Florence From Below
Photographer: Albina Abdullina
1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?
Moving to Italy was a turning point in my artistic journey. Studying in Florence — the heart of Renaissance — changed the way I see the world. The city’s art and atmosphere taught me to look deeper and find beauty in every detail.My upbringing in Siberia shaped my sensibility with its vastness and raw landscapes, contrasting with Italy’s refined elegance. I’ve also traveled extensively and practiced street photography, sharpening my eye for emotion and human moments. I often walk with my head tilted up — looking not just ahead, but beyond. People and spaces inspire me constantly.
2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?
A recent jewelry editorial in Florence was one of my most inspiring projects. The stylists — students from Paris — brought fresh energy. The model deeply understood the concept, and the makeup artist infused passion into every detail.Together, we created something greater than expected. Everyone felt free to experiment, and our shared vision turned the shoot into a collective creative discovery. It reminded me that true collaboration happens when each person brings their heart into the process.
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?
Shooting a brand campaign with the Miss Italia competition was a challenge — 40 contestants, one pool location, and just six hours over two days. Every image had to be unique.This pushed me to think fast, stay focused, and build instant rapport with each model. It strengthened my confidence, adaptability, and creative instinct — all while under pressure. The experience showed me the power of preparation and emotional connection in fast-paced shoots.
4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?
What sets my work apart is the way I blend emotional storytelling with a refined, cinematic aesthetic. I don't just aim to capture beauty — I strive to evoke a feeling, a moment that resonates beyond the frame. My photographs often carry a quiet intensity; they are meant to speak to something deeper within the viewer.I also draw from a diverse cultural background — growing up in Siberia, living in Moscow, and now working in Italy — and that blend of influences gives my work a nuanced sensibility. I balance softness and structure, intuition and composition. Whether it’s fashion, portraiture, or editorial, I treat each image as a crafted moment with its own soul.
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?
Looking ahead, my dream is to collaborate with globally renowned fashion magazines and brands. I aspire to see my work published in iconic publications, to contribute to meaningful campaigns that merge art and commerce, and to continue refining my voice as a photographer.Beyond recognition, I want to grow through each project — creatively, culturally, and personally — and to be part of visual conversations that inspire and stay with people. My journey is just beginning, and I’m excited for everything still to come.
-
Shot entirely in the historic center of Florence, this editorial flips perspective — capturing the city from below, just as its architecture towers over and shapes the rhythm of daily life.
The series combines structured fashion with sharp angles and low viewpoints, creating a sense of monumentality around the woman — like she, too, is part of the city’s legacy. Each image places her at the intersection of shadow and light, tradition and reinvention.
This is Florence not as a backdrop, but as a force — stone, sun, and silhouette — rising beneath her stride.
-
Photographer: Albina Abdullina
Model: Maria Laura Baroncini
Hair & Makeup: Alessia Paleologo
Wardrobe Stylist: Goran Micic
-
Gor Firenze