Advice from Nina Nayko
- The Global Photography Community
- Mar 7
- 2 min read
For me, being a great photographer is all about having taste and a genuine love for taking photos. If you don’t feel a connection to what you’re shooting, the results won’t have impact. Photography might be subjective, but good photographers know how to objectively critique their own work. Some people have a great eye for composition but end up burying it with heavy filters or odd editing choices. Editing can be learned, but having a vision and taste comes from within—my earliest photos had plenty of mistakes, but they still carried a specific vision.
Composition is everything in my photos. No matter how you color-grade an image, if the composition isn’t strong, the photo won’t work. I see compositions everywhere—in the details that grab my attention and in scenes that have a natural balance. If I spot something interesting but can’t frame it well, I don’t bother with the shot. Color grading comes next, helping me convey the emotions I felt when I took the photo, turning a flat image into something that feels alive.
I found my signature style through a blend of trial and necessity. When social media shifted toward videos, I had to get creative since my camera wasn’t great for video quality. That led me to explore animation, and by combining two differently edited frames, I created a flickering light animation that became my most popular series. Adding my own aesthetic twists turned it into something unique that resonated with people.
What sets my work apart is the love I have for it, and that passion shows. My photography has always been about sharing my perspective, letting people see the world as I see it, and encouraging them to appreciate the little details around them. My work is, first and foremost, for myself, but it’s also for others—I balance staying true to myself while keeping an eye on trends and what resonates with my audience. It’s this connection with both my art and my viewers that gives my work its special edge.
In terms of inspiration, photography is in my blood. My country itself is my biggest source of inspiration—there’s something new and interesting around every corner. Keeping the camera close is second nature, but creating consistent content for an audience is a different story. It requires real effort, thinking about what people like and staying aware of stats, which can get exhausting. Luckily, the support I get from others keeps me going on days I feel less motivated.
