Jackie Kramer
Independant Photographer
About
Mitchell Kanashkevich, a name that resonates with power and vision in the world of travel photography, has built a reputation as a visual storyteller who transcends the usual norms. Born in Ukraine, Kanashkevich spent much of his adult life traveling and immersing himself in varied cultures, seeking profound experiences and enriching interactions.
His journey as a photographer traces back to his insatiable wanderlust. His restless spirit, combined with his eye for the extraordinary, found an outlet in photography - a medium that allowed him to delve deeper into his experiences and imprint them in a tangible form. His camera became a tool to explore, to understand, and to document cultures, landscapes, and people who otherwise might remain unseen and unheard.
The year 2015 marked a significant milestone in Kanashkevich's career when he won the Travel Photographer of the Year award in the People/Faces category. This recognition bore testament to his exceptional ability to capture the essence of human emotions, to portray stories etched on faces, and to communicate the depth of individual experiences. His photographs are more than mere images; they are narratives that invite viewers to journey into the lives of the subjects.
Despite his success, Kanashkevich remains a student of life and photography. He has authored ebooks and crafted educational photography courses, reflecting his passion for knowledge sharing. These resources illuminate his philosophy and approach to photography, revealing valuable insights into his creative process.
Kanashkevich's photographic narratives are often stumbled upon rather than sought after. His nomadic lifestyle leads him to unexpected places and encounters, each a source of inspiration. He is particularly intrigued by ancient traditions that continue to endure and adapt, marking the rhythm of life in societies far removed from the buzz of modernity. He captures the stories of people navigating unique, challenging environments, as well as those sharing a profound bond with nature.
At the core of Kanashkevich's work lies his commitment to capture not just what he sees, but what he feels. He endeavors to reflect the essence of his experiences, the spirit of the people he meets, and the ambiance of the places he visits. His images embody a fusion of aesthetics and emotion, framed within a broader context of cultural narrative.
One might say that Kanashkevich's photographs are like vibrant threads in the complex tapestry of human existence. They echo distant chants, mirror life's myriad hues, and etch in our minds the footprints of cultures across time and space. His works serve as visual reminders of our shared humanity, despite the disparities in our experiences and lifestyles.
Beyond being a photographer, Mitchell Kanashkevich is a cultural anthropologist, a chronicler of human resilience, a spokesperson for the unheard, and a bridge between the familiar and the unknown. His work reminds us of the power of photography - not just as a form of art but as a tool for empathy, understanding, and connection.
As we step into the visual world of Kanashkevich, we are reminded of the vast diversity of human life, and yet, we also find reflections of our own selves. This paradox is the beauty of his work - in the strange, we find the familiar; in the exotic, we discover elements of our own life. Through the lens of Mitchell Kanashkevich, we embark on journeys that lead us not only across geographical landscapes but also through the vast expanses of the human spirit.
My Courses
— Jackie Kramer
Intermediate
English