“Even at 98, my photo’s heroine was an optimist”

The 16th Den’s Photo Exhibition presents portraits of the heroes of modern Ukraine. One of them is photo Onion, taken by Yevhen Tymchenko from Lviv. The photo shows an elderly woman in a flower-patterned shirt, standing on the porch of her ancestral house with bundles of onions in the background. She may be seen as an allegory of Ukraine, tired but confident. Tymchenko won the Danone Ukraine Prize for this photo at this year’s Den’s Photo Exhibition. The photographer recalled the story of the lucky shot and told us about memorable photos.

How did your Onion appear?

“It happened two years ago in Kyiv region, most probably in Obukhiv raion. I worked for a newspaper, and they sent me and a reporter down there to make a piece about one woman. As we were talking to her, our subject said that her mother was 98 years old. Since our employer took an interest in longevity champions, we decided to interview this old woman as well. On our arrival to her country house, I saw bundles of onions hanging from the ceiling and took a photo of it. As the elderly woman was hearing-impaired, her daughter volunteered to serve as an ‘interpreter.’ The granny still made a great impression on us, as she was similar to a real model. This long-living woman was a strong and forceful person. Having lived a difficult life and done a lot of work, she never complained.”

Is this typical for modern Ukrainians?

“This year has seen people beginning to take more responsible attitude to their country. However, even before the Revolution of Dignity, we had citizens who were concerned about the nation’s future. They were the first to come to Maidan and set an example to others.

“Choosing the right words is not easy. Modern Ukrainians are sure of themselves and their country; they are also responsible. This can be seen in the photo Callsign Sokil (Artur Stepanenko) which received the Den’s Golden Award.”

What other pictures from Den’s Photo Exhibition have impressed you most?

“I was very impressed by Mykola Tymchenko’s Farewell. It shows a soldier who goes off into the anti-terrorist operation area. The plot is classic: a lad in uniform embracing a girl. We see the girl’s eyes, full of fear and pain. The picture is simple, but her look is extraordinary.

“The photo The Date was to my liking as well. The picture was taken in a park and shows a lad embracing a wheelchair-bound girl. I often had to take pictures of disabled people, as the newspaper that employed me had it as a constant theme. I know how important it is to change society’s perspective of these people. The disabled are ordinary people who deserve equal treatment. The Date is an example of it.

“Another very memorable photo is Maksym Liukov’s Human Warmth. It shows Maidan after the fire, and a lad standing amidst all this horror with a puppy in his hands. This picture is unique in its emotional impact and craftsmanship.”

This photo won the Audience Award. What do you think, why Ukrainians like optimistic photos these days?

“Photos reflect life, and what is life without optimism? Despite all hardships, happy pictures give hope in difficult times, turn people’s mood positive. For a photographer, the source of optimism is people who believe in something and do not give up, like that granny from my photo who worked for decades and was still satisfied with life at 98.”

How has your life changed over this year?

“I am moving on to a new activity, as I graduated from camera courses and will become a cameraman instead of a photojournalist. I have long wanted to make videos, but could not get that job at first, so became a photographer, then a photojournalist. So, my creative career is on the rise. Of course, I have room to grow in the photo art, but the new profession is a step forward as well. Video opens up other possibilities related to editing, sound work, interesting camerawork techniques. I previously believed that photographer’s and cameraman’s jobs are similar, but the courses have proved me wrong.

“The news will be my first practice field, as they will provide me with a wonderful experience. People who make good news can shoot anything. It will allow me to have experience doing various kinds of videos, although this work is very exhausting. I will keep photography as my hobby. I   have always been interested in ethnography and landscape.”