JONATHAN CHERRY: What did you have for breakfast today?

OLYA IVANOVA: I had porridge with orange jam.

JC: Are there any emerging photographers who are inspiring your practice at the moment? 

OI: I like almost all the photographers from here. Now I’m interested in this theme a lot. 

JC: Who are your photography heroes?

OI: My heroes are Diana Arbus, Vanessa Winship, Nan Goldin, Katy Grannan and many other people that have enough courage to continue to take pictures no matter what.

JC: How highly do you value the actual experience of photographing?

OI: It’s like swimming lessons. Before you learn to swim freely at any depth you have to do a lot of unnecessary movements.

JC: What is your current project all about?

OI: I’m working on the series about russian suburb and russian disappearing villages.

JC: What is in store for you photographically over the next 6 months?

OI: I don’t know exactly. I want to finish some of my old projects. 

JC: In your opinion what makes a successful portrait?

OI: Clear vision of the result. Relationships. Background. Concentration. Mood. Chance.

JC: What does photography mean to you?

OI: Photography is my way to tell about life.