Life through the lens
“A hair dryer and a camera are two things I took with me when I fled the war,” Lyubov Kulyk recalls with a smile today. Photography has accompanied her since childhood: first amateur photos, then studying in college, teaching and creating her own programs for students. At the age of 16, she was already selling photos to local publications, and later began conducting her own courses. At the same time, Lyubov earned a degree in IT. And before the war, she worked in this specialty in Mykolaiv.
Photographic expert
Lyubov calls herself a “photo expert.” She is convinced that teaching is not about imposing taste, but about imparting technical knowledge. “I can give advice on composition, light, or color, but the decision is always up to the photographer. My job is to provide the tools,” she explains.
Lyubov especially loves photographing people: “Nature inspires, but people are always more interesting. Their emotions are vivid, unique. I love capturing this authenticity: whether it’s laughter or nostalgia.”
A new start in Switzerland
After moving to Bern, Lyubov began working as a teacher at an international company, where she teaches English classes. However, she received a real impetus for development from the Ukrainian community. “Here, everyone starts from scratch. But I felt: there is demand, there is motivation, there are those who need knowledge. And I can give it,” she says. This was the impetus for creating a new photo project.
Courses and workshops for the Ukrainian community
In September, Lyubov will launch the first photography workshops in Bern. They will be designed for both professionals and beginners, as well as for those who need high-quality photos for their own business – handmade masters, makeup artists, or entrepreneurs.
After the holidays, a full-fledged course will start: twice a week, for several hours. Theory, practice, working with light, exposure, color — and all this with specific tasks and examples. “I want the participants to immediately feel the result and be able to apply the knowledge in their work or hobby,” says Lyubov.
Support and inspiration
The strength to start from scratch is given by family and community. And also by a new camera, given to me by a friend after the old one broke. “That was the moment when I realized: I am not alone. And that I have to move on,” she admits.
Looking to the future
Ahead are not only photography courses. Lyubov dreams of creating a wider space for Ukrainians in Switzerland: a community that will unite IT specialists, provide them with psychological and legal support, and create cultural initiatives. But the first step has already been taken – the photo lens is once again looking to the future.
