Twilight’s Embrace
Photographer: Levi Yebio
1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?
There have been a few key moments that have shaped my artistic vision. One of the first was discovering my father’s camera when I was young. Finding it years later and using it as my first film camera launched me into the world of photography, giving me the chance to dive headfirst into learning everything I could about capturing images.
But perhaps the most significant influence came even before I picked up a camera. For years, I was a deep movie buff, obsessed with visuals and storytelling. One year, I even set myself the goal of watching a movie every day. Consuming and critiquing so many films gave me a strong sense of what kinds of scenes and visuals I find truly beautiful. That foundation in cinematic storytelling and composition has become a cornerstone of my photography, shaping how I approach every shot.
2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?
One of my favorite collaborations was with the group Creative Cloud in Toronto, during a large-scale shoot day they organized. The event brought together models, creatives, and designers to create as much content as possible in one space. Being friends with the group’s creator came with some amazing perks, like having access to my own studio space, extra lighting, and equipment I wouldn’t normally use.
This was one of my first major shoot days, and it was an incredible opportunity to work with a wide range of individuals. Each person came with their own ideas and needs, which pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and break through my creative limitations. It wasn’t just about collaborating with the group as a whole but also about connecting with each person individually. That experience taught me the value of adapting, listening, and blending different perspectives to create something truly dynamic.
3. Walk us through a specific project that challenged your creative boundaries. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience?
The first time I stepped into a studio to experiment with strobe photography was one of the most challenging moments in my artistic journey. It forced me to confront my own perceptions of what my photos "should" look like versus the reality of my current skill level. This realization was both humbling and motivating—it became clear that to bring my vision to life, I needed to push beyond the boundaries of photography itself and invest in learning complementary skills.
Balancing the chaos of experimenting with something entirely new while holding onto the stability of my creative instincts was a pivotal struggle. I had to find harmony between “what is” and “what could be.” This tension has since become the foundation of my work, allowing me to embrace both structure and exploration. It transformed my approach into one that values iterative learning, blending experiential mastery with experimental curiosity.
4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?
Honestly, I’m not always sure what makes my work groundbreaking or sets it apart, but I know how it feels when I’ve created something special. Like all photographers, I’m a reluctant enthusiast, a part-time street crusader, and a half-hearted fashion fanatic. I’ve saved the other half of myself for pleasure and adventure, for exploring the world and experimenting with life itself. My photography is born from those experiences—from wandering, fishing, laughing with friends, and contemplating the stillness of the world around me.
There are moments when I create something I’ve never seen before, and even if no one else notices, those moments make me proud. When I sit quietly and let that mysterious stillness speak to me, I pick up my camera to capture what I see. In that space, there’s no beginning, middle, or end—only an endless process of becoming. My work is an evolution, a reflection of that journey, and I hope it resonates with others in its own unique way.
5. As you reflect on your journey, are there any specific goals or milestones you've set for your artistic career in the coming years?
Looking ahead, my primary goal is to expand my body of work to include more community-focused art installations and to collaborate with organizations that prioritize inclusivity in the arts. Additionally, I aim to start facilitating teams of individuals who want to use their skill to create amazing photography. Gaffers, Set Designers, Clothing Designers and more are important members of that vision and I want to help create ways for them to see their skills turned into something amazing. A personal milestone is to publish a book or series of my photography, showcasing the diverse stories and moments I’ve captured over the years.
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A project encapsulating the Toronto skyline by utilizing sunset and flash photography simultaneously to create a striking interplay of natural and artificial light. This approach highlights the city’s architectural beauty while blending the warmth of the setting sun with the sharp, dramatic contrasts of flash, offering a unique perspective on Toronto’s iconic skyline.
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Model: Max Zakharov
Agency Owner: Creative Cloud
Model: Jamila Veneila
Photographer: Levi Yebio