DMITRY MAXIMOV – BAPTISTE

Unfortunately the space of the printed magazine doesn’t allow for everything, but here is another extra interview for the 7th printed PNPPL zine, this time with Baptiste, lensed by L.A. based photographer, Dmitry Maximov.

Dmitry Maximov (DM) – Baptiste (B)

How did you find each other for the photo shoot? – Was there any preparation before shooting?

DM: I know Baptiste from Instagram. We followed each other a few years ago when I was still living in Russia. Now I’m in the US — we were finally able to meet and I was able to take some photos of him. – Usually I don’t prepare for shooting in any way, I can have an image and a few shots in my head in advance that I would like to shoot, but sometimes I come to the shooting with a completely empty about any ideas. Everything what I shoot – I come up with on the go while working with a person. Ideas emerge during the process.

B: We met via Instagram. I particularly appreciate the beauty of Dmitry’s work. During a trip to Los Angeles he proposed that we shoot together and it was a pleasure to collaborate on this project. I don’t really need a specific preparation. Sometimes photographers send me moodboards, I knew Dmitry’s universe, I let myself be carried in confidence naturally enough by his professionalism.

What was the first impression of each other?

DM: I don’t know what his impression of me was, my impression of him is superficially good, but I didn’t have time to understand anything during the two hours of shooting.

B: I think we didn’t have time to get to know each other better but my impression was good, I had a good time and I will be happy to work with him again.

If there was – what was the most difficult thing during the shooting?

DM: The most difficult thing about shooting is not repeating yourself. I mean do not to take the same photos that you have already taken, to come up with something new — new angles, new composition, to conduct the shooting process in a different way. This is the hardest. In general.

B: For me it was rather simple and I met few difficulties because Dmitry seems to know exactly what he likes on camera and his instructions are very specific which helps a lot.

What do you do when you are not photographing?

DM: I photograph everytime everything, because when I don’t use my camera — my Iphone everytime with me 🙂 When I don’t take pictures then I either sleep or study (my last study is how to drive a car, cause in California unbearable to be without a car)

B: Outside of modeling I am a freelance fashion designer / fashion consultant.

What makes you happy?

DM: Very simple things make me happy – the realization that everything is fine with the people I care about, that everything is fine with my health, that I am doing what I should be doing. I am happy when people (and I) like what I photograph. The ocean energy, waves, surfers and natural sounds also make me happy.

B: When I hear a song that I haven’t heard in a while that perfectly describes or relates to what I’m feeling.