A noted photographer, photography school instructor, and co-founder of the BestMemories studio, Dmitry Iskhakov has built a reputation through his long-standing collaboration with the acclaimed actress Renata Litvinova. Their relationship began at a pivotal moment in his career and evolved into a partnership that shaped both their creative directions.
It all started during a visit to Cannes, when Iskhakov was invited to shoot for a brand amid a gathering of cinema talents. Litvinova attended the festival as one of the Russian stars whose presence drew attention. From the very first moment, Litvinova’s distinctive presence—expressive gestures, a refined grace, and a certain atmospheric aura surrounding her—captivated the photographer. He recalls how her demeanor and the mood of the event created an instant spark, something that suggested more than just a single shoot or a fleeting moment of collaboration.
Following the initial project, Litvinova agreed to continue the collaboration beyond the festival environment. She invited Iskhakov to extend their work outside the event, and he accepted. The decision became the seed of a sustained creative dialogue that would unfold over years, taking them from one city to another and into various creative contexts where photography and cinema intersect.
After the sessions, Litvinova reviewed the footage personally and expressed clear next steps. Her decisive approach helped set the tone for their ongoing work together. She suggested a meeting in Moscow, and that meeting marked the official beginning of their long-term creative partnership. The topic of their future projects started to take shape, guided by her strong vision and Iskhakov’s developing photographic language.
In discussing the collaboration, Iskhakov emphasizes that working with Litvinova carries both ease and challenge. She is known for having a firm sense of direction and a highly articulated artistic concept. Litvinova brings a cinematic sensibility to photography, shaping the projects with precise expectations and a clear image in mind. While she often directs and oversees the sequence of shoots, there are moments when Iskhakov contributes his own direction and stylistic interpretation. Over time, their mutual trust deepened, allowing them to produce photographs that carry a powerful narrative voice and a tangible sense of atmosphere that resonates with audiences.
Iskhakov also reflects on how the collaboration integrates different artistic disciplines. Renata Litvinova’s instinct for storytelling informs every frame, while Iskhakov’s expertise in light, composition, and moment-to-moment decision-making adds depth and texture to the visuals. Their joint projects routinely blend elements of theatre, cinema, and still photography, resulting in imagery that feels both intimate and cinematic. This synergy not only showcases Litvinova’s presence but also highlights Iskhakov’s growth as a photographer who understands how to translate character and mood into remarkable imagery.
Looking back at the early days, there is a sense of how a single encounter can redefine a career path. The Cannes moment opened a door to what would become a sustained collaboration, a process built on trust, shared language, and a willingness to explore different creative terrains. The partnership has yielded a portfolio of work that remains a reference point for many in the field, illustrating how a photographer and a performer can collaborate to push boundaries while honoring the authenticity of their subjects. This ongoing journey is continued in projects that span different environments, each contributing to the evolution of both artists, their craft, and their collaborative philosophy.
There was also earlier discussion about the project involving Sobchak in a personal setting, where Iskhakov described the experience of shooting in his apartment. This note highlights the versatility of their collaboration and the range of environments in which they work, from staged shoots to more intimate, interior scenes, all contributing to the broader arc of their professional relationship.
Cited reflections and recollections indicate that the partnership between Iskhakov and Litvinova is characterized by clarity of vision, a shared sense of purpose, and a commitment to exploring the interplay between performance and imagery. The result is a body of work that speaks to audiences who value documentary realism tempered with cinematic sensibility, and to peers who recognize the value of a collaboration that respects the strengths each artist brings to the table. The synergy between the photographer and the actress continues to inspire future projects, leaving room for new discoveries while staying true to the core of their artistic relationship. Attribution: insights are drawn from disclosed interviews with the photographer and from public discussions about their collaborative history. (Source: Dmitry Iskhakov interviews)