Interview with Gulnara Samoilova

This month, it was an honor to speak with Gulnara Samoilova, a fine art, documentary and street photographer who was born in Russia and later moved to New York City in 1992. Before moving to the U.S., Gulnara was actually the only female fine art photographer in the Autonomous Republic of Bashkortostan, where she was born.

As you can imagine, Gulnara has had some extraordinary experiences as a photographer, including being on site as the World Trade Centers fell on 9/11. We spoke about that life-shaking event, but we also talked about Gulnara’s personal work (which is amazing), how to stay passionate in your creative endeavours and the formation of Women Street Photographers, it’s Instagram feed, traveling gallery and the incredible opportunities it now offers to women street photographers.

Listen in to our conversation with the lovely Gulnara by clicking on the audio player below.

A Selection of Gulnara’s Photos

© Gulnara Samoilova

© Gulnara Samoilova

© Gulnara Samoilova

© Gulnara Samoilova

© Gulnara Samoilova

September 11, 2011 Terrorists Attacts © Gulnara Samoilova

September 11, 2011 Terrorists Attacts © Gulnara Samoilova

September 11, 2011 Terrorists Attacts © Gulnara Samoilova

© Gulnara Samoilova

© Gulnara Samoilova

© Gulnara Samoilova

Gulnara’s Interview Links

Gulnara Samoilova

Gulnara is a fine art and street photographer based in New York City and the founder of @WomenStreetPhotographers Instagram feed and the traveling exhibition. She holds a certificate in fine art from the International Center of Photography in New York City and a diploma from Moscow Polytech College in general photography. In her native Russia she was a photography teacher and specialized in documentary and conceptual photography. Before moving to New York City in 1992, Gulnara was the only female fine art photographer in the Autonomous Republic of Bashkortostan, where she was born, in Ufa, the capital. In 2012 while on assignment in China she became more serious about street photography. A subsequent trip to Cuba increased her interest in the human condition. As a result, she was compelled to document the everyday life of people and she has traveled to Brazil, Myanmar, Argentina, Mexico and Russia. When Gulnara photographs her subjects she makes no secret of her intentions. Without speaking the language she blends into the environment and patiently waits for the moment to unfold. Her resulting photographs feel real and effortless.