Meet Tetyana, where photography meets visual storytelling.

From capturing the quiet dignity of a face to transforming a dalmatian into a 17th-century duchess, Tetyana doesn’t just take photos — she creates visual worlds. Originally from Ukraine, Tetyana is a visual artist and photographer whose work blends fashion, colour, and narrative. Her journey has taken her from local newspapers to luxury shoots in the Mediterranean, to international recognition in PhotoVogue and PhotoBasel — and now, to the creative halls of Foundry.

Known for her expressive use of colour, poetic visual storytelling, and the clever use of masks and identity in her work, Tetyana bridges editorial, conceptual, and fine art photography with graceful boldness. Her series Being Human — in which dogs are dressed in characterful human outfits — is one example of how she merges humour and humanity into surprising compositions.

We sat down with her to talk about inspiration, resilience, and the power of photography in uncertain times.

Q&A with Tetyana

Tell us a bit about your background. How did it all begin?

I was born in a small town in central-western Ukraine. From a young age, I was drawn to the arts — music, reading, biographies, and eventually writing. I even enrolled myself in music school without telling my parents — and luckily, they supported me. I later studied journalism and got my first job in a local newspaper while still at university. That was a dream come true!

So how did photography come into the picture?

At first, I was writing articles in the “Showbiz” and “Culture” sections, and I started taking portraits of my interviewees. While many photographers start with nature or landscapes, for me it was always about people — their expressions, their stories, what’s left unsaid. That’s still at the core of my work today.

You’ve lived and worked in several countries. What brought you to Luxembourg?

It started in a very unexpected way — during a first date, someone asked if I’d consider moving to Luxembourg. I didn’t take it seriously at first, since I had photography contracts in Greece and Turkey. But eventually I did move here in early March 2020 — just days before the COVID lockdown. It was a huge adjustment after years of travel and busy photo work.

How did you stay creative during that difficult first year?

It was tough, but I found ways to adapt. I started shooting remotely via apps, working on editorial pieces, and studying at the British School of Photography. Even when isolated, I kept dreaming and creating — I think that’s what saved me.

You have a very distinctive style. How would you describe it?

On the commercial side, I focus on fashion and portrait photography. But artistically, I’m a visual storyteller. I use colour, symbolism, and sometimes masks to explore themes like identity, womanhood, and transformation. My projects often mix humour with emotional depth — I love playing with contrasts.

Let’s talk about Being Human — your series where dogs wear human clothes. What inspired it?

It started with a friend’s dalmatian, who reminded me of a film character. I dressed her up as “Madame Coco” and the photo got such a warm reaction that people began asking for portraits of their own dogs, styled to match their personality. It’s a playful but loving project that people really connect with.

You’re also active in the Ukrainian artist community and charity efforts. Why is that important to you?

Art can heal, inform, and inspire action. I donated a piece to Luxembourg for Ukraine — it felt like a small gesture but a meaningful one. This year, I’m also supporting Tytanovi, a project that helps provide prosthetics and rehabilitation for Ukrainians injured in the war.

You’ve had work shown at PhotoBasel, published in PhotoVogue, and featured in the book 100 Contemporary Ukrainian Photographers. What does that recognition mean to you?

It means the world — not just for my career, but for being part of a global conversation. Being published in PhotoVogue during COVID gave me a boost to trust my instincts and push my artistic boundaries. And being in the 100 Photographers book, now part of the Tate’s contemporary photo collection, was an incredible honour.

What about Foundry — what does this place mean to you?

Foundry has been a creative refuge for me. It’s a space where I can focus but also feel inspired. I love the quiet energy of the offices, and the natural light is amazing for editing and reviewing photos. And then, of course, the garden — that’s my favourite spot. I often sit there to think, sketch, or just enjoy a coffee. In the warmer months, it’s a little sanctuary where I sometimes meet with friends or other artists. It’s a place that encourages you to dream — and I’m definitely a dreamer.

You can follow Tetyana’s work on Instagram @tanita_photo or visit her website www.tanitaphoto.lu discover her latest projects.