Capturing the Essence of Life's Authentic Emotions in Portraits

I absolutely love photography! The process of photography for me is not just about capturing memorable events, but also about the opportunity to tell about your true emotions, genuine feelings, and moods, to see the beauty of the moments in your life.  Allow me to provide you with a brief insight concerning my background: I am Lyubov Popova, aged 44. Over the past two decades, I have dedicated my professional endeavors within the realm of the oil and gas industry, serving as a chemical engineer across a myriad of chemical analysis laboratories. I spent a decade working on the remarkable Western Qurna-2 project in the Republic of Iraq, where I had the privilege of imparting my chemical expertise to my junior Iraqi colleagues. During this period, I have matured into a proficient chemist. In March 2023, I concluded my engagement with the Western Qurna-2 project, embarking upon a new endeavor that has long held my affection - the art of photography. I have been captivated by the art of photography since the tender age of thirteen when my father bestowed upon me his beloved film camera. During that time, I was honing my photographic skills at the Photography Club within the House of Creativity for Children. I enthusiastically participated in numerous photography exhibitions and competitions, showcasing my mastery of the craft. After completing my studies in school and university, I relocated to the fantastical city of my dreams - Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was there that I continued my photographic education, under the tutelage of the remarkable Russian photo artist, Anna Kharina, on a course dedicated to the art of Photographic Portraiture. This course bestowed upon me an incredible abundance of inspiration, newfound knowledge, and introduced me to numerous talented photographers from whom I gleaned invaluable experience. Despite my occupation in the oil and gas industry, photography has always remained my most fervent passion. After my relocation to Scotland in the year 2021, I continued my work on the Western Qurna-2 project; however, my thoughts increasingly veered towards the realm of photography. In March of 2023, I made the decision to bring my career as a chemical engineer to a close and devote myself entirely to my beloved art - photography. I underwent a mentorship program under the guidance of the talented Russian photographer, Anastasia Volosovich, which breathed new life into me and motivated me to persist in capturing moments through the lens, undeterred by the initial challenges I encountered.