For twin photographer duo Tanya + Zhenya Posternak it’s good to have two sets of eyes and perspectives on an image. The photography duo, originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, initially explored the world of media and production separately before making a name for themselves in the world of fashion and photography, taking stunningly creative photographs for the past decade. The Posternaks specialize in capturing the beauty of everyday life, often focusing on cities, people, and architecture, with an eye for detail that sets them apart from others. With their vast portfolio filled with clients like Vogue Italia, Re-Edition, and Pop Magazine, the Posternaks are steadily rising as two of the most sought-after photographers today. Models.com spoke briefly to them about their initial interest in the medium, their favorite muses, and the use of their talents to help process their feelings on the Russian invasion.
What first drove you both to photography?
We are from Kyiv, Ukraine. We don’t have classically trained artists in the family, but both our mom and grandfather are very sensitive when it comes to visual things. We studied Graphic Design at the National Academy of Arts in Kyiv, with training in sculpture, geometry, watercolor, etc. We then explored the world of media and production separately. Photography, on the other hand, was always a shared hobby. Moving to the US was not necessarily following the career call but more of a self-search. We found a way to work together professionally in New York, collaborating on concepts and creating images. It’s a combination of things: being foreign and sensitive to things that look different, being curious and willing to capture the moment in less conventional ways. Our Ukrainian heritage, our academic training, and our familial aesthetic sensitivity certainly make us view the world in a way that feels distinct.
What inspires you creatively?
Humanity is a big part of our work, and we like to explore sensuality in our images. We are attracted to all manifestations of movement, colors and textures – whether it’s a human body or just energy from the person.
What has been your most memorable shoot, and why?
The campaign shoot that was commissioned by the Guggenheim museum. It’s an honor to be a part of such an art institution’s history.
I’d like to go into detail about your separate contribution to the Guggenheim art protest earlier this year and what it meant to be part of the artistic resistance to the Russian invasion. How was the process of creating this event, and how important was it to use your talents to raise public consciousness and process your feelings?
The art performance was organized by our friends from Spilka, a collective of volunteers supporting Ukraine’s resistance in the war with Russia. Together with a dozen artists, we gathered at the Guggenheim museum to drop hundreds of paper planes over the ledges of the gently sloped spiral ramp to whirl their way through the air before landing on the rotunda floor. The moment felt very emotional and powerful. There’s this dichotomy of the Ukrainian situation and the polished fashion media world that we live in these days. We work in the art and advertising world in New York and Europe, while at the same time our parents and friends that live in Ukraine are protecting the sovereignty of our country against a Russian war of aggression. It is our reality no matter how shocking and surreal it seems. However, it’s important to stay focused and involved in our practice at least for the sake of our own sanity. Also, it is a good wake-up call, humanity is beyond the industry, the fashion calendar and so on. The lesson from the war in Ukraine is one of empathy. It’s a sign of a healthy democracy to have different political views, yet humanity is beyond politics. Solidarity is not conditional.
How would you describe your relationship as twins?
We work as a team with constant dialogue, whether it’s an argument or unison. Tanya, as a painter, mostly thinks visually, whereas Zhenya is stronger with developing concepts and storytelling. Seeing a frame from two different angles is a benefit, and there’s also emotional support.
Who have been some of your favorite models to work with and why?
A hard question! We are inspired by so many people and lucky to have worked with amazing models. Working with Mariacarla Boscono was a treat; she is a quintessence of true Italian beauty. For our last shoot for Double Magazine, we worked with a mix of models, friends, and relatives – it’s exciting to make fashion feel less manicured and orchestrated but more relatable and lived in.
What do you want audiences to feel when they see your images?
Curiosity, humor, and criticality are foremost in our minds. We love to find the motion in stills and would love for the audience to be moved by the images: whether it’s a pleasing, contradicting, or uncomfortable notion. We really hope for our images to evoke questions.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming photographers looking to start in the industry?
Be stubborn and learn to say “no.”
You’ve done so much, but what do you want to do with your next step?
Focus on our personal art practice, not tied to brands or publications. After all, self is the hardest assignment to work on.
Courtesy of Tanya & Zhenya Posternak
