Today we’d like to introduce you to Liliya Cooper.
Hi Liliya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always had a passion for the Entertainment industry. I grew up going to concerts and watching endless movies, music videos, and television shows. My initial introduction to the industry was in high school through my Audio Visual Technology and Film class. It was then that I realized that I had a passion for this sort of media. The first time I truly picked up a camera was on a family trip to Barcelona and Morocco in 2018. I immediately fell in love with photography and never wanted to put down my dad’s Canon. Ever since then, I have had this unstoppable drive to learn everything I can about cameras. I have had a few learning curves being self-taught, but I think that’s what makes my photography so individualized. Looking back at where I started versus where I am today regarding photography and film, I am truly in awe of what I’ve accomplished. I have photographed close to 50+ new and well-established artists, have Produced and Directed three short films, and am currently in pre-production for my capstone film. If you had told me 7 years ago that this is where I would be, all because of a family trip, I would never believe you.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, it has been the farthest thing from a smooth road. Learning to navigate different industries without experience has been a huge challenge, but I’ve done pretty well for myself. Learning from others, remembering mistakes made for future encounters, and learning that the word “no” is not the end of the world. There will always be other opportunities, and it’s just a moment for growth. One of the main things I struggle with is balancing work, school, and my life. I have struggled in the past with mental health issues. For a while, working shows was a way for me to cope and was something I looked forward to, but it quickly became another chore and something I didn’t have time for anymore because I was trying to prioritize my mental health. Recently, I have learned to balance everything out to keep from becoming too overwhelmed, allowing me to continue to do what I love without the risk of losing the love I once had for this industry.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Photographer and Filmmaker. My photography side is more focused on portraiture. I primarily do concert photography, creative portraits, behind-the-scenes work, and cover art for artists releasing music. I wish I could pinpoint a single aspect I am most proud of, but I love everything I do with such deep passion. I will never put something out unless I am utterly obsessed with it. I think what sets me apart from others is my drive for experimental techniques and unconventional styles when photographing people.
I have collaborated in the past with artists like @Cris R and @Jay Botnick on the cover art for their song releases. More recently, I got to work with creative artist Custis Blue on a cover for his new single “The Yearn,” which will be released soon! It was one of my favorite collaborations to date and I am so excited to finally share the cover art we crafted together!
All these connections I make over time allow me to open doors I never thought would be available to me, and I look forward to what they will offer next!
My film side is definitely not as well established as my photography, but I am just as hardworking and diligent. I have been exploring all of film’s different aspects, hoping to find a particular area that sticks out to me! As of right now, I have produced and directed two music videos and two short films! I am also starting production for my Senior capstone, which I wrote and will be directing in the fall, “Please, I Love You”!
I wish I could do it all, and maybe I will, but I look forward to everything coming my way in my last year of college.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Loving what you do, and being recognized for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.photobyliliya.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photobyliliya
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liliyacooper
- Twitter: https://x.com/photobyliliya
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@liliyacooper
- Other: https://www.cooperinternationalmedia.com
Image Credits
Headshots 1 & 2 – Jackson Newcomer @jjcnphoto
All others – Liliya Cooper @photobyliliya
