From Intuition to Intention: Anton Panchenkov’s Dynamic and Electrifying Journey into Street Photography
Unveiling his raw, thought-provoking visual storytelling in an exclusive interview with Pure Street Photography.
Interview by Dimpy Bhalotia and Kamal Kumaar Rao
21/02/2025
(c) Anton Panchenkov
(c) Anton Panchenkov
We would love to know more about you! Who you are and where you're from? When did you start street photography?
I am 44 years old, born in Russia, and currently living in Almaty, Kazakhstan. I’m a corporate lawyer, and this is what financially supports my passion for photography. I’ve done commercial photography only on a few occasions, so I consider myself a photography lover rather than a photography earner. I’ve been shooting for more than 20 years, but I wasn’t really aware of the technical aspects of what I was doing—it was purely intuition and a taste-driven approach. About 6-7 years ago, I started photographing more deliberately, understanding exactly what I was doing. That’s when I consider my career as a street photographer to have truly begun. Before that, I mainly shot empty streets and landscapes, but suddenly—boom—I realized I wanted to explore people and how they interact “in the wild”.
What inspired you to become a street photographer?
At some point, I felt that landscapes and cityscapes lacked life. What I really wanted were images that breathe—photographs that capture the energy of the streets and the variety of characters inhabiting them at a particular moment. The moment you press the shutter, the world stops for a split second—it’s an absolutely unique moment that will never be repeated. Freezing time like that feels like a superpower. This is the most wonderful feeling that fuels my passion for street photography.
How would you describe your work in terms of style and/or approach?
My style developed over time. At first, I was just happy to get the right distance and arrange objects properly within the frame. Looking at my early street photographs, I see that I was chasing vivid people too much. I still do that sometimes, especially when working on a series related to a specific look or fashion. But now, I focus on capturing the energy and vibe of the place I’m shooting, as well as the mood of my subjects. I want the frame to be composed in a way that makes it feel alive but not perfect. Perfection is boring. I intentionally make my photos a bit quirky and unconventional, leaving some intrigue for the viewer—making them question what they think they see and why it feels a bit off.
(c) Anton Panchenkov
(c) Anton Panchenkov
What is your photography routine like? Do you photograph every day?
Unfortunately, I don’t shoot every day because of my main job, but when I travel, I photograph almost every minute. I often set myself thematic tasks and stick to them while shooting. It helps keep my eye sharp and allows me to understand my current skills set more.
What camera or mobile device do you use for photography? Do you shoot digitally, on film, or a mix of both?
I rarely use my iPhone for anything beyond Instagram stories—it just doesn’t work for me as a true instrument mentally, physically or mechanically. My current main camera is the Leica SL2, which is absolutely fantastic—a bit too heavy, but incredibly powerful and of exceptional quality. My second camera is the Fujifilm X-T4, which I sometimes use for studio photography and videography. Both cameras are digital. In December, I bought myself a simple, cheap film camera just to experiment, and I’ve been enjoying using it for family travel photos.
What challenges do you face when photographing on the street?
The biggest challenge is the weather. I love shooting when the sun is shining or at least makes an appearance during the day. I’m drawn to capturing positive moods, and that’s extremely hard to do when it’s snowing or raining. My best photos are taken when it’s warm outside.
Do you ever wonder what happens to the people in your photos?
I’ve encountered and photographed the same people multiple times in the same places. It feels good when I return to a market or shop a year later and see a familiar face—it’s like running into an old friend. And this is also a challenge for me to make several different portraits all looking fresh and interesting. I’ve also looked up some local celebrities (not pop or rock stars but rather well-known locals) I happened to photograph during my travels, just to match their image with their background. It helps me bring a more complex story to my viewers.
(c) Anton Panchenkov
(c) Anton Panchenkov
(c) Anton Panchenkov
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about street photography?
There are two major misconceptions about street photography. The first is genre-related—many beginners think that simply taking pictures in the street means they’re doing street photography. But that’s not the case. Like any other photography genre, street photography requires you to define your vision and message. It has to say something. Perfectly arranged lines and shadows are nice, but do they tell anything to the viewer? Think about it more before starting your photography session. The second misconception is about people’s reaction to street photography. Unfortunately, many think that the street is an extension of their private space, and they believe they can dictate what others do just because they don’t like something. Ironically, these same people don’t question authorities or businesses about being recorded by CCTV cameras 24/7. Safety is considered a self-explanatory reason, but no one can be sure how those recordings are used. That’s the real privacy concern. Let me take your picture, and if I use it improperly, then question me. Street photographers are not creepy perverts lurking for strangers’ looks. We really try to tell the story of the life around us making it a captured happening leaving a trace of a moment for everyone.
What are your favourite elements to capture in a street photograph? (light, colour, composition, human interaction, etc.)
I love working with good natural light. Vivid colors often help create a certain mood, and human interaction is another key element for me. I want my photos to live and breathe—to engage the viewer and make them feel like they’re experiencing the scene in real time.
What is your take on social media influence on street photography?
Social media has both pros and cons when it comes to photography. On the downside, it lowers the overall quality standard, pushing people toward trends and encouraging the production of identical, formulaic shots. Many photographers just try to replicate what they think is "successful." On the upside, it gives everyone a voice. If you have something to say, you can say it. Social media breaks down barriers and makes photography more accessible. I don’t support the idea that this craft should remain exclusive or “elite,” as it was in the past. There’s nothing wrong with more people using photography to express themselves.
Are your prints available for purchase? If so, where can art buyers and collectors contact you to purchase them?
If you are interested in purchasing any of my photography prints, just DM me @antonpunchphoto, and we’ll figure it out.
(c) Anton Panchenkov
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
Build your style through observation. Learn how to progress, not just how to shoot. Many photography courses promise to make you a technical expert in two months, but they’re often taught by very average photographers who only know the basics of light and composition. Instead, find a few photography masters you admire and learn from them. Attend their masterclasses, get one-on-one sessions, and ask for advice. The most valuable advice I ever got was during a 30-minute portfolio review and a quick WhatsApp chat. Invest in good advice first, not in expensive cameras and lenses. And, of course—shoot, shoot, and shoot. Take your camera everywhere.
A huge thank you to Anton Panchenkov for sharing his incredible journey.
In Frame : Anton Panchenkov