Light As A Short Story

Although she has a degree in cinematography from the National Academy of Theater and Film Arts, Lora Musheva's oldest dream is photography. She started taking pictures as a child in Kazanlak, where she was born, before deciding that the film camera was the means by which she would make people fly. Today she flies between the set and the studio, between the constantly changing roles of photographer, cinematographer, assistant camerawoman and director. In just over five years she has worked on more than ten films, directed videos for artists such as Jeremy? and Southwick. And yet photography remains her first love – the feeling of seeing a ray of sunlight in space and capturing its ephemeral play. And for the last three years, she has also been an integral part of the independent production company Four Elementz.

THE BEGINNING

I strongly believe that nothing is accidental and everything happens for a reason that you find out eventually. I started out as a camerawoman. A profession that I do not practice in its truest sense. But it brought me to where I am at the moment. Light is the main means of expression in every image we see. So I started by capturing moments that I think are beautiful or important to me in some way.

THE STUDIO VS. ON LOCATION

The difference between the two environments lies in the dialogue. When I shoot on location, in most cases I observe people and look for a feeling and beautiful light I can use. The interesting thing about shooting on location is that there is always a separate micro environment where no one is shooting, because it is usually next to or behind the set, which has been arranged. I stand there and wait for someone to show up, and then I take pictures. In the studio, it is very different. We usually go in there with a specific concept. If we don't have one yet, our conversations always lead us to a specific emotion, which for me is the most important thing in a frame.

LIFE IS LIKE A MOVIE

My job as an assistant camera operator was part of the original plan. It was an interesting and useful process. You meet colleagues, observe their work, and understand how each department actually works and the effort it costs them. I believe that this is the best path for anyone who wants to be work in filmmaking. And directing has always been interesting to me. Specifically videos and commercials. I love short forms of storytelling, talking through pictures. I can only achieve that through these formats.

IDEAS

Each idea is preceded by a story. And to have that story, you just have to live and observe the world around you. Everything is there.

THE DIFFERENT LENSES OF LIFE EVENTS

It turns out that I have different periods. Loneliness used to dominate my shots. My hands were also a big part of my "photographer's life." I had two years of shooting nothing but that. This was my daily routine. Me and the world around me. At the moment I am shooting in lots of color and a new love for car photography has appeared.

FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHERS

There are excellent contemporary photographers, so many of them. But my list of favorites has remained the same for some time now: Anton Corbijn, Todd Hido, Ryan McGinley, William Eggleston. They will always inspire me.

HOLIDAYS

I relax at home. With my boyfriend, the dog and the cat. This is the best place for me. I haven't had a date with fishing in a long time, because there is never any time left for that.

You can see more from Lora Musheva at instagram.com/loramusheva/