By: Alva Ree
Few individuals bring the kind of philosophical depth and entrepreneurial ambition that Anna Sidorova does in the world of photography and creative content creation. Her journey is one of reinvention, spanning various disciplines from philosophy and psychology to music video production and now AI-driven marketing. I recently had the chance to sit down with Anna to discuss her creative evolution, the role of philosophy in shaping her artistic vision, and how AI is transforming the landscape of content creation.
Interviewer: Anna, your career trajectory is fascinating, from philosophy to photography and now AI in marketing. Let’s start with your background. How did studying philosophy at Saint Petersburg State University influence your approach to photography?
Anna: Philosophy has played a massive role in how I see the world and, by extension, how I approach photography. My BA in Philosophy, which I completed in 2017, gave me a unique perspective beyond just capturing images. It’s about framing moments in a way that evokes thought and emotion. Philosophy is about asking questions and seeking meaning, and I try to do the same with my photography. I want the viewer to see something more than just a picture—to feel something or start asking their questions.
Interviewer: That’s a fantastic way to approach your craft. After earning your degree, you pursued further studies in psychology and psychotherapy in 2018. How did that inform your work as a photographer and content creator?
Anna: Studying psychology deepened my understanding of people and emotions, which is crucial for my work. Photography is about connection, and psychology helps me understand the human mind and behavior. I can create a more genuine connection when I work with subjects, whether for portraits or commercial projects. This allows me to capture moments that feel authentic and full of emotion rather than something staged or artificial. It’s all about understanding what makes people tick and then reflecting on that in my work.
Interviewer: You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in music, like Maluma, Daddy Yankee, and Bad Bunny. Tell me about your time in Miami and how you became involved in music video production.
Anna: That was an exciting chapter of my life. In 2018, I started traveling between Ibiza and Miami, and it was in Miami, I got drawn into the world of music video production. The energy in that city is incredible, and I had the privilege of working with some of the most prominent artists in Latin music. Collaborating with people like Maluma, Daddy Yankee, and Bad Bunny was an eye-opening experience. Creating music videos is dynamic, and I learned how to merge visuals with music to tell a story. It was a natural progression from photography but added an entirely new layer of creativity.
Interviewer: You moved to London in 2020 after your time in Miami. What led you to make that transition?
Anna: It was a natural step in my journey. London is a vibrant, creative hub, and I wanted to immerse myself in a new environment. The city has many opportunities, and I was excited to explore new landscapes and work with different people. It was also around that time that I began thinking about the business side of my creative work. I started to see photography and videography not just as artistic pursuits but as powerful marketing and content creation tools.
Photo Courtesy: Anna Sidorova / @anna.fox.a
Interviewer: That leads perfectly to my next question. You enrolled in an MSc program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation in 2022. How did that shift your perspective on your work?
Anna: Enrolling in the MSc program was transformative. It gave me a deeper understanding of how businesses operate and how creative content fits into marketing and brand development. I began to approach my work more strategically, thinking about the art and how it could serve a business purpose. Photography and videography are precious tools for brands to communicate with their audiences. That’s when I started to view myself as a photographer, content creator, and marketer.
Interviewer: You also started incorporating AI into your post-production process during your studies. How did that happen, and what has it added to your creative work?
Anna: AI was a fascinating discovery for me. As I was finishing my MSc, I started exploring how AI could be used in post-production, and it was a game-changer. AI has the power to streamline editing processes, but beyond that, it opens up entirely new creative possibilities. You can experiment with different effects, automate specific tasks, and free up more time for the creative aspects of content creation. The potential of AI in marketing is huge as well, especially for businesses looking to create personalized, impactful content. It’s fascinating to see how far the technology can go.
Photo Courtesy: Anna Sidorova / @anna.fox.a
Interviewer: AI seems to be innovating so many industries, and it’s fascinating to hear how it’s influencing creative work, too. Where do you see your career heading in the future, especially with your interest in merging creativity with technology?
Anna: The future is all about combining creativity with technology. AI will play a significant role in how content is produced and consumed, and I want to be at the forefront of that change. I’m really interested in how these tools can push the boundaries of photography and marketing. I aim to continue exploring these intersections between art, business, and technology and see how far we can take them. The possibilities are endless, and I’m excited to be part of that journey.
Interviewer: It’s clear that your journey is just beginning, even after everything you’ve already accomplished. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Anna. I’m sure many creatives will find your path incredibly inspiring.
Anna: Thank you! It was a pleasure speaking with you, and I’m excited about the future.
Published By: Aize Perez
