Ukrainian freelance photographer and artist Karina Azlanova is holding a portrait session in Avenham Park this Saturday to raise funds for those fleeing the conflict in her home country.

Karina, who has lived in the UK since 2018, will be taking portraits of people who are willing to donate whatever they can direct to charities in Ukraine.

Karina said: “I’ve never done anything like this before and, well, never been in such a situation.

“I’m shredded into pieces for what’s happening in my homeland. Every day I’m calling my dad who’s in Kyiv, terrified that he won’t pick up this time.

“I’m trying to find any and all possible ways I can help.”

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Karina lives in the city centre and has been inspired by a fellow photographer to raise funds through portraits.

“I saw on Instagram another photographer in London who came up with the idea #photosforukraine and I realised that I can do it in Preston,” said Karina.

“So now I would like to use my skills in portraiture to help Ukrainian charities and spread the message of unity and empathy by organising this photo session.

“I know that the whole world is held on the shoulders of volunteers and the real change is always done by us, ordinary people, little drops that make an ocean.”

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The portrait session will take place on Saturday (19 March). Karina will invite anyone having a portrait done to donate to one of the organisations listed on this website.

To find out more, view Karina’s portfolio or find her on Instagram or Facebook.

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