This will just make you pick up your camera and start your own journey of “approaching photography”. These photographs captured by Elena Shumilova will send you to a magical world that revolves around her two boys and their adorable animal friends.
Elena began photographing her kids Yaroslav, 5, and Vanya, 2, in 2012 with her first professional camera…
Elena practiced painting and sketching while she was studying at Moscow Institute of Architecture, where she believes she picked up feelings for photography and composition.
She clicks pictures of her boys, capturing their silent communication with the animals.
She beautifully captures the tender moments between her sons and the various animals in the farm.
“When shooting I prefer to use natural light – both inside and outside. I love all sorts of light conditions – street lights, candle light, fog, smoke, rain and snow – everything that gives visual and emotional depth to the image.”, says Elena.
Animals accepted the boys from a young age and the unbreakable bond continues as they grow older.
5-year-old Yaroslav sits on a sledge and enjoys the snow with a dog looking at him affectionately.
Whilst shooting every day and processing images at night each day, Elena discovers her own way of approaching photography.
“I get inspired mainly by desire to express something I feel, though I usually cannot tell exactly what that is until I have taken the shot”, she says.
She gives “visual and emotional depth” to her images through utilising different light conditions.
Yaroslav and Vanya go on with their animal adventures while their mother continues documenting these cherishable moments.