Alexander Ivashkevich (born 1960, currently based in Tallinn, Estonia) is a multifaceted artist — an acclaimed theater and film actor, tap dancer, choreographer, teacher, and fine art photographer.
With over 15 years of experience in fine art photography, he has honed a distinctive, instantly recognizable style that has earned him international recognition.
Specializing in portrait and boudoir photography, Alexander takes a unique approach, going beyond traditional beauty to reveal the hidden, often unexpected facets of a person’s character.
His work captures both the physical elegance and the deeper, unseen emotions of his subjects.
Many models describe his photo sessions as a powerful form of self-discovery — one that transforms both their outward appearance and inner confidence long after the session ends.
I believe that people nowadays need to feel the world much more sophisticatedly than our modern everyday life offers."
The artist’s interest in fine art and photography was further inspired by his life-long career in the dramatic theatre. As an actor, he is able to tap into emotions that are often forgotten and overlooked. Photography, for him, is a continuation of acting and communicating with the audience; it is a form of directing, and not just acting work. He says that photography is way to bridge the gap between inhalation and exhalation, and to capture the true essence of human nature.
He draws inspiration from renowned painters of past centuries (Leonardo da Vinci, the Pre-Raphaelites, and the Impressionists), whose vision of natural human beauty aligns with his perception of the canons of past times.
Their work has shaped his visual language, and as a result, his photographs are often described as paintings rather than traditional photography.
Posing is often one of the most challenging aspects of a photo session. Each shoot has its own purpose — whether it’s to reveal the model’s personality, highlight their individuality, or convey softness, strength, or sensuality. What makes portrait photography truly captivating is its ability to capture natural, spontaneous moments rather than relying on rigid or artificial poses.
“My main goal during each photo session is to uncover a person’s inner potential — regardless of age. I create roles and emotional narratives tailored to each individual. This allows hidden facets of their personality to emerge naturally in front of the camera.”
This process offers a rare chance to see yourself from a new perspective — to explore the depths of your emotional world and take part in a story that is entirely your own.
Photo sessions often pass quickly, as clients find themselves fully engaged — not merely posing, but experiencing a journey of self-discovery. The result is not just a photograph, but a transformation: life begins to feel more vibrant, and a quiet desire awakens — to become more in tune with oneself, to listen to the inner voice, and to grow.
This is what continues to inspire me to work with people again and again — each story is unique, each experience deeply human.
Each photograph is individually framed, with some pieces enhanced by the traditional French technique of verre églomisé — a process involving the application of both gilding and intricate designs to the reverse side of glass. This technique transforms the works into exclusive fine art objects.
All photographic works are presented in carefully selected decorative frames and protected by museum-grade anti-reflective glass. Each print is produced on Hahnemühle Matt FineArt 308 gsm paper, ensuring exceptional quality, depth, and archival longevity.
Through years of experimentation, I have refined an approach that resonates with my vision - one that carefully considers color, texture, and detail to bring out the right emotions in each image. Each piece demands careful attention to color, texture, and detail, and sometimes, I set my work aside to return later with a fresh perspective, ensuring that every image aligns with my artistic intent.
education
• 1996 – 1997 Ballet Arts, Broadway Dance Center, New York, USA
• 1993 Tap dance, Woodpeckers Tap Dance Center, New York, USA
• 1978 – 1982 Theater and movie actor, The Arts College, Kharkiv, Ukrain
collaborations
• Vene Teater (Russian Theater, Estonia)
• Alexandra Lind Discovery Perfumes (Estonia)
• Kroonika Magazine (Estonia)
• Clothing Brand YEAR (Estonia)
• Nanoasia & Bellapierre Cosmetics (Estonia)
• MGM Aria Hotel/Casino (Las Vegas, USA)
photo projects
• 2024 – 2023 „Boudoir: costumes and accessories of past years (1900–1960)" (in collaboration with Alexandre Vassiliev Foundation), Estonia
• 2024, 2018 „Faces of Estonian culture“ (Update on the project „The art of life“)
• 2021 Beaty and Psychology in Photography, Tallinn, Estonia
• 2015 – 2010 „The art of life“ (Portraits of influential figures shaping Estonia’s cultural landscape)