We were lucky to catch up with Delgr Shovunova recently and have shared our conversation below.
Delgr, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I’m inspired and empowered by the story of my ancestors. I am originally from Russia, and my ethnicity is Kalmyk. My parents were born 2,000 miles away from our home republic. The story of their deportation to Siberia as “enemies of the Soviet people” in December 1943 was shared by all Kalmyks. With a heavy heart, I recall just one generations ago, my ancestors were forcibly uprooted from the hot vast plains of Kalmykia to the harsh conditions of Siberia, where no one spoke their language, and their culture was deemed as a threat.
Only over time, as they learned Russian, did they manage to adapt better to their new conditions-knitting and sewing clothes, which they traded for food with the local people who, despite cultural differences and broken Russian, made efforts to help and support them.
Who would have known that, 80 years later, my family and I would also have to leave our home, face language and cultural difficulties in a new country.
If my parents and grandparents were able to overcome such a difficult path, then so can I.
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?
As I mentioned earlier, I am Kalmyk. My family consists of my husband and our three sons. Together, we immigrated to the United States two years ago. I truly enjoy living in New York City, where everyone can find inspiration and opportunities to fulfill their potential.
As a photographer based in New York, I specialize in capturing some of life’s most meaningful moments, from heartfelt proposals to cherished family portraits. What excites me most about photography is its power to freeze time—those fleeting emotions, genuine smiles, and connections that tell a story.
What makes my work special is my focus on authenticity. I strive to create images that reflect the unique essence of each person or couple I photograph. Whether it’s the nervous excitement of a proposal or the playful energy of children during a family session, I aim to preserve those raw, real moments in a timeless way.
I also take great pride in creating a comfortable environment for my clients. I understand that not everyone feels natural in front of a camera, so I guide them with ease, helping them feel relaxed and confident.
Ultimately, my goal is to provide more than just beautiful photos—I want to give my clients memories they can relive and share for generations. Photography, to me, is not just about taking pictures; it’s about celebrating life, love, and connection.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most impactful qualities in my journey as a photographer were perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to storytelling.
Perseverance helped me overcome the challenges of building a career in a new country while learning English.
Adaptability allowed me to adjust to the U.S. photography market, connect with diverse clients, and embrace new trends.
Commitment to storytelling kept me focused on capturing meaningful moments that resonate with people, regardless of language barriers.
My advice:
Build a strong portfolio that reflects your unique perspective—your cultural background is an asset.
Network with other photographers and creatives; collaboration can open unexpected doors.
Keep improving your skills, both technical (like editing) and soft (like client communication), as they’re equally important.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was teaching me resilience and the value of hard work. They showed me, through their actions, how to face challenges with determination and to never stop striving for growth. Their support and belief in my ability to succeed, even when I doubted myself, gave me the confidence to pursue my goals and adapt to life in a new country.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.toriphotographer87.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tori_photographer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToriPhotographerNYC
Image Credits
Delgr Shovunova
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