Hello!
My name is Natalia, and this is my very first post in my journal. I want to dedicate it to myself to share my thoughts, emotions, and experiences with you. As a wedding photographer who moved from a small post-Soviet country to the vast, diverse, and vibrant United States, I’ve been on a journey that has profoundly shaped me and my style of wedding photography.
I was born and raised in Belarus—a small, beautiful country in Eastern Europe. In 2022, I won the Green Card lottery and made the life-changing decision to move to America, a place so different yet full of opportunities.
In Belarus, the wedding industry is deeply influenced by European trends. Vendors draw inspiration from fashion-forward ideas, and couples are eager to embrace bold and creative concepts. Photographers often strive to make a statement with carefully styled, artistic shots, turning weddings into a canvas for their personal vision.
As part of this industry, I too became immersed in these trends, not realizing how the timeless beauty of classic wedding photography was being overshadowed.
When I first started photographing weddings in America, I found myself in a completely different world—one with unique traditions and customs that I needed to understand and embrace. Adjusting to these differences challenged me, broadened my perspective, and helped me grow as an editorial wedding photographer.
I’m deeply grateful to every couple who trusted me to capture their special day. You didn’t just give me a chance—you taught me, inspired me, and helped me grow. Because of you, I kept moving forward, learning to adapt and find my own path.
With every wedding I photographed, my vision began to shift. I reexamined my approach, found inspiration in the work of other talented wedding American photographers. Over time I moved away from fleeting trends and embraced the timeless elegance of classics and soulful wedding photography.
One of the most inspiring aspects of my work as a California wedding photographer is capturing weddings in stunning and unique locations. California’s breathtaking landscapes offer endless possibilities: majestic mountains, dramatic coastlines with rugged cliffs and golden beaches along the Pacific Coast, the towering redwoods of Northern California, the sun-soaked deserts of Joshua Tree and vibrant cityscapes like the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles and San Francisco. Whether it’s a luxury vineyard wedding, an intimate elopement in Yosemite, or a chic urban celebration, each venue has its own magic, making every wedding ceremony truly special and unforgettable.
Every time I arrive at a new location, I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to witness such beauty and be present in those incredible moments, capturing them for couples to relive and cherish for years to come.
Today, I can confidently describe my style as editorial and soulful wedding photography.
In my work, I focus on capturing the love between you and your partner, preserving the most genuine and heartfelt moments. To me, these aren’t just photos—they’re emotions and memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. I want to tell the story of your wedding day in a way that feels deeply personal, so that years from now, my photos will bring back each moment with the same warmth, joy and love you felt in those moments.