Today we’d like to introduce you to Daria Noir
Hi Daria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Daria, a photographer with a love for the unexpected, the unscripted, and the unforgettable moments in life. My journey to becoming a photographer has been anything but ordinary. Originally from Siberia Russia, I’ve lived in Japan (6 years) before landing in sunny California, and each chapter has influenced the way I see the world—especially through a lens.
Photography started as a way for me to connect with my family back home while traveling. It was never about perfecting a craft—it was about capturing experiences that felt too big to be explained with words. Through my camera, I shared the stories and moments that made me feel alive, and over time, I realized how much joy it brought me.
After graduating with a degree in Japanese language, I moved to Japan and worked in TV, starting as a reporter and media producer. I spent four years immersed in the fast-paced world of Japanese media. A couple of years later, I transitioned to YouTube Space Studios in Tokyo, where I worked as a production coordinator, and then moved on to NHK, Japan’s most renowned TV network, as a producer in Moscow.
It wasn’t until years later, after being deep in the media industry, that I truly recognized photography was the only way I wanted to communicate. I decided to leave the world of TV behind and pursue photography full-time. That’s when my journey as a photographer really began.
Now, I bring a mix of adventure, candid moments, and a touch of cinematic style to my photography (mostly wedding and couples). I’m passionate about capturing it in a way that feels natural, genuine, and effortlessly beautiful.
California is the perfect backdrop for this work. From the mountains to the beaches, the state offers endless possibilities for adventurous couples, and I’m thrilled to be part of those special moments.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a business owner, I’m always facing challenges. When you’re doing everything yourself—photography, social media, client communication, editing, marketing—there’s always something to figure out or improve.
One of the biggest struggles has been balancing the creative side of photography with the business side. I love capturing moments, telling stories, and working with amazing couples, but running a business requires so much more than just taking beautiful photos. Learning how to market myself, set boundaries, and manage a constantly shifting schedule has been a process of trial and error.
Another challenge is the unpredictability. Some months are fully booked, while others are slower, which can be stressful when you rely on your art to make a living. Social media is another tough one—it’s such a powerful tool for connecting with clients, but staying consistent while juggling everything else isn’t always easy.
Despite the struggles, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every challenge has pushed me to grow, both as a photographer and as a business owner. The reward of capturing real, emotional moments for people and seeing their reactions makes all the hard work worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a wedding and elopement photographer based in Los Angeles, specializing in capturing real, unscripted moments with a cinematic and documentary approach. My focus is on creating images that feel natural, timeless, and true to each couple’s unique story. I want my photos to bring people right back to how they felt in that exact moment—not just how it looked.
Photography wasn’t always my career path. It started as a way to connect with my family while traveling, a way to share moments too big for words. But there was one experience in particular that made me realize just how powerful photography can be.
One day, while strolling with my camera in Japan, I saw a mother and daughter beneath a blooming sakura tree. Overcoming my usual shyness, I asked if they’d like a photo together. They happily agreed, and after capturing a few shots, I left them to enjoy the day. Days later, I received an unexpected message—the mother had passed away shortly after our encounter. Her daughter reached out not in grief, but in gratitude. That photo became her last memory of them together.
That moment changed everything for me. It made me understand that photography isn’t just about beautiful images—it’s about preserving something fleeting, something irreplaceable. This philosophy drives the way I document weddings and elopements. It’s about the real emotions, the small in-between moments, and the memories that will mean the world years down the line.
What sets me apart is my attention to detail and my ability to help couples not forget to be themselves—to laugh, be playful, and embrace the moment like kids. I blend candid storytelling with subtle direction, creating images that feel effortless and genuine. Whether it’s an intimate elopement on a mountain or a backyard wedding with just close friends and family, I approach every wedding with the same passion and care. Being trusted to document such important moments is something I never take for granted.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I also work as a freelance producer for a Nas Daily Media – I’m still a huge fun of a journalism (if I may say so) and love the way they make short documentaries. As my life goal I want one day make a documentary and maybe win an Oscar 🙂
I love telling people stories in unusual way.
Pricing:
- My wedding packages start from $3000
- My engagement packages start from $500
- I also offer a personal portrait sessions (I call them art portraits) staring from $400
Contact Info:
- Website: https://darianoirphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darianoirphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001628845434
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daria-tiupina-a8a9b2120/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@darianoirphotography
Image Credits
Picture of me by Aleksandr Muhin
All other pictures are mine
