Introduction to Conceptual Portrait Photography

Kristina Varaksina is a London-based photographer who works in advertising, fashion, and fine art. Growing up in Russia, she spent a lot of time reading and always enjoyed drawing and painting. Eventually, she went on to study a degree in architecture and interior design, and later, a master’s in graphic design. After working for a few years in graphic design and advertising, she moved to the U.S.to study for another master’s in photography at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

Since then, Kristina has worked with clients including The BBC, The Telegraph, Harper’s Bazaar, and L’Officiel. Her work has been exhibited internationally at galleries in the U.S., Europe, and China, and she has taught photography at the Art Institute of California and New York Film Academy. She has also been recognized with a number of awards, including Portrait of Britain 2020 Winner and Lens Culture Critic’s Choice 2020 Winner.