BEASTY PRESS INTERVIEW EXCERPTS: Q: Do you think a good equipment is essential for a good self-portrait result? A: It depends on what image you want to create. An image with good resolution for a perfect print? I've seen excellent work from my students shooting with a mobile phone. I believe constantly training your eye, the idea behind the click, and experimentation is the secret, along with continuous engagement with photography. Q: Do you believe self-portraits will be more recognized in the future and more artists will engage in it? A: This is already happening. And it will continue. I believe the art of the Self-Portrait is a personal journey; it is the recording of emotions, the inner voice, everyone's personal perception of how they see the world around them, and why not, their psychotherapy. Q: What would you say to those who confuse self-portraits with a common Selfie? A: From a medium perspective, a self-portrait can be taken with a digital camera, an analog camera, or even a mobile phone, so there might be some correlation there. The difference lies in the framing and the direction. What do I want to say with this image, what does it mean to me, what emotion do I want to convey to the viewer. How will I integrate into the space, what props will I use. Symbolism and posing are also important elements. Q: What is art to you? A: Creativity. Liberation. Voice. Q: Favorite photo? A: I don't know. It's been many years and clicks. But I'll say the one with the plastic glove wings from my series. It stands out because I didn't stage it while awake. During quarantine, I wanted to create an image with gloves but couldn't think of what. This was the first time I saw a photo in my sleep and said I have to do it. I woke up immediately and started writing down the details, the dress, the pearls, the way I tied my hair, the pose. I shot it exactly as I dreamt it. Q: Equipment? A: Nikon D750, 24-85mm lens, tripod, flash. Also a zenith camera with a 50mm lens. For the last 6 years I've been doing film ('An analog Diary'). I also love old, low-cost cameras with built-in flash from the '80s-'90s. I like to combine the old with the new.