From Dreams to Shooting De Niro: How Kardava Did It

Exclusive Interview

George Kardava is a Moscow-based Georgian photographer. He moved to Russia at a very young age, and, now in his 30s, has managed to prove himself in the busy celebrity world of the country.

Currently, Kardava is successfully collaborating with some of the world’s most famous magazines, including GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Grazia, OK and other Russian publications. He has worked with such world-renowned figures as Robert de Niro, Vincent Cassel and Gérard Depardieu.

GEORGIA TODAY contacted him to explore the path he took to come out on top in the world of photography.

When and why did you decide to become a photographer?

Photography is not my direct profession. My involvement in the sphere happened somehow by accident and in quite an interesting way. In 2009, in the third year of my studies, I was kicked out of university. For nearly a year, I had no job and was totally free. I dreamed of travelling to Mexico to buy a set of drums, but I needed money to make it happen and so I borrowed my sister’s photo camera and start working as an amateur photographer. I was then able to contact people through social networks and offer photoshoots.

Can you recall your first photoshoot?

My first photoshoot took place in March 2009. I can clearly remember the freezing weather and snow in the streets of Moscow. The result was horrible. However, it was the very first and thus one of the most interesting experiences in my career. In addition, it was my first paycheck, which adds a sprinkle of joy to the memories.

Did you take any photography courses or are you self-taught?

I’m a self-taught photographer. The knowledge I have was obtained through hard-work and daily shootings. I don’t think taking a course or studying in a particular education establishment is the best way to learn: practice and experience are the two elements which best give you the chance to explore a field in depth and which contribute to the formation of a real professional. I took courses only once and I still regret it.

How much do you research your subjects before photographing them?

I don’t. Experience has taught me that creativity and spontaneity are always the top priorities in any photoshoot. However, I always work along the stylist and producer prior to shooting, and create mood boards to be sure I’m working in the right direction.

You’ve participated in a number of projects. Which was the most memorable for you?

Every single photoshoot is important and memorable for me. But I would certainly highlight the ‘Question & Answer’ project where I had to work with 45 people simultaneously. The bodies of the models were painted in red and white and then I took a high-angle shot showing the models laying in the shape of question and exclamation marks. It was an extraordinary, impressive and large-scale photoshoot for me.

You’ve worked with renowned world celebrities. Tell us your best and worst experience.

I feel incredibly happy and lucky, having had the chance to work with such terrific professionals as Robert de Niro, Vincent Cassel, Gerard Depardieu and others. It’s a real honor for me to be entrusted with the responsibility to work with such figures. Each photoshoot brings only positive emotions and represents an absolutely fascinating experience for me. I genuinely can’t think of any negatives.

Is it difficult to work with celebrities?

Certainly not. Before working with them, you have to go through exhausting hours of real drudgery in preparation, but the actual moment of working with them is easy, as they have experience and are clearly aware of their own strengths and weaknesses. They can freely express different emotions during the process of the photoshoots. Working with them is nothing but a pleasure.

Portraits dominate among your works. Why?

The strong accent on portraits is catalyzed by my curious character and interminable love of people. It is interesting for me to listen to the stories of individuals and share their feelings, keeping an eye on their successes or failures. Each person is unique and outstanding, and for me, as a photographer, it is a marvelous chance to represent this uniqueness. I love my models and do not hesitate to reflect this love via my camera.

Where do you see the future of photography?

Along with the development of technologies and the facilitated access to them, the industry of photography is improving respectively. The role of digital media and mobile photography is massive today and I think this field will develop in these directions. As for the future, I believe robots serving as professional photographers will also be launched.

Do you have any tips for young photographers?

Hard work, daily practice and self-development is the best way to achieve success in photography, as well as in other spheres.

By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya