For many photographers, their camera is an integral part of their lives. TUMO Gyumri graduate and TUMOgraphy competition winner Donara Hovsepyan is no exception. We dove deep into Donara’s TUMO archives and sat down with her to uncover the creative algorithm behind her photographic journey.
The Quarantine Catalyst
Donara’s love for photography was born at TUMO during the 2020 global pause—a period that transformed digital restrictions into creative breakthroughs. “In 2020, at TUMO, like everywhere else, everything was online,” she recalls. “Photography seemed like a miracle during that time. When TUMO launched the DIY Photo Studio at Home learning lab with Aram Kirakosyan, we started taking photos with our phones, and that’s when my creative codec activated.”
Her lab leader became her primary source code. “I was so inspired by him. I learned everything from his perspective. When he showed us his photos of Gyumri, I started to see the city through a completely different lens. Before the lab, I didn’t take photography seriously—but afterward, it became a way of life.”
After her first learning lab, Donara took a leap into her photography journey with a workshop in December 2020, where she learned how to work with her device and “trick” the light for her camera. Check out some of the captivating photos from her eye-opening experience!
That same year, Donara received her first camera—a gift from her parents that would become the primary interface of her artistic expression. “I remember how excited I was, wanting to shoot photos immediately,” she laughs. “But the battery was dead, and there was no electricity at home. I charged the battery early in the morning and couldn’t wait to start. I didn’t even know where the photo button was.”
Inspiration Algorithms
Her photographic pantheon includes Bruce Davidson, Sarah van Rij, Jack Davison, and Jill Friedman. Street photography is her preferred genre—because, as she puts it, “It’s raw and unfiltered. You never know what moment you might capture.” In her level two photography workshop, she dived deep into street photography, embracing the spontaneous stories unfolding around her.
Light, Sound, and Creative Frequencies
For Donara, light is the ultimate inspiration—a raw material for her visual storytelling. “Our house has a long balcony where shadows form in the morning. My balcony is also a source of creative energy. In the morning, I always drink strong coffee and listen to NxWorries or Tyler the Creator. In the evening, I just sit and listen to Radiohead. Those two have become more than music—they’ve shaped my artistic signature.” But her inspiration extends beyond personal rituals. “I’m fascinated by the people around me—known and unknown. When they pass by and I catch a fragment of conversation, I become curious about their story: What kind of life do they live? What challenges are they facing? Did they argue with someone at home today? I think that’s a characteristic trait of photographers—seeing stories within moments.”
For her level three photography workshop, Donara created a vivid photo story spotlighting Gyumri’s only fencing school, capturing the intensity and artistry of the sport that you can explore here.
“I needed kids for my photo story because they’re so candid. Besides that, I love sports—especially the ones that aren’t very popular. Fencing is such a blessing for a photographer, with the way it offers a plethora of compositions and ideas. When I heard there was a fencing school in Gyumri—and that it’s the only one—I got excited. I ended up learning a lot about the sport.”
Applying to TUMOgraphy was a last-minute creative hack, inspired by her instructor Davit Avetisyan. She submitted one of her favorite photos—a portrait of her brother Felo.
“When I took this photo, I wanted to delete it,” she admits. “But my brother wouldn’t let me, saying that one day it would become famous.”
A triptych dedicated to Vahramaberd—its colors, shadows, and warm memories—stands as a testament to her evolving artistic vision.
“I believe color possesses memory. Vahramaberd is green, yellow, and sometimes shadowy. Felo has grown up, and his childhood dreams feel small next to the new ones. But these photos will always remind me of teasing the neighborhood kids in Vahramaberd, shooing cows, and our grandma Hasmik’s burgers, jars of homemade juice, and candies.”
Beyond the Frame
Donara’s passion for the camera doesn’t stop at photography—it extends to filmmaking, which she has chosen as her profession. Her ultimate goal? To join the ranks of the legendary Magnum photographers. “I know it’s a bold dream,” she says with a knowing smile, “but I hope it’ll happen when I’m older.”