249 - Dina Litovsky

This episode explores the multifaceted career of Dina Litovsky, a Ukrainian-born photographer based in New York City, focusing on her journey, creative process, and views on the photography industry. Against the backdrop of her challenging immigration experience as a child, Dina's path to becoming a successful photographer is highlighted, including her initial foray into wedding photography and subsequent transition to editorial work for prominent publications like National Geographic and the New York Times. More significantly, the conversation delves into her Substack newsletter, "In The Flash," where she openly discusses the complexities of the profession, including ethical dilemmas such as "work for exposure" requests. For instance, Dina recounts her experience with the BBC and a website called ShotKit, illustrating the pervasive issue of unpaid work in the industry. She also shares insights into building a substantial Instagram following and her approach to creating engaging content, often employing a deliberately provocative yet fun tone. Ultimately, Dina's candid reflections on her career trajectory, coupled with her insightful commentary on industry trends, offer valuable lessons for aspiring and established photographers alike.