Gala Semenova

Hello friends!

I am offering an Exclusive Mini Headshot day for June 7th @ 3:30 - 6:30pm. I am excited to invite you in the studio in North Park San Diego! You will have a choice of 2 backgrounds for the set. I want to give you that wow factor to stand out.

Please contact me for details and time slots available 619-955-3455. Please arrive on time and come camera ready for your session as time slots are 20 mins. Please be aware these mini sessions are for 1 person to be photographed per time slot.
Only 5 slots available.

$222

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EMBRACING OPENNESS

In the depths of my own journey, I have encountered the raw vulnerability that comes with opening up to others. It is a path paved with trepidation, as the fear of being hurt or rejected looms large. But it is within these moments of vulnerability that something magical unfolds.

As I delve into the depths of my being, I have learned the importance of observing the mind stream. It is through this practice of mindfulness that I have discovered the intricate dance of my thoughts, emotions, and fears. It is both humbling and empowering to witness the stories I tell myself, the insecurities that grip my heart, and the ways my own thinking perpetuates my fears.

In this tender exploration, I have come to understand that healing and growth emerge from this place of vulnerability. By acknowledging and embracing my fears, I have cultivated a deep well of compassion and empathy within myself. This newfound compassion has allowed me to hold space for others, to truly see and understand their own struggles.

Through the art of observing the mind stream, I have transformed my relationships. I have created spaces of trust and authenticity where profound healing can occur. By embracing vulnerability, I have discovered the immense power of connection, where hearts intertwine and wounds find solace.

So, dear friends, let us embark on this brave journey of observing our minds and opening our hearts. In doing so, we unlock the beauty of vulnerability, where healing flows freely, and the true essence of human connection is unveiled.

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RUSSIAN HERITAGE

The Russian character and mentality are steeped in a rich tapestry of enigmatic aspects that make it both fascinating and challenging to understand. From a deep appreciation for Beauty and Aesthetics to the great intensity of emotions, Russians navigate a complex landscape of cultural heritage. The Russian "soul" finds solace and inspiration in the pursuit of beauty, whether through literature, art, or nature. It delves into the depths of human emotion, experiencing love, grief, and joy with unparalleled intensity. However, living with this cultural heritage is not always easy. The weight of introspection, the longing for meaning, and the complexities of emotional depth can be overwhelming. It requires navigating the delicate balance between the pursuit of beauty and the realities of life.

While the challenges of the Russian character and mentality persist in my life, the teachings of dharma have provided me tools for self-reflection, compassion, and personal growth. Through the practice of mindfulness, meditation, and ethical living, I continue to transcend cultural boundaries and cultivate a sense of inner peace, resilience, and authenticity.

Dharma has become my guiding light, helping me navigate the enigmatic aspects of myself and empowering me to embrace the fullness of my being with compassion, wisdom, and a profound sense of purpose.

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Ever since I was a 10-year-old girl, I've been enamored by the vibrant colors, intricate details, and patterns of Russian folk culture. I dived into the craft of creating my own clothes through sewing and knitting, envisioning myself as a fashion designer with my own brand. While my journey led me to photography and digital design, I still find joy in creating my own designs today using AI. It's a delightful way to embrace the beauty and express my creativity within the context of my cultural heritage. The style I used for this design is called Khokhloma

IMPERMANENT NATURE

In the gentle embrace of impermanence, we unearth an extraordinary wellspring of strength. When we truly comprehend and accept the transient nature of all things, we liberate ourselves from the shackles of attachment and fear. Like a kaleidoscope, life unfolds in ever-changing patterns of joy, pain, gain, and loss. Through this profound understanding, we discover resilience—the ability to adapt and flow with the currents of existence.

Impermanence teaches us the art of letting go. It illuminates the imperfections of our human experience and invites us to embrace the present moment fully. By acknowledging the fleeting nature of relationships, experiences, and material possessions, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for what we have here and now.

In the face of uncertainty, impermanence becomes our ally, reminding us to cherish the beauty of each passing breath. We find solace in the transient nature of life, recognizing that every ending gives birth to new beginnings. With understanding and acceptance of impermanence, we discover a wellspring of resilience, a steady anchor amidst life's ever-shifting tides.

"Like a dewdrop on a blade of grass, life is fragile and transient. Embrace its beauty and let go gracefully." - Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

"Impermanence is a principle of harmony. When we don't struggle against it, we are in harmony with reality." - Pema Chödrön

"The beauty of the flower is inseparable from its fleeting nature." - Dōgen Zenji

"Everything is changing. Whatever arises will pass away. Embrace this truth and you will find peace." - Thích Nhất Hạnh

DENIAL DESTROYS TRUST

Denial, like a stealthy saboteur, dismantles trust and triggers the dangerous mechanism of projection. When we deny our own shortcomings or refuse to face uncomfortable truths, we unconsciously project those unresolved issues onto others. The walls of trust crumble as blame, suspicion, and misinterpretation take root.

As denial thrives, we distort reality, distorting our perceptions of others' intentions and actions. Our fears and insecurities, masked by denial, project onto other individuals, staining their character and tarnishing the trust we once held. It becomes a vicious cycle, where our own denial fuels further projection, creating a tangled web of misunderstanding and resentment.

To rebuild trust, we must first confront our denial and take ownership of our projections. By engaging in introspection and self-awareness, we can unveil the hidden truths within ourselves. With humility and empathy, we can disentangle the web of projection, seeking genuine understanding and rebuilding trust brick by brick, fostering healthier and more authentic connections.

"Denial is the enemy of enlightenment. It keeps us trapped in a cycle of suffering and prevents us from experiencing true liberation and inner peace." - Buddha

"The first step towards liberation is to recognize and acknowledge the presence of denial within ourselves. Only then can we begin the journey of self-discovery and transformation." - Thich Nhat Hanh

"Denial is an illusion that keeps us bound to the cycle of suffering. Letting go of denial opens the door to acceptance and freedom." - Jack Kornfield

Blue Angels.

In the midst of Blue Angels' skies,
A celestial choir sings and flies,
Guiding souls with grace and light,
Onward towards the purest sight.

In Buddhist lands where wisdom reigns,
The angels' presence never wanes,
For in their heavenly form and grace,
The Buddha's teachings find a place.

Their wings like lotus petals spread,
As they soar with the Dharma's thread,
Their voices soft like a gentle breeze,
As they sing of enlightenment's ease.

With loving-kindness they surround,
All beings lost and tightly bound,
Whispering words of hope and care,
And helping them find the way that's fair.

Their beauty like a lotus bloom,
Brings peace to minds once filled with gloom,
And in their heavenly embrace,
All sentient beings find a space.

So let us bow to these divine,
Angels of Blue Paradise's line,
And let their wisdom and their love,
Guide us to the heavens above.

Sacred drum...

Playing the drum is a powerful and ancient practice that has been used for centuries by various cultures around the world. The drum is seen as a sacred tool that can be used to connect with the spiritual realm and to facilitate healing, transformation, and personal growth.

In many shamanic traditions, women are considered to be natural drummers and are often the ones who lead the drumming circles. The rhythm of the drum is believed to mimic the heartbeat of the earth and to help align the participants with the natural rhythms of the universe.

Thich Nhat Hanh often speaks about the drum as a tool for meditation and mindfulness. In his book, "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching," he writes: "The sound of the drum can help us to slow down and to be present with each beat. We can use the sound of the drum to bring us back to the present moment, to help us let go of our worries and anxieties, and to connect with our inner selves and the world around us."

Thich Nhat Hanh also emphasizes the importance of community and shared practice in Buddhism, and how the drum can be used to create a sense of connection and unity among practitioners. He writes: "When we come together to play the drum, we create a shared experience of rhythm and sound. We can use this shared experience to deepen our connection with each other and with the divine."

I love our Wednesday drumming classes with .alinelima

INNER PEACE, HAPPINESS AND JOY

In the Buddhist philosophy, cultivating inner peace, happiness, and joy is achieved through practicing mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom. Mindfulness represents the awareness and acceptance of present-moment experiences, which promotes calmness and enhances a sense of inner peace. Compassion is defined as the wish for all beings to overcome suffering, which helps to cultivate feelings of empathy, kindness and altruism. Wisdom, which is broadened through Buddhist scripture or teachings is the understanding of how things really are, which disrupts from illusions and aids in developing a clear perception of inner reality.

Buddhism is a practical way to achieve happiness, inner peace, and joy, by reducing the negative and harmful emotions such as attachment, anger, and ignorance. The daily practice of meditation, self-reflection, and ethical conduct promote spiritual development, and change long-term patterns of behavior. By cultivating mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom, one can experience enduring states of happiness and joy, which frees them from the perpetual cycle of suffering caused by desire and craving.

Perhaps we sit in meditation with our spines straight, motionless, seeing nothing and thinking of nothing, and we believe that this is meditation. Whether or not it actually is, I'm not sure. I think it's just a break, nothing more. Meditation means becoming positively familiar with ourselves. If just sitting without moving and thinking about nothing was good enough, pigeons would be great meditators.
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Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drönme)

My project made it to the official selection of the Tokyo International Foto Awards this year. Waiting for the results =) fingers crossed 🤞

One more achievement =) i am grateful

Angel ....

https://intheartscene.com/2022/09/25/award-winning-photographer-gala-semenova/

Enjoy me talking about my artistic practice and projects I am working on at the moment ❤

Award-Winning Photographer Gala Semenova - S5 Ep2 Gala Semenova is an award-winning self-taught Fine Art Portrait Photographer who lives and works in San Diego, California

Female in Focus 2022 exhibition in London, UK. My artwork among other 21 exceptional women photographers. I'm bummed that I won't be able to be there for the opening and won't be meeting in person all amazing women I met through this award. Acceptance. Acceptance. Acceptance.

https://www.photofusion.org/future-exhibitions-2/

SDVoyager magazine published my interview, a conversation about my art, my journey as an artist, my fears, and inspirations =)

http://sdvoyager.com/interview/conversations-with-gala-semenova/

Conversations with Gala Semenova - SDVoyager - San Diego Today we’d like to introduce you to Gala Semenova. Hi Gala, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. I had an interest toward photography since early years; I think I was 12 when I started take pictures with my friend’s Polaroid camera. My parents gave me my...

https://intheartscene.com/2022/09/25/award-winning-photographer-gala-semenova/

Listen to my interview on "In The Art Scene" podcast on inner beauty and social justice

Award-Winning Photographer Gala Semenova - S5 Ep2 Gala Semenova is an award-winning self-taught Fine Art Portrait Photographer who lives and works in San Diego, California

PLEASE SHARE 🙏

https://lubbil.ngontinh24.com/article/female-in-focus-2022-the-winners

Female in Focus 2022: The Winners (2022) Reading Time: 5 minutes(above) © Minxu Li, Female in Focus 2022 Single Image Winner.With the winning images traversing tales from across the globe, this year’s call for submissions asked for work around the meaning of home.The winners of British Journal of Photography and 1854’s Female in Focus...

Thank you so much for sharing your experience

Nu ne luptăm singuri în această familie – Gala Semenova, una dintre câștigătoarele premiilor internaționale pentru fotografie Female in Focus 2022 (celelalte fotografii câștigătoare, absolut impresionante, în linkul din comentarii. onorați-le pe fotografele lumii, sunt nedrept de puține)

„Misha a fost diagnosticată cu cancer de sân în 2021, iar boala ei a dus la necesitatea chimioterapiei. Drept urmare, și-a pierdut părul lung și frumos. Fiica Mishei a vrut să o susțină în timpul acestui proces dificil și s-au ras pe cap una pe cealaltă.”

M-a strâns rău în spate citind povestea lor. Am și eu fete. Nu m-aș aștepta la acest gest, știu că mi-ar fi alături de oriunde sunt ele, dar cred că această adolescentă i-a dat mamei ei cea mai mare dorință de a lupta să trăiască. :)

The British Journal of Photography Female in Focus 22 winner

Thank you Digital Camera World for the feature. I am so thrilled !!!

My work is published in The Guardian as a part of winning images for the Female in Focus 2022 award organized by The British Journal of Photography
The Female in Focus international award from the British Journal of Photography and its publisher 1854 Media, was established to champion the work of exceptional female photographers and combat gender inequality in the industry.

I am thrilled to be selected as one of 20 single-winning images for the British Journal of Photography's Female in Focus 2022 award alongside outstanding artists including my dear fellow artist, my teacher, and inspiration Kristina Varaksina! So grateful to for this incredible opportunity. More details are coming. Check out all the winners using the link in my Stories!

My image will be displayed in an exhibition , London, in October, and a US exhibition in 2023.

The British Journal of Photography

Interview with self-taught Fine Art Portrait Photographer Gala Semenova - 123 ART Spread the loveGala Semenova is a self-taught Fine Art Portrait Photographer who lives and works in San Diego, California. She was born in Tula, Russia…

Excited and grateful to be a Gold Winner of Muse Photography Awards in the category Fine Art Photography - Nudes among professionals.
This series of portraits explores my own connection to the natural world. Women and nature are aligned in a variety of ways from symbolic to material. The concept of connecting women with nature dates back to the times of ancient classical mythology, with several goddesses being strongly connected to the earth, to animals, to different stars and planets.
In this project, I look at women and different parts of the experience of being a woman through the rawness of nature. My goal is to show the raw nature of our beauty, of our resilience, endurance, power, gentleness, vulnerability. The project “And then i remembered” is about bringing back memories from a long time ago, from deep inside women’s DNA, from the times when we were free to worship the forces of nature, sexuality, and beauty. It is time to claim our powers back, to accept our sacredness and our important role in this world for the benefit of all beings and Mother Earth.

The full series you can find on my website
www.galinasemenova.com/fine-art

I am absolutely happy to be an awardee of 16th Julia Margaret Cameron Awards for Women Photographers!!!!