Dinara Baizakova shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Dinara, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
I feel like my customers have changed as I’ve grown and outgrown my old self. What’s interesting is that the more I grow and raise my prices, the more grateful my clients become for my work. They seem more satisfied and genuinely happy with what I create for them. Lately, I’ve also noticed that many of my new clients are connected to me in some way—whether it’s through their vision of the world, their perspective on womanhood, or simply the way they see life. Working with them feels almost like talking to different parts of myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Dinara, a fashion and boudoir photographer. My work is all about celebrating women, their confidence, and their unique energy. I create imagery that goes beyond simple portraits—it’s about telling a story, capturing intimacy, and reflecting the power of self-love. Right now, I’m also expanding my path as a transformational coach for women through photography, helping them explore self-acceptance, clarity, and purpose. Everything I do comes back to one mission: helping women see and embrace their own beauty and strength.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was free, curious, and deeply connected to beauty. I didn’t question my creativity—it just flowed naturally. I loved to explore, to express, and to see the world with wonder. Over time, society tried to layer expectations on me—what success should look like, how I should act, what kind of woman I “should” be. But at my core, I’ve always been someone searching for truth, freedom, and expression. Rediscovering that part of myself has been one of the most powerful journeys of my life, and it’s the essence of what I now bring into both my photography and my coaching: helping women return to themselves, before the world told them otherwise.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there were definitely moments when I almost gave up. Times when things felt too heavy, when my personal life and career struggles made me question if I had the strength to continue. But what I realized in those moments is that the desire to give up usually came from being disconnected from myself—forgetting why I started and what truly lights me up. Every time I came close to walking away, something inside reminded me that my story wasn’t meant to end there. Those breakdowns became breakthroughs. They taught me resilience, helped me shed old versions of myself, and made me more aligned with the woman I am today.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that what really matters to me is truth, depth, and connection. I care deeply about living authentically, having honest conversations, and creating spaces where people feel safe to be themselves. They’d probably also say that beauty matters to me—not just in the artistic sense, but in the way I see and appreciate the beauty of people, emotions, and moments. Kindness is at the heart of it all—I believe in being gentle and compassionate, and if I can help someone, I always will. And above all, they’d say that I care about growth. I’m always evolving, reflecting, and encouraging the people I love to do the same.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m fully present—when I’m alone with my thoughts, or immersed in something I love. Quiet moments in nature, long drives with no destination, or watching the light shift over a landscape all bring me a deep sense of calm. I also feel peaceful when I can help someone, offer guidance, or simply connect with another person authentically. Those moments remind me that life doesn’t always have to be loud or busy—there’s power and clarity in stillness and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dinaraphotos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinara.photos
Image Credits
Elise Brisco
Nieshia
Theresa Hooker
Veronika Grady
Lena Shakuto
Jacquie Aracely
Neda
Yvon Nguyen
Ngozi
Yana Podgornaya
Alexandra Leoni
Valentina
Ashley Rossi
Joey.dng
