UU Self-Portrait Studio: How to Take a Truly Awesome Selfie

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UU Photo Studio, located in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg, offers a unique self-photography experience. There's no traditional photographer at this studio; each visitor can capture their best moments using a special mirror with a hidden camera and a convenient clicker remote. Received images are automatically emailed within 24 hours and are available in black and white. Guests are given the opportunity to independently process the photos at their own discretion, which makes the process even more individual and creative.

Founder of the studio Natasha Lokshina shares that the unique format was developed three and a half years ago. At that time, only Asian equivalents existed, but they didn't provide a full experience, as they lacked a mirror and were simply photo booths. The new approach implemented at the studio offers clients the opportunity not only to take photos but also to receive high-quality services in a comfortable environment. UU focuses on black-and-white photography. The creators believe this approach minimizes visual noise and gives the images timeless relevance. The shooting room lacks a display that could show previews of the photos. This solution helps participants focus on the process, without being distracted by the result and without criticizing themselves.

To achieve a high-quality result in a photo studio, it is recommended to choose Solid colors that contrast with the background. Black or white outfits will highlight details and create a striking look. After the shoot, it's important to properly frame the images to highlight the best moments and enhance the overall look.

Throughout her career, the most difficult thing has been explaining how the shooting format works. Natasha recalls that in the beginning, when similar formats didn't exist, guests often tried to figure out where the photographer was because they didn't understand how the mirror and remote worked. This created certain difficulties in understanding the shooting process.

We discussed with Natasha her experience working in a photo studio, sources of inspiration, and the secrets to creating a high-quality self-portrait. Below are the highlights of our conversation.

The co-founder of the UU photo studio chain, which successfully operates without a permanent photographer, was included in the Forbes 30 under 30 list. This project has become a unique example of an innovative approach in the photography industry, offering clients new Service formats and accessibility. UU attracts attention with its concept, which changes the perception of traditional photo studios, providing high-quality services and original solutions for creating and preserving memories. The success of the company and its founder underscores the importance of creativity and entrepreneurial thinking in modern business.

Insight comes in moments when we are in a state of deep reflection or inspiration. This can happen as a result of prolonged analysis of a situation, when we are developing ideas and concepts. Sometimes insight appears unexpectedly, when we take a break from the problem and allow the mind to wander. It is important to create the conditions for such ideas to emerge: this could be a walk in the fresh air, a creative activity, or simply time alone. Insight is not only a moment of clarity, but also the result of constant search and striving for understanding. By maintaining an active mind and openness to new perspectives, we can experience these moments of inspiration more often.

I have been involved in photography for many years, since the age of 13, and initially thought that it would be my main occupation for life. However, by the age of 20, I had become more introverted. I realized that meeting new people and photographing them every day no longer brought me the same pleasure. So I decided to focus on my studies.

After graduating from the "Britanka," I realized I wanted to develop my photography, but in a new format. My husband and I visited a studio in Yekaterinburg called "Self Portrait." At the time, it was the only one of its kind, and I realized that its creators were the first to offer a unique mechanism that allows you to take photos using a remote control and a mirror. This discovery inspired me to experiment with photography and gave me the opportunity to look at the process from a different perspective.

We visited their studio and took a series of photos. After leaving, I realized it was a wonderful idea, and I loved everything, but I would make some changes. As a result, my husband and I decided to present to the world our own interpretation of what this could look like. That's how the idea for UU came about.

Your unique offering is the black and white format, right?

This atelier with innovative mechanics remains a photo studio, but our goal is to create a completely new conceptual experience. We strive to ensure that our clients come to us not only for photographs, but also for a unique experience. We want every visit to be a performance, allowing people to spend time alone or with loved ones.

On Several people may attend the shoot, depending on the format of the event. Participants may bring necessary items, such as licenses, identification, and any personal items they may need for the shoot. It is important to discuss the number of people and their equipment with the organizers in advance to ensure a comfortable and productive shoot.

One slot can accommodate up to five guests, but the room is not very spacious and is ideal for individual shoots. The best option is one or two people. Bringing your family for a photo shoot is also a great idea. However, with more than five people, placement in the frame becomes difficult. This complicates the organization of the space and the adjustment of the lighting scheme, which can negatively impact the quality of the images depending on the positioning of the camera, mirror, and light.

The optimal number of participants for a photo shoot is one or two people, while five is the maximum. If the event involves a larger number of people, this won't be a problem, but keep in mind that it will feel more like an experience than a traditional photo shoot with professional lighting. In such situations, we recommend booking two slots at a time so guests can spread out across two rooms, ensuring a more comfortable and organized experience.

When a large group rents a room, guests in the adjacent room may feel outnumbered, which reduces their comfort level. We recently hosted an event with the New Holland team, consisting of 30 employees. They booked the entire studio and organized the space as they saw fit. This approach creates a more comfortable atmosphere for everyone and makes the event more effective.

What can I bring? You can bring anything except food, alcoholic beverages, fireworks, and confetti. These restrictions are due to the fact that we will not have time to clean up before the next guests arrive.

Guests need to have at least a basic knowledge of composition or photography to take a quality photo. A basic understanding of composition principles will help create more harmonious and attractive photos. Knowing basic photography techniques, such as the rule of thirds, the use of light and shadow, and an understanding of perspective, will significantly increase the chances of a successful result. Therefore, even novice photographers can achieve good photos if they take these aspects into account.

Determining what is necessary to create a great photo is difficult, since everyone has their own idea of ​​​​a "good photo." In my opinion, the ideal photo for a person is one in which they recognize themselves, they like their own image, and they are ready to proudly share it with others. Such a photo becomes part of their identity, allowing them to declare: "This is me, and I'm proud of it."

Self-acceptance is important for personal growth and harmony. These aren't just fantasies about how you look or what qualities you possess, but a real and objective understanding of your self. This skill takes time and effort, and not everyone succeeds. Only a few are able to perceive themselves as they really are, without distortions and fantasies. I myself cannot say with certainty that I fully possess this gift. Rather, I understand that I am in the process. Achieving an objective perception of oneself is the path to a fuller life and inner balance.

To enjoy the process, it is enough to be in a good mood and let go of thoughts. You do not need special skills or in-depth knowledge of how light works. The main thing is to relax and allow yourself to immerse yourself in the process.

After 15 minutes, you can relax and remove the masks, returning to your usual image. This time allows the guest to use their usual skills and take photographs that reflect their best qualities. Fifteen minutes is enough to create an image that matches his ideas about himself.

After 15 minutes, a person begins to be ready for exploration and creative expression, asking, "What happens if I change my perspective, stand on a chair, or turn my back?" Around the forty-minute mark, frames emerge that become interesting and relatable, allowing us to open up and express ourselves. This process demonstrates how changes in perception can lead to new creative discoveries.

A self-portrait in the studio can be just as high-quality as a shoot conducted by a professional photographer. Firstly, creating a self-portrait allows you to completely control the process, including choosing the angle, lighting, and background. This gives you the opportunity to convey your personality and mood more accurately than a stranger can.

Secondly, modern technology and accessible image processing tools make it possible to achieve high-quality results even without professional equipment. You can use a variety of lighting techniques and camera settings to create spectacular images.

Furthermore, self-portraits can be more personal and reflect your own emotions and experiences, which makes them unique and memorable. Thus, a studio self-portrait can be an excellent alternative to a professional shoot and a way to express yourself.

Photography is a unique art form that reflects each person's perception of the world. When a photographer photographs us, they convey their interpretation of us and the surrounding reality through their lens. If we strive to capture how we see ourselves, it's best to do so ourselves. Another person will perceive us through the prism of their experiences, background, and personal vision, which can be very different from our own. Therefore, to achieve a true self-presentation, it's important to use your own perspective and approach to photography.

Photography cannot be simply judged in terms of "worse" or "better". It is a question that is difficult to analyze in terms of absolute categories. The main factors affecting the quality of a photograph are often subjective and intangible. However, there are more specific aspects that are worth considering. First and foremost, photography is the art of working with light. The very word "photography" literally means "drawing light". The ability to manipulate lighting conditions, create the right accents and convey atmosphere are key skills for every professional photographer.

Choosing a photographer for a photo shoot is of great importance. If the photographer is professional and knows how to work with light, you will be able to get a stunning photo. Proper lighting can create a striking image, highlight your best features and make the photo high-quality. The photographer can position you by a window or choose the optimal angle so that the light falls beautifully on your face. This approach ensures not only high-quality images but also memorable moments.

In our environment, the lighting is pre-set, allowing you to slightly change the angle of your head to achieve a variety of shots. While shooting, you may not be aware of these changes and have no control over them. As a result, some shots may not be to your liking because the light was not as expected or was not flattering enough. This is an aspect we cannot fully address.

We strive to create perfect lighting that will make you look great, whether you are standing in the center of the room, sitting on a chair, or on the floor, and regardless of the number of people in the frame. We make many compromises when developing the lighting scheme, while the photographer has the ability to adjust the light for each individual shot.

The photographer selects and submits only the shots they consider to be the best. This has its pros and cons. On the one hand, the photographer's experience and professional approach guarantee high-quality images. On the other hand, perception of the photographs may vary: your opinion may not coincide with their vision. Therefore, it is important to discuss expectations and preferences in advance to get a result that will meet your requirements.

In our studio, we provide you with all the original Materials, allowing you to choose the most suitable shots yourself. This gives you greater control over the final result, but requires responsibility in selection and cropping. It is also important to note that photographs are delivered in raw format, which may require additional processing. Editing photographs may be necessary for many users. You may not need it, and that's perfectly fine. However, it's worth noting that simply leaving photos unprocessed and uncropped does not always result in the creation of high-quality visual content. A lack of artistic approach can make photographs less appealing and expressive. Image editing skills allow you to highlight their strengths and create a more interesting visual experience, which is especially important in today's world, where competition for viewers' attention is fierce. Visitors come to us not only to enjoy works of art, but also to get to know themselves. The main goal is self-discovery, not simply the acquisition of artistic masterpieces. Creating art requires professionalism, education, and life experience. True masters of their craft develop their skills through training and practice, which allows them to create unique works that can inspire and evoke emotion. We offer a space for self-expression and personal growth, where everyone can discover new facets of their personality.

UU guests made A multitude of unusual photographs, each telling its own unique story. These images reflect visitors' creative approaches to capturing moments, whether through unusual angles, interesting compositions, or unexpected situations. Some photographs capture the atmosphere of a place, while others highlight people's interactions with nature and the surrounding environment. UU has become a true platform for creative expression, where every guest can capture their impressions and share them with the world.

An interesting story happened at our first studio on Lunacharsky Street in Yekaterinburg. One woman came to us and took advantage of our spacious space, where we offered clients the opportunity to experiment with clothing. She decided to add a rail with items on hangers to her photos. This decision made the shots more lively and atmospheric, as she not only posed for herself but also interacted with the surrounding space. This approach to image creation became a striking example of how a studio's interior can be used to enrich visual content.

The woman posed with a large mirror, creating the effect of multiple reflections. The photo reflected not only her face but also several of her doubles, adding an interesting visual effect.

Interesting results often arise when guests interact with the space, approach the mirror, or photograph specific body parts. Such actions contribute to the creation of unique visual images and open up new perspectives.

Unusual photography is a concept that is difficult to define, as it relies heavily on subjective perception. There may be something in the frame that attracts attention: an unusual pose, an expressive gaze, or small details that create an emotional atmosphere. Such elements can have a significant impact on the viewer, evoking deep feelings and leaving a lasting impression. Unusual photographs stand out from the crowd thanks to their ability to convey unique moments and emotional states. Your team has unique traditions and customs that create an atmosphere of unity and joy. These unobvious practices help strengthen team spirit and improve interaction between members. Perhaps these are regular joint events, shared experiences, or even simple rituals you conduct during meetings. Such traditions not only make work more enjoyable but also help create a trusting environment conducive to creativity and productivity.

Our team is quite large and spans four cities. Due to our geographical dispersal, it's difficult to talk about any common traditions. However, we are actively working to create a unified corporate culture despite the distances between team members.

Every morning and throughout the day, employees take tests and send the results to a shared chat to check the lighting status. These photos help us stay in touch and track colleagues' movements across cities.

Sometimes, after saying goodbye to an administrator in the evening, you might find out in the morning that they are already working in another city, taking a test with the administrator of a new studio. Employees use these tests to create messages and surprises. This demonstrates how quickly the work environment changes and the importance of maintaining communication with colleagues despite the distance. Tests become not only a working tool but also a way to communicate and exchange ideas between teams.

The film "Searching for Vivian Maier" was a real discovery for our team. This documentary explores the life and work of Vivian Maier, a talented street photographer whose work only came to light after her death. The film presents a fascinating story that intertwines elements of art, mystery, and social issues.

Director John Mallouf, along with other researchers, reveals unknown aspects of Maier's life, her unique perspective, and how her photographs address important themes such as identity and society. Each frame she captures is imbued with depth and emotional power, making the film not only educational but also inspiring.

"Finding Vivian Maier" is more than just a documentary; it's a true cultural treasure that encourages viewers to rethink the meaning of art and its impact on everyday life. Through this film, viewers can learn about the importance of every story and how art can serve as a means of self-expression and self-discovery.

Vivian Maier's photographs are certainly familiar to many who are interested in photography. She created numerous self-portraits that attract attention with their unique aesthetic. An interesting aspect of her work is that she shot discreetly, never exhibiting her work publicly. Maier never organized exhibitions or made her photographs available to those featured in her photographs. This approach to creativity makes her an enigmatic figure in the world of photography and emphasizes the importance of personal perception of images.

She worked as a nanny and carried a camera with her every day. Judging by the plot of the film, she dreamed of becoming an artist. She wrote to various galleries, but her work was never exhibited. This story highlights the desire for self-expression and the struggle against circumstances that can hinder the achievement of goals.

She had been inactive for a long time, and her work was neglected. However, she had an extensive archive, which was unexpectedly acquired by real estate agents. It turned out that this archive contained many valuable works of art with significant artistic value and power.

The person who discovered this archive decided that something should be done with it. Thus, the world learned about Vivian Maier, an artist who was unable to realize herself in life. Her work became known thanks to those who accidentally stumbled upon her work. This incident highlights the uniqueness and interest of Maier's story, showing that many talented artists remain unnoticed. Perhaps there are many such creators, and their work is waiting in the wings to be discovered and appreciated.

Does this film align with your values?

We are always collecting different ideas and impressions. While this film doesn't fully align with our values, some moments in it evoke powerful emotions.

A man captured moments of his life using self-portraits as a means of interacting with the surrounding reality. These images have become an important tool for self-expression and understanding one's place in the world. Self-portraits allow for a deeper understanding of the author's inner world, their feelings and experiences, and also capture the unique moments that shape their life's journey.

We believe in the importance of documenting your life, including using photographs. There are many ways to do this: you can keep a journal, record videos, and photographs are an excellent tool for capturing moments. Photography not only allows you to preserve memories but also convey the emotions and atmosphere of events. Using photographs in combination with other formats, such as video recordings and text notes, creates a complete archive of your life that will be valuable to both you and your loved ones.

I love that she passionately pursued photography not for the sake of achieving any goals, but solely out of love for this art. Her passion for photography makes each of her images unique and sincere.

Sometimes you don't necessarily need a specific goal to perform certain actions. The process itself can be art and bring pleasure. It's important to appreciate the moment and enjoy what you're doing, regardless of the end result. Art can be manifested in every step, not just the final product.

The co-founder of the UU photo studio chain, which doesn't employ photographers, was included in the Forbes 30 under 30 list.

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