Celebrity Photographer Vital Agibalow - Forging a Unique Path in Photography

Meet vital!

Celebrity photographer @vitalphotony

Interview by Brady Goodman-Williams

for Raine Magazine

When we imagine editorial and celebrity photo shoots, we tend to think of high intensity, glamour, and many moving pieces—makeup, hair, and fashion stylists running around with urgency, all under the direction of a demanding photographer. However, after seeing Vital Agibalow on set—working with big names, such as Nigel Barker, Carol Alt, Irina Pantaeva, and Iris Apfel—I can attest to the fact that this special photographer breaks that mold.

As Agibalow works the camera, he does it with a professional yet pleasant half-smile on his face—and the effects of his calm approach are visible. Vital’s lighthearted and sensitive demeanor allows his subjects to open up in ways I haven’t previously seen. This results in stunning portraits of his subject’s inner being; you can see that each and every individual feels comfortable. The captured images, however, are raw, honest, and vulnerable. RAINE sat down with Vital to try and understand the masterful mind behind the Russian photographer’s approach.

RAINE: Where are you from? How did you become a photographer?

AGIBALOW: I’m based in New York, but my roots are Swedish, Russian, and Ukrainian. When I was 7, my dad gave me my first camera, a Leica, as a birthday present. I fell in love with it. I started taking portraits of the other kids in my neighborhood. There’s something about portrait photography that has clearly inspired me since an early age. By the age of 20, I started working with local modeling agencies, and I opened my own business by the time I was 21.

RAINE: It’s incredible that you started so young. How has your photography changed since then?

AGIBALOW: Those were the days of film [photography]. As a photographer, you couldn't afford to make a mistake back then. Now, everyone shoots digital, so you can see the shot on display, which makes it all so much easier. But I'm proud to say that I originally started as a film photographer.

RAINE: Why does your background in film photography matter?

AGIBALOW: Well, it builds credibility. It makes me [seem] more professional than any newbie these days, who starts with a digital camera and doesn't know what it means to shoot slides. You have to be much more accurate when [shooting with film].

RAINE: You love portraits. Why are they your favorite?

AGIBALOW: I love working with people and seeing their reaction when they see themselves from different angles; it is priceless! But I also work with fashion designers, which is a whole different world!

RAINE:  Who was the most challenging designer to shoot?

AGIBALOW: Probably Karl Lagerfeld—shooting [his] portraits. Our time in the studio was limited to only 30 minutes, which is a photographer’s worst nightmare! But the results were so good. He really liked the images, which is huge, since he’s a photographer himself. Karl’s portrait was published in BELLA magazine and many others, so the hard work paid off.

RAINE: Do you have any recommendations for others interested in pursuing a career like yours?

AGIBALOW: Do it only if you really enjoy it. Don’t do it for the money, but for the art. You’d be shocked how much money you can make when you prioritize the art first.

RAINE: What new projects are you working on right now? Where can we see your work?

AGIBALOW: Most recently, I worked with legendary supermodel Carol Alt for her new show on the FNL Network, "Carol Alt’s Living Room." But there are some other interesting side projects! Lately, I’ve been working with beauty and fashion bloggers, like Kate Romanoff.

RAINE: You have a brand partnership with HENSEL, right? Tell us a little about that.

AGIBALOW: HENSEL is a German brand that produces professional lights for photographers. I've been the brand ambassador for this company since 2008. I'm using their lights on each and every shoot, and I'm proud to promote them in my studio and through my work.

RAINE: Wonderful. Thank you so much for your time, Vital! You’re the best.

AGIBALOW: My pleasure!