Burnt Beauty
Photographer: Elena Rylina
1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?
When I was a teenager, I dreamed of creating something beautiful and meaningful. Even before I had a camera, I already imagined the kinds of images I wanted to make. Eventually, I asked my parents for a camera, and when they bought me one, I started photographing everything around me. Through the lens, the world suddenly felt more colorful, more alive. I felt like a creator — someone who could freeze a moment in time, capture emotion, reshape reality slightly, remove distractions, or add creative touches. I think that desire to see and shape beauty was always inside me.
2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?
One of the biggest challenges at the beginning was believing in myself. Even after getting the camera, I had moments of doubt. People often feel free to criticize or suggest how they would do things differently — and I don’t blame them — but when you're still developing your artistic identity, such comments can deeply affect your confidence. Over time, I realized that my perspective is my strength. If I tried to please everyone, my work would become bland and forgettable. The hardest part was accepting that I had to trust myself and follow my own vision.
3. Walk us through a specific project that challenged your creative boundaries. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience?
Yes, I’m truly grateful for my collaboration with Kristýna Pyszková, just before she was crowned Miss World 2024. We did a powerful shoot with horses, and it turned out to be a magical experience. I’m thankful to her and her team — not only is she an incredible model, but she’s also a strong personality devoted to charity. I’ve also worked with well-known Czech influencers with large audiences, which was exciting. These kinds of collaborations push me to stay creative and professional at the same time.
4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?
I started teaching because I wanted to help people grow as photographers. In just the last month, I’ve held three lighting workshops, and I have two more coming up. I don’t just give guides — I try to show how light can be playful and expressive. I work with multiple models, create different looks, and help people think beyond formulas. I’m always grateful to my students — it’s a special feeling when people see you not just as a photographer, but as someone who can pass on knowledge.
5. As you reflect on your journey, are there any specific goals or milestones you've set for your artistic career in the coming years?
The concept came to me while I was reflecting on deeper emotional and social struggles. The idea of Burn Beauty — the title itself — suggests something dangerous, hauntingly beautiful, and untamed. It’s a metaphor for both strength and vulnerability. The woman in the image, covered in paint and oil, her chest bound with a strap, symbolizes inner resilience and the emotional battles many women face. The dark background intensifies the feeling of isolation, while the dirt on her skin represents the scars of past experiences.
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“Burnt Beauty” is a metaphor for strength and vulnerability. A woman, covered in paint and oil, with her chest bound by a belt, symbolizes the struggle and inner resilience. The dark background intensifies the sense of isolation, while the dirt on her body represents the marks of what she’s endured. This shoot tells the story of beauty that remains despite the destruction and trials one faces.
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Photographer: Elena Rylina
Model/Makeup Artist: Angelina
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Skirt – New Yorker
Boots – Bershka