Why does one photographer capture what another passes by? Mikhail Shirshov will explain how personal experience, profession, and childhood impressions shape the author's perspective. The conversation with Mikhail Shirshov will focus on how the author's perspective is formed and why the personal story of the photographer inevitably manifests in his works. Mikhail Shirshov is an engineer by profession: he has worked as a mechanic, designer, and electronics developer for the defense and aerospace industries. However, he has been engaged in creativity since childhood. The technical profession did not overshadow his interest in the artistic interpretation of the world but provided additional tools. Mikhail invents and manufactures devices that he uses for shooting and printing photographs. The transition to digital photography expanded his capabilities: color appeared in his works, along with a new audience and active participation in the professional community. Shirshov became involved in the life of the Tula photo site, became its moderator, a member of the photo club, and a speaker at festivals. At the same time, he remains loyal to his primary profession.