Meet Elizabeth Glazko

We were lucky to catch up with Elizabeth Glazko recently and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

It’s a common challenge many people face in both their professional and personal lives — dealing with those who don’t approve of you.
My view is simple: you don’t have to deal with them at all. You have to be indifferent to their opinions.

I approach this as a philosopher. Those who don’t like me are simply not my people. I block out any unnecessary interaction and surround myself only with those who value who I am and what I create.

The desire to be liked by everyone is both unrealistic and misguided. No matter who you are, there will always be someone who dislikes or even despises you. It’s inevitable. People come from different backgrounds, have different experiences, beliefs, and psychological patterns. Naturally, there will always be friction between communities.

The key is to know your audience and stick to them. Whether it’s friends or clients, the people around you should share some core values or perspectives with you. The better you select your circle, the fewer haters you’ll encounter. That’s exactly why I rarely face harsh criticism; I simply don’t allow the wrong audience into my space.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a visual artist and photographer whose work lives at the intersection of photography and cinema. My approach blends cinematic aesthetics, dramatic emotion, and personal philosophy, turning still frames into powerful visual narratives.

My artistic journey began in childhood. I was deeply drawn to drawing and painting, and later studied at an art school. This artistic foundation shaped my eye for composition, light, and storytelling. I’ve always been a passionate admirer of cinema, and when I moved to Los Angeles, I studied filmmaking at the New York Film Academy. This experience expanded my creative vision and deeply influenced my visual language.

I am also a member of the Eurasia Association of Photographers, which connects and promotes talented photographers internationally. Recently, I presented my solo exhibition “Dark Solitude” at Mriya Gallery in New York, where I showcased my cinematic portraits and narrative-driven works.

My brand, Wolfilm, reflects this fusion of art forms. I collaborate with musicians, actors, and other creatives to create photographs that feel like scenes from a film. Every image carries meaning, emotion, and a personal philosophy of resilience, freedom, and power. I want people not just to look at a photograph but to feel its story, to see beyond the surface.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Mistakes we make when facing something new or committing to new paths are inevitable. They are an essential part of how we learn, grow, and change for the better. With experience comes wisdom.

The first skill you must develop is the ability to let go of things that hurt you. Holding on only drains your energy and damages your mental health. The faster you let go, the faster you move forward and grow from the challenges you’ve faced. Keep your mind cold and learn to control your emotions.

The second important skill is becoming independent, making your own decisions, and following what you truly want in life. Be honest with yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks. Be strategic, minimize unnecessary failures, but never fear facing them. Every failure is not the end but an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to come back stronger.

There are many qualities needed to succeed, but these three — letting go, independence, and courage to take risks — are essential foundations for real growth.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Currently, I’m facing certain obstacles and challenges in America as a foreigner, but they can’t compare to what I had to overcome before. I came to the United States from Russia six years ago. Moving here wasn’t part of a grand plan. At first, I simply wanted to explore the beautiful country I had seen in movies all my life. Later, I decided to study English at a language institute.

Life here as a foreigner quickly became a profound challenge. Besides not knowing the language, I had to face cultural shock, complete loneliness and isolation, painful personal loss, severe depression, and even criminal actions directed against me. It took me years to adapt and to earn respect from people, both personally and professionally.

I had to learn how to think, live, and act all over again. It was a painful process that tested me morally and physically, but it also gave me countless opportunities to grow. I’m grateful to have survived moments when I truly believed my life would end, both physically and mentally. I value this experience and will never forget what this country and the people I met along the way taught me. It shaped me into a stronger, wiser, and more resilient version of myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wolfilm.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-glazko-a768b1372/