Meet Andrey Vlasov

We recently connected with Andrey Vlasov and have shared our conversation below.

Andrey, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

For me, being the only person in the room who looks like me presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. When I’m in this situation, I often take a moment to reflect on what I have: my skills, my experience, my passion, and my perspective. While it’s easy to feel a sense of inadequacy or isolation, I believe it’s essential to acknowledge and appreciate the strengths I bring to the table. I then turn to prayer, seeking guidance and forgiveness from God and thank Him for everything. Sometimes, in the silence and quiet, I receive unexpected revelations. It’s crucial to learn how to find the world inside myself and expand it by following my heart and passion. I also believe that often, the best learning and growth happen outside the room – through serving others, collaborating with people, and exploring the world around me. But when I’m alone, I need to tap into my inner resources, rely on my faith, and trust that I have everything I need to succeed and thrive.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a photographer and travel author dedicated to capturing the beauty of diverse cultures and landscapes through my brand, ‘Photravel.’ My journey began at 22, fueled by a passion for photography and a desire to explore the world. Over the years, I have published more than 20 travel books filled primarily with unfiltered photographs, which allow readers to experience the authentic essence of each destination I visit.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to freeze moments in time that resonate with people, inviting them to My mission is to inspire exploration, foster deeper connections with different cultures, and remind everyone that beauty can be found in every corner of the globe. I invite readers to join me in this adventure, whether by following my work or simply embracing their own journeys of discovery.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, I would say that three qualities have been particularly impactful: resilience, curiosity, and authenticity.
Resilience has allowed me to navigate challenges and setbacks throughout my career. The creative field can be unpredictable, and learning to bounce back from disappointment is essential. My advice to those early in their journeys is to be kind to themselves, take a step back when needed, and don’t be afraid to take a break if you feel overwhelmed—it’s okay to not have all the answers at the moment. By doing so, you’ll return to your work refreshed and revitalized.
Curiosity drives my desire to explore new cultures and perspectives, fueling my creativity and innovation. I encourage aspiring creatives to cultivate a sense of wonder—ask questions, seek out new experiences, and never stop learning. This mindset will not only enrich your work but also help you connect with others in meaningful ways.
Authenticity is vital in my photography; it enables me to present my unique perspective and connect with my audience on a deeper level. I advise emerging artists to stay true to themselves and their vision, rather than succumbing to trends or external pressures. Embrace your individuality, as it is your greatest asset in the creative world.
Additionally, it’s crucial to love what you do. Passion fuels creativity and makes the journey more fulfilling. Don’t shy away from taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone; that’s where significant growth happens!

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

I remember that one of the first books that influenced me was The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. Now, I don’t recall the exact details, and I may be mistaken about some aspects, but the story inspired me with how a man embarked on an unknown journey after experiencing a revelation in a dream. After traveling a long way and experiencing many adventures, he received another revelation to return home, where he discovered a huge treasure that had been in the places he had visited many times before. However, without undertaking this journey, he most likely would never have found these treasures. Of course, I perceive this book more as philosophical, and the treasures may not be in the literal sense of the word.
Another book that significantly influenced my work is Argentina: A Land of Contrasts by Florian Von Der Fecht. Many of the qualities and advice I mentioned in my previous answers stem from the fact that I accidentally discovered this book while spending my last evening in Argentina, after a month of searching for the true meaning of a trip to a country I had never considered before. This is the only book in this style by this author, as far as I know, and it struck me as incredibly beautiful, resonating so strongly in my heart that it inspired me for my future work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amazon.com/author/andreyvlasov
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photravel_ru