documenting our lives on film: the golden glow of sunsets, laughter around the dinner table, the unspoken emotions in a single glance. This ability to see a story in a frame shaped my approach deeply. For me, photography isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about capturing atmosphere, personality, and depth.
What was the biggest challenge in leaving your corporate job for photography?
The fear of the unknown. In the corporate world, everything was structured—stability, career progression, a clear roadmap for the future. Photography, on the other hand, is pure freedom, but also complete uncertainty. The hardest part was trusting my intuition that art wasn’t just a passion but my true calling. But the moment I took that leap, everything shifted—new people, projects, travel, inspiration. The unpredictability became the most exciting part of the journey.
How has living in Paris shaped your creative vision?
Paris breathes aesthetics. Every street, every beam of light, every shadow feels like it was made for photography. But more than the architecture, I find inspiration in the energy of the city—the effortless style of its people, the cinematic spontaneity of everyday moments. Paris has taught me to appreciate details, to embrace imperfection, to capture emotions that cannot be recreated.
What role does video play in complementing your photography work and storytelling?
Video has a different rhythm and a different pulse. If photography freezes a moment, video allows it to unfold, making the emotion even more immersive. I use video to enhance storytelling, to amplify the atmosphere, to add another dimension to the aesthetic world I create. Video has a different rhythm and a different pulse. If photography freezes a moment, video allows it to unfold, making the emotion even more immersive. I use video to enhance storytelling, to amplify the atmosphere, to add another dimension to the aesthetic world I create.
How do you approach creating dynamic and visually engaging video content for brands and influencers?
For me, it’s about capturing the essence of a brand or a personality. Every project has its own mood, its own energy, its own movement. I draw inspiration from cinema, music, street fashion, and the poetry of body language. My goal is not just to create something visually striking but something raw, honest, and emotionally engaging.
How do you balance commercial work with your artistic identity?
For me, commercial and artistic work are not opposites—they’re two sides of the same coin. The key is staying true to my vision and finding ways to infuse my aesthetic into every project. I choose to work with brands and publications that align with my artistic sensibility, so even commercial work remains an extension of my creativity.
What’s most rewarding about working with top brands and magazines?
The ability to create something that lasts. Seeing my work become part of the visual culture, inspiring people, shaping trends, evoking emotions—that’s the most rewarding feeling. Knowing that my perspective resonates with a global audience is incredibly fulfilling.
How do you stay inspired in such a competitive field?
I find inspiration everywhere—in the city, in people, in fashion, in music, in fleeting moments. But most importantly, I stay inspired by constantly evolving, experimenting, and exploring different forms of artistic expression. Competition doesn’t intimidate me because every photographer has a unique voice, a unique way of seeing the world. My job is to keep discovering and refining mine.
