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

Hi Yury, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk played a crucial role in my life. Risk is everything. I moved to Los Angeles from Europe with my pregnant wife and two dogs, without any job waiting for me. I decided to start photography here from scratch — I didn’t even have a real portfolio, but had lots of experience and knowledge from working as a filmmaker before.

Our little family depends on me — I’m the only one who can work and provide at the moment. And Los Angeles being the city of dreams for creative people makes me feel like I have all the cards to reach my full potential.

If I didn’t take this risk of simultaniously having a major move and becoming a dad, maybe I would have just stayed comfortable in my life. But for me, that’s not an option. I work really hard from day one because everything was and still is on the line.

So, thanks to that risky decision, in just 9 months — without perfect English — I went from almost no portfolio to getting regular photography jobs, having my work published in magazines and shown at exhibitions, and most importantly, fully providing for my family. And it still feels like just the beginning!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
t wasn’t easy, and it’s still not easy. I’m chasing growth every single day — learning, improving, and pushing my work forward. When I look at my photos from even a month ago, I already see how I would do them differently now. And I’m proud of that, because change never feels comfortable!

My photography is about creativity, storytelling, and unique style. I love mixing real emotions with a more artistic and editorial feeling — something that looks natural, but also feels strong, thoughtful, and a little cinematic.

I want my photos to stop people for a second — to make them feel something deeper, or just to make them notice the beauty and the story behind the frame.

Clients often tell me they choose me because my work feels creatively different — and honestly, that’s the best compliment for me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, I’d take them to all my favourite Los Angeles spots! Most importantly I’d show them why I love this city so much — its nature, the contrasts, the energy.

Starting with food — LA has a-mazing Mexican food (probably the best outside of Mexico). I would take them to my favorite food truck for some authentic tacos al pastor. Of course, we’d also stop by Chipotle, just for the classic fast-casual. I also love the Truffle ramen at the Silverlake Ramen — definitely a must-try for anyone!

For entertainment I’d take them to Universal Studios — I feel like this spot has a unique atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else, especially their movie tour around the premises.

Speaking of nature destinations, I’d love for them to see the Founders Park in Palos Verdes — it has incredible views from the cliffs and you can even hike down to the ocean! I would also take them to one of the old restored movie theaters — the kind that feels full of history and real LA vibes, like Vista Theatre or Alex.

And of course, we’d have to do a small hike into the mountains, maybe even somewhere with snow, just to really feel the full diversity of California nature!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It may sound cheesy, but I want to dedicate my shoutout to my wife, Maya. Her support, understanding, and belief in me have been everything through it all! She has been the one who stands by me no matter what, takes care of our home, dogs & our son and gives me the opportunity to focus on building my dream.

Moving to a new country, starting a career from scratch and trying to grow a creative business — it’s a lot. But thanks to her love, patience, and strength I’ve had the space and the energy to keep pushing forward. Some may say that going through the motions alone would have been easier but I never regretted sharing this path with her. Having a loving family gives my life lots of meaning and reasoning.

Website: https://yurysharlou.com

Instagram: @yury.sharlou

Image Credits
Rebel magazine Cover – model Kristina Elise, inst: @kristinaxelise
Vous publication with airplane – model Artem Mykhailov, inst: @artemmykhailov

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