Meet Anastasiia Lisenko | FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER AND ART DIRECTOR

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

Hi ANASTASIIA, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I’m incredibly grateful that my career aligns so naturally with my vision of life. Being a photographer and director allows me the freedom to travel, connect with new people, and find inspiration in everything around me. For me, there’s no strict separation between work and life—everything I do, see, and experience feeds my creativity and fuels my passion.

While I often work in cities like New York and Los Angeles, I’ve learned to draw inspiration from wherever I am, whether it’s visiting family, traveling, or simply exploring the world around me. Expanding my creative focus beyond photography into video, art direction, and building my personal brand has helped me stay motivated and open to new opportunities.

This seamless integration of work and life gives me a deep sense of fulfillment. Every project, every connection, and every experience adds meaning to both my professional and personal life, creating a balance that feels natural and endlessly inspiring.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work as a photographer and director is deeply rooted in my passion for storytelling and capturing genuine human emotion. What sets me apart is my commitment to staying true to my personal vision, even when it requires turning down projects that don’t align with my creative values. I believe that art has the power to connect people and evoke meaningful emotions, and I strive to create work that reflects this belief.

Getting to where I am today professionally has not been easy, but every challenge has taught me invaluable lessons. From starting over in the United States after leaving everything behind in Ukraine to building my career from scratch, I’ve learned the importance of persistence, authenticity, and embracing risks. One of the lessons I hold dear is that staying true to yourself, even in a competitive industry, leads to deeper and more rewarding creative fulfillment.

I want the world to know that my work is not just about creating visuals—it’s about telling stories that resonate. Whether it’s through fashion editorials, brand campaigns, or personal projects, I aim to bring a cinematic quality and unique perspective to everything I create. My journey has been shaped by resilience and passion, and I hope to continue inspiring others to embrace their individuality and creativity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles, I’d create an itinerary that combines breathtaking views, unique neighborhoods, and delicious food. We’d start with a scenic drive along Mulholland Drive to take in the stunning views of Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect way to experience LA’s vastness and natural beauty.

Next, we’d explore my favorite neighborhoods, Los Feliz and Silver Lake. These areas have an authentic charm, filled with cozy coffee shops, hidden restaurants, art exhibitions, and vintage shops. We’d visit the iconic Silver Lake Flea Market and Farmers Market, which are great for discovering unique finds and supporting local vendors. These neighborhoods also have beautiful lakes—Echo Park Lake and Silver Lake—perfect for a peaceful walk or even a morning run.

For nature lovers, a hike to the Griffith Observatory and further up into the mountains is a must. The views from the top are incredible, offering a panoramic glimpse of the city.

When it comes to food and coffee, LA never disappoints. We’d grab breakfast at Courage Bagels or enjoy a coffee at Maru Coffee. For lunch, Bacari in Silver Lake offers a cozy ambiance and delicious small plates, while Stereoscope coffee serves the best mocha for a midday treat. These spots perfectly capture the laid-back yet vibrant vibe of LA.

Overall, this itinerary blends LA’s iconic landmarks with its hidden gems, offering an experience that feels both local and unforgettable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to a few key people and moments that shaped my journey. First and foremost, my mother deserves immense credit for always supporting my creative passions from a young age. She never discouraged my artistic curiosity and encouraged me to express myself freely, which instilled a confidence in me that I still carry today.

I also want to recognize the inspiring creative community I’ve been fortunate to meet, both in Ukraine and in the United States. From stylists and makeup artists to fellow photographers and collaborators, their trust in my vision has fueled my growth and constantly motivated me to push boundaries.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the personal challenges and pivotal decisions in my life—leaving my wedding business to pursue photography, moving to the U.S., and starting over from scratch. Those risks taught me resilience and gave me the freedom to create authentically.

Website: https://anastasialisenko.myportfolio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nastyalisenko

Other: https://vimeo.com/antonovnaa

Image Credits
1. Melany Rivero
2. Matvey, Asya Sumik, Vladyslav Marchuk, Kristina Zelenko, Ekaterina Gardena
3. Daniela Slobodianiuk
4. Yesly Dimate and Tony Ozkan
5. Nancy Schneider
6. Daniela Slobodianiuk and Kirill Ivannyk
7. Rouguy Faye
8. Daniela Slobodianiuk and Kirill Ivannyk
9. Annaly Khamphasouk
10. Annaly Khamphasouk
11. Sevdaliza