The happiness of children is a trend that will never lose its relevance.
Svetlana Iakusheva is a family-first person. She caught our eyes with her exceptional and emotional portraiture of children and women. The “floral twist “her imagery brings to our portfolio is one of a kind. Svetlana is a team player, which she reveals in our recent interview. Now that we got to know her a little better, we are even happier to have her within our community of worldwide working photographers, and, of course, we don’t want you to miss out on her thoughts on photography and inspiration. Hi Svetlana, let’s do a little Elevator Pitch – you have two sentences. The first is to tell who you are as a person, and the second is who you are as a photographer.
Hi Svetlana, let’s do a little Elevator Pitch – you have two sentences. The first is to tell who you are as a person, and the second is who you are as a photographer.
I feel like a small person in this big world, yet a significant person, because any life on Earth is precious and necessary. I am an introvert by birth, but the camera in my hands somehow miraculously reveals the facets of an extrovert in me.

A quick check, Photographers new to Stock Photography, are eager to know – how did you get into the business?
I have been doing microstock since 2010 (on the recommendation of a good old friend of a colleague), but I have never taken them seriously. After many years of working for clients, there comes a time when you want to go beyond the “executor.” I believe a photographer, as an artist, can perfectly “draw his desires” while fitting them into the frames of stock and advertising trends. I have reached a turning point in my career. At this stage of my life, I was fortunate because I met Katerina Mikhrin on Instagram, who discovered the world of Premium Stock Photography. Now I am slowly but surely adding photos to my portfolio. Therefore, a little advice: photographers, communicate with your colleagues! It is beneficial to share experiences and support each other!

Images we love – by Svetlana Iakusheva
Looking at your images in our portfolio, we find two constants: a child’s bright smile and flowers. These create very personal insights and feel-good vibes. It’s not often we see an as personal approach as yours. Tell us, how did you develop that photography style, and why did you choose this way for your stock photography portfolio?
I have been photographing for a very long time, since 2006. At first, I captured the beauty of love as a wedding photographer. After the birth of my daughters, my work transformed into photographing family happiness and children’s smiles. I have also always been fascinated by female portraiture, where the strongest and most independent woman reveals her feminine side.
There is a young girl in my soul longing for happiness and world peace. After the birth of my children, the desire to share kindness, tenderness, the beauty of nature, and the depth of the human soul through my photographs with the world only grows daily. The smile of a child – what could be better? The happiness of children is a trend that will never lose its relevance 🙂

For some, it’s more complicated, for some, it’s easier ☺ – What is your favorite image in your Westend61 portfolio and why?
Those playful eyes speak for themselves. I love them endlessly!

You are pretty active on Social Media. How does that profit/support you in your work as a photographer?
I try not to get hung up on the outside world’s opinion. After all, this is work, first and foremost. But it’s always nice to show your creativity and get compliments from colleagues and viewers. It’s motivating!
Where do you seek your inspiration from? For example, compositions, locations, models, etc.? How do you know what you want for your next Production?
Well, my main inspiration is my family! Communication with other photographers is very motivating. I also watch the monthly highlights on Westend61 and never miss the Inspire releases.
Show us a photo or Production from our portfolio by another Westend61 photographer that inspires you. Why does it?
Every mother sees herself in this photo 🙂 It’s so vital, fun, and peaceful!







