When asked what inspired him to start photographing strangers and gifting them instant prints, Volodymyr explained, "Photography entered my life when I realized that I loved the idea of preserving and sharing important moments. There’s something deeply satisfying about capturing a fleeting moment and then offering it as a gift. I had always enjoyed taking photos with my phone, but when I started taking pictures of strangers and saw their reactions, I knew I had found something special. The look of surprise, the unexpected joy—it felt like a small way to make the world just a bit brighter. The idea itself isn’t new, but it’s the emotional response that makes it unique. In today’s world, we’re surrounded by digital images, so a tangible photo, printed right there and handed to someone, carries a weight of personal connection. It’s my way of saying, ‘I see you, I appreciate this moment, and I want you to have it.’"
On how he decides which people to photograph, the photographer shared, "It’s mostly based on intuition. As I walk, I’m looking for expressiveness—something in the person’s emotion, their energy, or their unique features that catches my eye. Often, I feel this sense that a particular person has the potential for a meaningful photograph. It’s not about traditional ideas of beauty; it’s more about capturing diversity and authenticity. I try to approach each person with respect, aware that each individual has their own story. Sometimes, it’s not even about their appearance but the situation they’re in or the expression on their face that draws me in. I aim to reflect all kinds of beauty and make people feel valued and seen."
A particularly memorable reaction came from an elderly man he photographed. Volodymyr recalled, "One moment that stands out was when I gave a print to an elderly man. He had this quiet, gentle presence, and I wasn’t sure how he would react. When I handed him the photo, he just stared at it for a long time, and then he smiled—this kind of deep, almost nostalgic smile. He said, ‘I haven’t had a photo of myself in years.’ That moment really hit me. It wasn’t just about the picture; it was about being noticed and remembered. It made me realize how impactful something so simple can be."
On why his approach to street photography brings so much joy, Volodymyr told us, "It’s the element of surprise. When people receive something unexpected, it triggers a stronger emotional response. The surprise itself adds to the joy because it’s rare for someone to be handed a photo of themselves out of the blue, especially in a world where everything is instant but fleeting. A physical photo is tangible, something they can hold onto, and it signifies that someone took the time to notice them, to see them as they are in that moment. The emotions I capture are raw, and when people see themselves through my lens, they often feel more seen, more valued. It’s that connection, that personal touch, which brings them joy."
Reflecting on how his move from Ukraine to the Czech Republic has influenced his photography, Volodymyr said, "Moving to the Czech Republic has opened my eyes to new environments, cultures, and people. There’s a richness in the diversity here that continues to inspire me. Every place has its own rhythm, and street photography is about capturing the essence of that moment. The move gave me a fresh perspective, especially when looking at people in their daily lives. It has allowed me to expand my vision, to see how small moments can reflect bigger stories. In a way, it made me more attuned to the beauty in everyday life, and that’s what I strive to capture in my photos. The streets here feel like a canvas, with every person adding their own brushstroke to the picture."
