Meet Timofey Abel | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Timofey Abel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Timofey, how do you define success?
I think success is often misconstrued as something you can measure with years of experience, money, recognition and etc. For me, success in photography is being able to do exactly what I want to do, have creative freedom, and give others an opportunity to express themselves. When it comes to people photography, establishing a genuine connection with the person in front of my camera is what I define as success. I always say that there is no point in doing anything if you’re not being the most positive influence to those around you. Even though I’m young and have a lot less experience than others, I like to believe that I am successful. Collaborating with others in an uplifting environment and creating images that I love is what makes me feel content as an artist. I’m grateful for all the artists I’m able to collaborate with. Logan Troy is an incredible hairstylist who I’ve been working with this past year. Though there is so much we want to accomplish, our ambitions and goals don’t take away from enjoying the journey. Our work and attitude is what we define as success. It feels amazing to be recognized for what you do, but recognition should never act as the catalyst. I’m excited to bring more ideas to life, to learn from others and grow together as artists.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Timofey Abel:
I’ve always been inspired by movies, music, and visual arts. I travelled a lot as a child and teenager. My dad is a historian, bibliest and writer, and my mom doesn’t go a day without reading a book. I was born in Moscow, Russia, and the culture of art was instilled in me from a young age. Both of my cousins act, and I’ve always been drawn to anything expressive – music, painting, photography, history and etc. When I was 7 my parents and I immigrated from Russia to USA, due to religious prejudice in Russia. We sought asylum in the USA. Growing up, I always felt like an outsider. We lived in many places, and I went through dozens of schools. My family and I never sat still, and my twin Sonya and I visited almost 40 countries before turning 18. We often slept in a car and faced a lot of uncertainty, but material things never could compare to the wealth of knowledge my parents instilled in us with countless museums, expeditions, stories and etc. Photography became a way for me to have control over my world, when I was 16 and we were spending a year in the country Georgia (just south of Russia). At that point in time, I felt like I had no place in the world, nor control, and hence photography became something that felt easily accessible. I used to montage videos from YouTube and spend hours layering filters onto random images I took with my iPhone, just playing around. I missed the USA when we were away, I missed the highways and the endless scope of opportunity I felt it had to offer. When I cam back, I learned about 35mm cameras from a friend and started to capture “The American Dream” on film. This would mostly entail the area around my home in Boca Raton, Florida. Life was so vastly different here than say in the mountains of Georgia (the country). I felt privileged and captured the warm and gorgeous scenes of suburban Florida, Miami Beach, Delray Beach and etc. Later on, my parents and I went to the Middle East. I brought along 20 rolls of Portra 400, and had the most amazing time. The history of Israel, Cyprus, Turkey and Georgia was so inspiring. One of my favorite bodies of work are the shots I captured during the several months that I was traveling in the Middle East. When I moved out of the house when I was 18, I lived in a camper with my best friend. Logan Troy is a hairstylist, and I began to develop a love for portraiture. I approach portraiture in a documentary way, usually working outside. I am so inspired by cinema, and the iconic work of Lindbergh, Jacques Olivar, Avedon, Albert Watson, and so so many others. I love the stories behind each image, and the collaborative process. Creating images and working with others is what makes me feel truly happy and content. I don’t measure success in any other way. The connection I create with the model is something I cherish as well, it means the world to be able to make someone feel beautiful and confident. Photography is a way for me to capture these moments in time. Time and life is always moving so fast, and photography is something that stops things in place. I know that I’ll look back at the images I’m taking today (I’m 19) and remember all the amazing fun I had and connections I made. I want to inspire and uplift others as much as I can. I for a long time felt like I had no place in the world, and I want everyone who works with me feel like they belong and that their appreciated. I’m grateful to be able to speak my mind and relate my story to you. Thank you!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start the day by grabbing coffee at Barista Alley (Greer) and checking out Aged Attire. At lunchtime, grab lunch at El Jalisco in Greer, the best Mexican food in town! Then, head to downtown Greenville and walk around the Falls Park on the Reedy. Check out Mary Praytor gallery (I have two prints currently for sale). Mary is the kindest gallery owner, and she sells beautiful artwork, photography work, and sculptures. At evening time, I would check out Nose Dive – amazing food and vibey atmosphere. A must see after dinner (for a drink or two) is Juniper! Greenville is a gorgeous city!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Logan Troy – An incredible and inspiring artist, stylist, and person.

Ava Harris – A talented and inspiring model and stylist.

UWM – A great and thoughtful agency that’s been supportive since day one.

AI Model Management – An inspiring and encouraging agency.

Madison Johnson – A positive and talented makeup artist.

Anna Gantt – A supportive model and friend.

Website: https://timofeyabel.com

Instagram: @timofeyabel

Facebook: @timofeyabel

Other: I’m selling two prints at Mary Praytor Gallery, and will have an exhibition at 906 Red Door Gallery end of this year!

Image Credits
Photographed by Timofey Abel