BY[STRIVE TIMES US]
From Moscow to Paris, Ilia Koltsov has built a distinctive voice in fashion photography—one that blends old-world optics with modern aesthetics. In this exclusive interview, he shares his journey, inspirations, achievements, and future ambitions in the global fashion industry.
Introduction: A Photographer Between Eras
Ilia Koltsov is a Paris-based fashion photographer known for his unconventional approach—shooting contemporary models with vintage lenses, some older than the models themselves. Born in Moscow and now living in Paris, Ilia’s work stands at the intersection of tradition, experimentation, and modern fashion storytelling.
Q: What is your name, and where are you currently based?
Ilia Koltsov:
My name is Ilia Koltsov. I currently live in Paris, but I was born in Moscow.
Q: When did you start your photography journey?
Ilia Koltsov:
I started my journey about ten years ago as a macro photographer. At that time, I was also running my own online shop, which gave me deep exposure to old and ancient photographic gear. I learned how everything worked inside out.
Back then, I was even mentioned in National as a strange, unknown photographer—someone who mounted whatever he could find onto his camera, almost like an alien in the industry. About three years ago, I shifted my focus to fashion photography, bringing everything I learned from macro photography with me. Today, I photograph models using lenses that are often older than the models themselves.
Q: Who inspired you to begin this journey?
Ilia Koltsov:
I’ve been very lucky to have two incredible mentors. The first is Mickael Minarie, an expert in old film gear and unconventional shooting techniques. He taught me to see beauty in imperfection and to experiment without fear.
The second is Laurent Duffour, a renowned French street-style photographer and the author of Les regards de Paris. He showed me how to blend authenticity and emotion into every frame. Their influence shaped my vision—somewhere between technical curiosity and poetic observation.
Q: What achievements are you most proud of so far?
Ilia Koltsov:
I’m especially proud of how quickly my work gained recognition. Within just six months, my photos were published in several magazines, including Alphero, Elite Mag, Vogue, Luxstavia, and Strive US.
Seeing my work featured across such diverse platforms was both humbling and motivating. It showed me how far passion and persistence can take you in a short time.
Q: Who is your role model in the fashion and photography world?
Ilia Koltsov:
I admire many photographers, but the person who inspires me the most is Karl Lagerfeld. Beyond his work as a designer, I admire how he built an entire creative universe that connected photography, fashion, and brand identity.
I try to follow a similar path—using photography not just as art, but also as a tool to promote models and develop a broader presence within the fashion industry.
Q: What are your future goals as a creative professional?
Ilia Koltsov:
My future goals are focused on growth—both creatively and business-wise. I want to expand my client base, increase exposure, and create high-quality content that truly reflects my vision.
During the first semester, I’m planning to launch two major projects: a jewelry store and a clothing shop, which will also include a lingerie line. These ventures will allow me to merge photography, fashion, and branding into one cohesive creative direction.
Q: What are you preparing for the upcoming summer season?
Ilia Koltsov:
Right now, I’m focused on organizing all the logistics for my upcoming projects. The jewelry and clothing stores are a major step forward, and I want to make sure everything is perfectly aligned before their launch. This summer will be very busy—but exciting.
Q: Can you share the success of your latest releases?
Ilia Koltsov:
One of my latest highlights is being featured in Vogue Monaco, where all the published images were shot by me. It was a very rewarding experience and an important milestone in my career.
The feature can be seen here:
https://voguemonaco.co/2025/11/19/elenanazdryukhina/
Q: What has been the biggest challenge in your journey?
Ilia Koltsov:
The biggest challenge has been maintaining a balance between my professional and private life. As a photographer, you become very visible—almost like a public figure. Learning how to stay active in the industry while keeping certain parts of my life private has been a constant balancing act.
Q: What advice would you give to beginners in photography?
Ilia Koltsov:
My advice is simple: do what you love. Photography doesn’t require extremely expensive gear if you’re open to using vintage lenses. Yes, older equipment has its quirks—autofocus may be slower—but for macro or fashion photography, it works perfectly.
For example, I shot half of Paris Fashion Week with a 70–210mm f/3.5–4.5 lens that cost less than a hundred dollars. Choose gear that suits you, not something brand new that costs as much as a small car.
Also, always believe in your artistic vision. And remember—while photography is art, it’s also a service. The client’s satisfaction matters. Sometimes their taste will differ from yours, but at the end of the day, the client is king.
Q: What message would you like to share with your supporters?
Ilia Koltsov:
Believe in yourself. No matter where you start or what challenges you face, trust your vision and keep moving forward. Confidence and persistence can take you much further than you imagine.
With a unique blend of vintage technique and modern fashion sensibility, Ilia Koltsov continues to redefine what contemporary fashion photography can be. As his creative universe expands beyond photography into fashion and jewelry, his journey is only just beginning.