"We need to be alive for our son": how the dangerous work of the Liberov photographers changed after the birth of their son

A new chapter in life: from reportage to parenthood

Ukrainian photographers Kostyantyn and Vlada Liberov, whose work is known far beyond the country, became parents for the first time at the end of November 2025. The couple had a son named Noah — a name chosen not by chance: it refers to the biblical hero, symbolizing salvation and hope. The couple kept the pregnancy secret for some time, announcing the addition to the family only in July 2025, when Vlada was already four and a half months pregnant. Since then, their lives have changed radically: work involving constant business trips, risks, and staying in dangerous zones now requires new approaches and priorities.

Responsibility as the main challenge

In an exclusive interview with the publication Wave RBC.UA, the Liberovs admitted that parenthood became for them not just an emotional experience, but also a professional challenge. "It has become harder to work. More responsibility. We need to be alive and next to our son. And with our job, it is sometimes difficult to organize and guarantee this," the couple shared. Their profession, which requires presence in hotspots and conflict zones, is now coupled with the realization that every trip is a risk that can have consequences for the family.

Comparison with military families: the context of Ukrainian reality

Despite the uniqueness of their situation, the Liberovs note that their experience is not isolated. "But again, in such moments we look at military families and understand that our experience is far from unique," the photographers emphasized. In the context of the ongoing conflict, many Ukrainian families face similar dilemmas: how to combine service to the country, a profession, and caring for children. For the Liberovs, this has become not only a personal but also a social issue, reflecting the reality of thousands of Ukrainian families.

No arguments yet: humor and unity in upbringing

At the moment, according to the photographers, they have not had serious disagreements regarding the upbringing of their son. The baby is already seven months old, he is actively crawling and standing with support, which makes his presence in the house particularly noticeable. "No arguments yet. He is only 7 months old, already actively crawling and standing with support, so the arguments are currently only about who will get up to him first in the middle of the night," Kostyantyn and Vlada said with humor. Their approach to parenthood is based on mutual understanding and a willingness to share not only joys but also difficulties.

Contradictory data

There are some inconsistencies in various sources regarding the exact date of the son's birth. Some publications indicate November 2025, others — December. However, in the interview with Wave RBC.UA, the couple clearly stated that the child was born at the end of November 2025. Also, some materials mention that the couple published photos from the maternity hospital immediately after birth, while other sources speak of a delay in the announcement. The Liberovs confirmed that the pregnancy was hidden until July 2025, and they announced the birth of their son later, which is explained by the desire to maintain privacy.

The future in focus: balance between profession and family

For Kostyantyn and Vlada Liberov, the appearance of their son became a turning point, forcing them to reconsider many aspects of life. They do not plan to give up work, but now every project is evaluated through the prism of safety and responsibility towards the family. Their story is not only a personal experience but also a reflection of a broader context: how Ukrainian professionals working under risk conditions adapt to the new realities of parenthood. Ahead are new challenges, but also new meanings that will help them grow not only as photographers but also as parents.