Kostya Borovskiy - vocalist of the band "AGON", co-founder of the creative agency brvski.team, and just as much a fan of analog photography as we are. Kostya has had many cameras, each with its own unique story.
In one interview, you said: "Without photography, I’m like without music." What’s the story behind such a great love? What does photography mean to you personally?
It always seemed to me like chess or a bicycle - something everyone should have at home. In my family, photography was practiced by my grandfather. Even though he was a hard worker and spent his life working the land, he had several cameras and a photo enlarger. My dad also shot on film. We often locked ourselves in the bathroom with a red lamp and printed photos. So I’ve been into this since I was a kid.
What was the first film camera you bought as an adult?
Fujifilm Natura Classica. Very cool, light, and easy to use. All the adventures of the band Quest Pistols were documented with it. I even thought about organizing an exhibition with those shots but realized the content was too intimate: only old fans and we would really get the vibe in those photos. Most likely, those shots will stay in the archive.
If you had to choose one camera for life, which one would you pick?
100% Contax G2. It’s a cult Japanese camera from the ’90s, a delicate and beautiful rangefinder that needs to be taken care of. It has a great autofocus Zeiss lens. If someone thinks 35mm - is too little and low quality, then they haven’t shot on a Contax G2.
Have you had any medium format cameras?
Yes, my first medium format camera was the Mamiya 7 II. By the way, there’s a cool story connected to it.
Photographer Sasha Rudenski invited me on a photo trip to Hydropark. That day, surprisingly, almost everything was closed and there were hardly any people. We went into a café that was under renovation, and an elderly woman, either a prostitute or a stripper, came out to meet me. I thought she’d be embarrassed and leave, but this little lady, seeing the camera, immediately started performing. She lay on the table, made some stripper moves, spread her legs, wrapped herself in a curtain. Just so you know, she was sober, simply enjoying life and the moment. It was a mix of flirtatiousness and maturity, but she couldn’t resist playing along with the photographer.
Are you into instant photography?
I’ve always shot on Polaroid. I had a Polaroid 600 and a cool Polaroid Spectra before I learned about the Polaroid Land.
Is the Polaroid Land a special camera for you?
I got acquainted with the ambrotype method of getting photos. I really liked the depth of the image. And the Polaroid Land - it’s like a little soapy ambrotype. I loved shooting my daughter on this camera when she was just born. There’s an effect of antiquity and history in these shots. And I love these photos so much! I’ve never published them anywhere and won’t – it’s a family album.
Have you tried shooting on Fujifilm Instax?
Of course, as soon as it appeared. The camera is very convenient and practical, so I immediately found a use for it. At concerts during the song "Ты Так Красива" (You Are So Beautiful), I always photograph girls in the front row on the Fujifilm Instax Wide. They get a double shock: from the instant photo and from me giving them the shot. We have concerts planned, so girls, expect new photo cards!
Tell us about your approach when working with those who end up in your lens.
Mostly, all the artists I shoot are my good friends or we are quite close. So the shoots I do for them happen on the note of "let’s just live in the frame."
For example, if I’m shooting the band "Nervy" in the dressing room - they don’t pay attention to me and behave just as wildly and freely.
A few years ago, we had a spontaneous photo session on a hotel roof in St. Petersburg. It was a nice sunny day. And they said: "You know what kind of photos we want"? Like cool and simple guys from a rock band, like Nirvana. No one pretending, just standing in grandma’s sweater or plaid shirts." I really like that aesthetic too, so I said: "Of course, let’s go!" Later I saw they announced their tour with these photos: four of my bros standing on the roof at sunset. Nothing more is needed; that shot conveys the atmosphere.
Do you have a favorite film?
I love Kodak Portra Professional, really love the colors and grain of Ektar. For black and white, my favorite is Rollei because it’s contrasty. I like American-style, toasted black and white with deep contrast.
But in general, I believe the film loaded in your camera is the best one.
What’s the main joy of film photography for you?
Shooting on film, I’m constantly learning. There are many components in the process, the combination of which gives a great shot. But you don’t see the result immediately; there’s an element of intrigue. Although, thanks to you, I see my scans very quickly.
Overall, I just love this topic. I love life and capturing it.
