A conversation on portraiture, identity, and long-term photographic projects

The June 2025 issue of EVA Magazine features an extended interview with photographer Ivailo Stanev, now available online. The interview covers his approach to portraiture and the role of observation, memory, and interaction in shaping his work.

A significant part of the discussion focuses on his long-term project dedicated to corrida, developed over almost a decade in collaboration with Spanish matador Jesús Duque. The project documents the environment around the arena and examines themes related to ritual, identity, and tradition.

Stanev also speaks about the early stages of his career, highlighting the influence of teachers, mentors, and personal encounters that guided him toward photography.

Additionally, the interview explores his working methods. Stanev emphasizes the importance of preparation, patience, and precision when approaching a subject. He explains how intuition and accumulated personal experience influence the decisions he makes behind the camera and shape the resulting images.

The full interview, first published in print, is now available online:

Read the article on EVA.bg