Victoriya Bulyga: Best Rule in Photography is That No Rules Exist

Victoriya Bulyga is one of the newer members on Depositphotos. Victoriya pursues a very specific type of vision and an aesthetic that gives her works a signature, making the images unmistakably hers. How is this achieved and what’s Victoriya’s approach to stock photography? Find out in our interview with the photographer.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

I think I am the most ordinary person. I was born in a small town in the Rivne region, now I live in Lviv. I have been photographing for 5 years. From childhood I thought in pictures and mentally made clips in my mind when listened to music. I also love dancing.

Why did you choose to get into stock photography?

When I decided that I didn’t want to take wedding pictures. It’s very hard for me, I want to try working with stocks. For me, an introvert, it is more comfortable.

How difficult is it to start working with stock photography platforms and what kind of returns can you expect to make in the beginning?

The hardest it is to start. It’s not easy to come up with an idea for photos, but is very interesting. When I started to work with stocks, I didn’t expect for great earnings, I knew that for this I must to have good and big portfolio. Nevertheless I was surprised that my photos were bought.

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far in stock photography?

In my opinion, the best rule of the photography is that no rules exist. In stock photography the more active you are, the better.

What factors help an image sell well?

A beautiful and true picture, made with love.

What is your typical work day like?

I have a free work schedule. I love waking up early in the morning, it’s the most important part of the day for me. Next I work on my computer, make photos or take photos in my home. It looks like a challenge, because we have a very small apartment for this (I dream of my own working space).

What would you be doing if it weren’t for photography?

If it weren’t for photography I would be a choreographer 🙂

Do you have a favorite image in your Depositphotos portfolio? If so, what’s the story behind it?

If I have to choose one, it will be photo with the dog. In this photo, I collected everything that I love – dog, old car, autumn and my lovely town. This photo I took when I make photos for a pretty couple with their dog. We walked near the car and I couldn’t miss it 🙂

How do you choose themes that you’re going to work with?

I don’t choose 🙂 All my life, space and environment are my themes. I think that life style photos are popular for stocks. But for myself, I highlight food photography, love working with composition.

Do you have any specific tips for food photography? Perhaps some tips on compositions?

I like to eat food, which you shoot 🙂 I never try to make photo of food of some rules, everything I do is all on an intuitive level. About tips – it comes with practice. With more practice, your photos and composition will be better and better.

Name 3 things that inspire you to continue shooting.

Travel – change of scenery, when you see nice nature, another culture and people are very inspiring and you come back with new ideas. Feedback – when I see that people like my photos, like how they look at my photo and ask me “How have I made such a beautiful picture”. That makes me happy and inspires me. Music, films, literature, my environment (all around me are very creative and talented people).