Meet Anastasiia Terentieva | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anastasiia Terentieva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anastasiia, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is staying true to my voice while using photography as a way to bridge cultures, preserve memory, and create space for underrepresented narratives. I didn’t come to the U.S. with a network or financial support — I rebuilt everything from scratch. What helped me grow AnaMeskh Photography into a recognized name was consistency, emotional depth in my work, and an unwavering belief that photography is not just visual — it’s cultural and personal testimony.

Over the years, my work has been published in international magazines such as Artistonish, Sansara, Novum Artis, and Artist Close Up, and exhibited in cities like London, New York, Barcelona, Chicago, and Charlotte. My personal projects — especially Motanka, Born to Endure, and In Case We Stay — reflect my experience as a Ukrainian refugee and my desire to speak through images when words are no longer enough.

I am a certified member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), have judged international art prizes like the Hungarian Contemporary Art Prize, and completed advanced photographic studies at Harvard Extension School. Each of these milestones has contributed to shaping my voice and proving my commitment to photography as both an art and a responsibility.

Building this brand wasn’t just about creating beautiful images — it was about building trust, community, and impact. I now mentor others, collaborate with leading florists and artists, and use my platform to amplify the stories that often go unseen. That, to me, is the true measure of success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Ukrainian-born photographer whose work explores themes of memory, displacement, strength, and identity. What sets me apart is my ability to blend fine art aesthetics with documentary depth — creating visual narratives that are both poetic and socially rooted. I believe photography can carry a voice when words fall short.

I started AnaMeskh Photography after moving to the U.S. with no professional connections, no financial cushion, and no roadmap. It wasn’t easy. But I kept creating — not just for clients, but for the stories that mattered to me. My breakthrough came when I began developing conceptual series like Motanka, which honors Ukrainian heritage, Born to Endure, a visual metaphor for strength in vulnerability, and In Case We Stay, a deeply personal project reflecting the refugee experience.

My work has since been published in Artistonish, Sansara, Novum Artis, and Artist Close Up, and exhibited internationally in London, New York, Barcelona, Chicago, and Charlotte. I’ve served as a judge for the Hungarian Contemporary Art Prize and hold certifications from the Professional Photographers of America and Harvard Extension School.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that excellence is not just about skill — it’s about voice, clarity of message, and the courage to pursue stories others overlook. Through my photography, I aim to preserve cultural memory, spark empathy, and inspire action.

I want the world to see photography not just as decoration — but as witness, resistance, and healing. That’s what my work stands for.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a best friend came to visit me in the Carolinas, I’d give them a visually rich, soulful experience — just like I try to create through my photography.

We’d start in Charlotte with coffee at Not Just Coffee in Dilworth, followed by a walk through Freedom Park and the galleries at The Light Factory — one of the first places where my work was exhibited. Then we’d visit Camp North End — it’s full of art, murals, and creative energy.

I’d definitely take them to the mountains for a day trip — maybe Asheville or Boone — to hike, breathe, and photograph nature’s quiet poetry. And of course, a visit to Charleston or Savannah would be part of the week: beautiful light, ocean breeze, and streets full of stories.

In between, we’d stop by local artist markets, meet florists I collaborate with like Viivi Floral Studio, and find hidden gems — both places and people. Because to me, the best spots are the ones that inspire you to create.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Greg Marinovich, the Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist who mentored me during my studies at Harvard Extension School. His guidance challenged me to go deeper in my storytelling and taught me that photography can—and should—carry the weight of truth.

I’m also grateful to the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), where I earned my certification. Their standards pushed me to grow not only creatively but technically. And to Viivi Floral Studio, a team of visionary women I’ve collaborated with for years on published projects that celebrate art, culture, and emotion.

Finally, my family—especially my daughter—is the quiet force behind everything I do. Their love reminds me why I create and what truly matters.

Website: https://AnaMeskh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anameskhphoto/profilecard/?igsh=eDFtZzh1ZXpxMm83

Image Credits
Model Oleksandra Ustinova
Model Sofia Matsiukevich
Model Iryna