Meet Anton Bondarev

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

Hi Anton, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I am left-handed since birth. Heard it has something to do with the right hemisphere of the brain that answers for creativity, so i was born that way, sensitive, curious and empathetic. Looking back at my childhood now i do realise why i am into photography that much. When i was a kid, i loved to draw and had some talent, but as i grew up i shifted from drawing to photography. My father was a sailor, and he had a camera back then, 24mm film. Then he had a Polaroid, it was fun and magical, you had that little photograph almost instantly. And then he brought me the first digital camera from overseas, when i was about 13 or 14, so it is some sort of a bond for life for me. Ever since i do photograph everything that catches my eye. I am a humble guy, but photography is my lifelong passion, and as humble as i am – i recognise i have a huge talent, and i have an amazing portfolio of works that makes people think and wonder. I want to share things i see, how i see it. I want to be recognised, to leave legacy.

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.
I want to use this opportunity to say something that worries me. I came from a country who started a full-scale invasion and war with a neighbouring, friendly, innocent country. So many people died, injured, lost their relatives, homes, had to leave country they loved. As a russian – i want to say that i condemn our political regime, Putin and his cronies must answer for everything they did. Thanks to all who support Ukraine, Russian opposition, freedom of speech, democracy, and human rights.

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.
I love Los-Angeles vibe. Sun, palms, friendly smiles. I recommend Los Angeles itself, and the beautiful national parks, like Joshua Tree, Sequoia National park, but most of all – Yosemite national park. I never saw such a beauty in my life, and i’ve seen some. Trust me, you won’t regret it, visit the Yosemite, giving you a word of photographer 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am thankful to my inner circle, friends, parents, my wonderful wife, people i met on my life path. I am thankful to all people in the world who fight for justice, freedom, and human rights. I am grateful for opportunity to live this life. I hope we will overcome all the challenges we face, and humanity, one day, will prosper.

Website: https://anton8ondarev.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/anton8ondarev

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anton8ondarev