New Light
Russian-born and Southern California-based Guzel Khos’s photography portfolio is lively and dynamic, rich with boundless energy and palpable emotion. I was instantly captivated by her images, and even more so by what fuels them. Beyond simply capturing moments, Guzel wants to enact change. Her lens is a portal for transformation, helping her clients build confidence and self-esteem through her work.
In our conversation, Guzel delves into the various stages of her creative evolution and offers insight into her unique practice that merges artistry with therapy.
can you tell me a bit about yourself?
My name is Guzel Khos, and I am a photographer based in Los Angeles. I’ve been passionate about photography for 17 years and have been working professionally for the past five. I truly love what I do and take great pride in the creative outcomes of my work. One of my biggest dreams is to grow as a photographer and gain wider recognition, and I’m doing everything I can to make that happen. Coming from a small countryside [town] in Russia, being in LA feels almost surreal – it’s a truly magical and unbelievable journey for me.
who, or what, are your creative influences?
My biggest creative influences are my friends who support me every single day. Their encouragement, telling me that my work is unique and that I have talent, is one of the greatest compliments I could receive, and it truly keeps me going. My followers also play a huge role in motivating me to keep creating and sharing my work.
In terms of artistic inspiration, I draw a lot from other photographers and artists on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. I also find a lot of inspiration in nature and in moments of solitude, which help me recharge creatively.
what does it mean to be a therapeutic photographer? what makes photography a powerful tool for enacting personal growth?
Therapeutic photography is about helping people feel better about themselves, much like a therapy session, but with a focus on self-perception through imagery. It’s a powerful tool because it allows individuals to see themselves in a way they may not have before – without the self-judgment that often comes from looking in a mirror. Instead, they see themselves as others do, beautifully and with admiration. During a therapeutic photography session, I focus on capturing their essence, and by doing so, I give them a boost in self-confidence and self-appreciation.
What makes photography so impactful for personal growth is that it helps people break down negative self-perceptions. I always see beauty in my clients, and I make sure they feel that during our time together. After the session, when they receive their photos, many of them are amazed – they’ve never seen themselves in that light before. It’s an experience that can lift their spirits, and I’ve had clients return frequently because of how much it resonates with them. I feel incredibly blessed to have discovered this tool and to be able to use it to help others feel seen, valued, and confident.
how do you make someone feel at ease in front of the camera, especially if they’ve never modeled before?
Most of my clients have never modeled before or even had professional photos taken, so feeling nervous or insecure is completely normal. In fact, that’s exactly the type of client I work with. I focus on creating an environment where they can feel comfortable and confident, even if it’s their first time in front of the camera.
One of the most important tools I use is conversation. I always start by talking with my clients – asking them about their day, how they’re feeling, what’s going on in their lives, and even how they feel about their body. This helps break the ice and takes the focus off the camera. Sometimes we’ll grab a coffee or chat through Instagram or email before the shoot, [and I make sure] that they feel relaxed and reassured. I tell them that the session is going to be super chill, and it always is. Just a little bit of conversation can do wonders for calming their nerves.
Another tool I use is showing them some shots during the session. If I capture a great photo, I’ll share it with them, which boosts their confidence. Seeing themselves look amazing in a photo right away helps them relax and trust the process. Throughout the shoot, I keep it playful and encourage them to move around, jump, or just have fun, with minimal direction. It’s all about keeping things natural and easygoing, which makes a huge difference.
what are your thoughts on planning the various aspects of a shoot versus capturing spontaneous moments? how do you create a balance between the two?
Before any photoshoot, I always create a moodboard that outlines the shots we want to capture, which I send to my client for approval. Sometimes my clients also share specific shots they’d like to get, and I make sure we include as many of those as possible, time permitting. Having this plan helps ensure that we achieve the key images they’re envisioning.
At the same time, I love to embrace spontaneity. In between the planned shots, I’m always on the lookout for unexpected opportunities – whether it’s a beautiful patch of light, an interesting backdrop, or a moment that just feels right. I’ll say, “let’s pause here,” or, “try this,” and those spontaneous moments often lead to some of the most authentic and creative shots.
I believe the balance comes from having a clear plan but staying open to the magic that can happen in the moment. The structure gives us a foundation, but the freedom to play around leads to the most natural and memorable photos.
you’ve divided your time living in America between “life before San Diego and after.” As a San Diego native myself, I’m curious to know what attracted you to the area and how it contributed to your personal and professional evolution.
Before moving to San Diego, I wasn’t yet a professional photographer, and my life wasn’t where I wanted it to be. Photography felt like a distant dream – something that didn’t seem possible to achieve. But I chose San Diego because, to me, it’s the most beautiful and perfect city in the United States. I wanted to feel like I was living in paradise, and that’s exactly what San Diego offered.
When I moved there, COVID-19 hit about a month later, and suddenly I was forced to slow down and reflect on what I really wanted. With everything on pause, I had the chance to focus on my passion for photography and invest in improving my skills. I realized that this is what I truly wanted to do, and I used that time to educate myself and get better at my craft.
Life before San Diego was a journey of self-discovery, where I wasn’t sure who I was or what I wanted. After moving there, I gained clarity, set goals, and became more aligned with my dreams. San Diego played a key role in helping me find the confidence to pursue photography professionally and to stay true to myself.
what advice do you have for budding creatives?
My advice for budding creatives is to trust the process and be patient with yourself. Creativity takes time, and it’s okay to feel uncertain or lost along the way. Don’t be afraid to explore different paths and experiment, because that’s how you’ll discover your unique voice. It’s also important to stay true to your passion and not get discouraged if things don’t happen right away – success doesn’t come overnight.
Another key piece of advice is to keep learning. Whether it’s through formal education, online tutorials, or simply observing the world around you, always seek inspiration and find ways to improve your craft. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you, because their encouragement can make all the difference. And, most importantly, believe in yourself and your vision. The creative journey is often challenging, but the rewards are worth it when you stay dedicated to your passion.
what’s next for you?
My next big step is to visit Asia and expand my photography on a more global scale. My goal for my thirties is to be able to work and travel, combining my passion for photography with exploring new places. This upcoming journey to various cities and countries in Asia is an exciting part of that dream. I’m not sure how long I’ll be traveling, but I’m eager to see where life takes me and what opportunities come my way. It’s all about embracing the adventure and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
