Nastia Cloutier-Ignatiev
Nastia Cloutier Ignatiev
With a very recognizable style & loyal social media fanbase, Nastia Cloutier Ignatiev has taken her the photography scene by storm, at only 19. In this interview we get the details of how she started, where she's going, and her message to the people following their dreams!
With a very recognizable style & loyal social media fanbase, Nastia Cloutier Ignatiev has taken her the photography scene by storm, at only 19. In this interview we get the details of how she started, where she's going, and her message to the people following their dreams!
Who are you?
I am a 19-year-old portrait, fashion and beauty photographer based in Montreal, Qc. I am Currently attending the Dawson College DEC Professional Photography program.
You just got back from New York right?
Yes! New York was fantastic. I went to New York when I was younger, but I mostly stayed in Manhattan, this time, I stayed in Brooklyn, and it was an entirely different experience.I’ve met so many great people and made great memories. I just developed my last roll of film from there, today, the pictures speak a lot about my experience; I can't wait to share them.
If your five years old self would see you right now what would she think?
A little disappointed that I am not a mermaid or a princess, haha. She would like the fact that I empower women through my photography, be happy that I found a passion that is my living at such a young age and grateful that what I love makes me travel.
What/who inspired you to be in this field?
Nobody inspired to be in this area. But my grandfather encouraged me to do what I like. I hated high school and had no idea what I wanted to do. All I knew is that I had an interest in photography. I was doing photography in my basement with my friends after classes, and I never showed anyone, so why not try to make it better? So I decided to study photography in college, and I found something that passionates me and makes me happy.
Makeup or no makeup?
I don't wear makeup. I like being able to rub my eyes when I want and I feel comfortable with my bare face. For the models, I photograph, it depends on. In a professional field, you can’t do it without makeup; it is expected. But when I have the chance to shoot for myself with an open minded model I choose no makeup, I think that most of the models are prettier without it.
Do you limit yourself to photography or do you want to explore other mediums?
I want to explore other mediums, but I’m terrible at painting & drawing. I enjoy colleges and music. In high school, I did multiple talent shows and competitions where I would write and sing songs.
How has your style evolved over the years?
I’ve always gotten close to people and cropped in my pictures, even when I wasn’t using macro lenses. When I started my style was more girly, but now I feel like it’s more womanly, my photography evolves with me.
With your big following and significant features, what’s direction are you taking you work ?
I’m euphoric to be where I am now. I find it incredible that I’m able to sustain my current lifestyle and to be able to say at 19 years old that I’m “comfortable” and doing what I love. I would like to use my photography in the future for humanitarian work, and move away from beauty and fashion; I think photography has more to offer than just advertising.
What is the Nastia Signature?
Isn’t it obvious? Close ups of lips, haha.
What's on your playlist right now?
It depends on a lot of things. But the artists that always come back to my playlist are Die Antwoord, Grimes, and The Knife.
Who’s your favorite photographer of all time?
Irving Peen. I emulated a lot of his photography for my technical photography classes, and he influenced me to get close to my subjects.
Celebrity Crush?
Malala Yousafzai. If you don't know about her, go read about her now.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
A few weeks ago, I went to Australia for the first time.
What do you have to say to people that are following their dreams?
Go ahead, don’t stop, don't ever question yourself just make it happen. Even if your parents aren’t proud or trusting, you just keep going, and make them feel like they should have been proud and encouraged you from the beginning.
