Check Out Yuliia Borodai’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuliia Borodai

Hi Yuliia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey has been long, but every event and every challenge I faced brought me closer to who I am today. The desire to create has always lived within me.

It all started in 2021 when I was living in Ukraine and working as a photo retoucher for a business in New Orleans. It was during the COVID-19 period: remote studies in architecture, remote work – everything aligned so I could balance my responsibilities from home.

But life changed when the war in Ukraine began. My job came to a halt, my plans became unclear, but my desire to become a photographer grew stronger. I began saving for equipment while the situation in the country worsened.

My city, Zaporizhzhia, was in a frontline zone. At first it was scary, but then you get used to living in this atmosphere. And now I wouldn’t be able to endure life under the sounds of sirens, rockets, and constant power outages. I chose the path of migration.

The first step was the Netherlands. It was a leap into the unknown – without knowing the language and with limited funds. I packed my suitcase and left. In the Netherlands, my life had little to do with creativity. I worked in manufacturing, living through gray, monotonous days, dreaming of saving enough money to return home and begin my photography journey. But the war continued, and I realized that hope for returning home was fading with each passing year.

After 1.5 years in the Netherlands, I made a bold decision – to change my life drastically. I reached out to acquaintances in Los Angeles and asked them to sponsor me through the program for Ukrainians. Two months of waiting, a suitcase, a ticket, an airport – and then 13 hours on a plane. Customs, friendly officers – and finally, the cherished words: “Welcome to the United States of America.”

That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter. I chose a camera with the help of a friend who is a professional photographer and started searching for my first clients. Every shoot filled me with energy – seeing the results of my work and bringing ideas to life was an incredible feeling.

I explored various directions: portrait photography, family sessions, weddings, and love stories. I also filmed video content and worked with cars.

Of course, there were challenges. Once, I faced an unfortunate situation with a company that failed to pay me for my work. It was a tough but valuable lesson.

Now I’m just at the beginning of my journey. My work is becoming more diverse, and my goal is to find my unique style that will become recognizable. For my soul, I love photographing cars – a passion I share with my boyfriend, who has supported me every step of the way. Without him, I wouldn’t have made it this far.

Los Angeles is a city of opportunities but also fierce competition. I believe my ideas will resonate with clients, and I have many exciting projects ahead.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has certainly not been smooth. I’ve faced many challenges, particularly with fierce competition and not being familiar with the area to find ideal locations. But I’m actively working on this, as I’ve now been in Los Angeles for 8 months.

I also encountered difficulties in finding mentors. I reached out to photographers whose work inspires me, hoping to collaborate with them and learn from their experience – even if it meant working for free. Unfortunately, most of them prefer to work with their own students. I would have gladly taken additional courses, but the knowledge offered is already part of my skill set, and the prices for such programs are quite high.

Instead of stopping, I’ve decided to explore other ways of self-improvement. I’m actively studying new shooting techniques, watching educational videos, reading books, and connecting with colleagues to continue growing. I’m also constantly improving my equipment: I recently bought a stabilizer for video work and a flash for evening outdoor shoots, to improve the quality of my work in different conditions. I’m confident this will help me take my career to the next level. And while the competition is fierce, I see it as an opportunity for growth and development.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in various types of photography, including portrait sessions, family photoshoots, love stories, and brand photography. I also enjoy shooting video content and working with cars, which adds a unique touch to my work.

I’m proud of how I’ve built my career in a new country, Los Angeles. In the 8 months I’ve been here, I’ve learned so much, and despite the fierce competition, I’ve managed to establish connections and find my first clients. My ability to quickly adapt to new conditions and constantly develop, perfect my skills, and techniques is what sets me apart from others. I actively explore new approaches to ensure my work remains relevant and exciting for my clients.

Another thing that sets me apart is my 3 years of experience as a retoucher. This experience allows me to work quickly and efficiently with skin imperfections, color correction, and other aspects of post-processing. In this field, I continue to learn and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, helping me create flawless final images.

Additionally, I offer my clients a unique opportunity — a short video from the photoshoot. In the last 10-15 minutes of the session, we film not just a behind-the-scenes moment but a complete mini-film that complements the photos. This gives my clients the chance to preserve the atmosphere of the shoot in motion and receive another valuable memento.

What distinguishes me is my constant drive for perfection. I keep learning new techniques, experimenting with different approaches, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in photography and videography.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is when my clients are satisfied with the results of my work. It’s especially fulfilling to see tags under each client’s posts and when the photos I’ve taken shine on their profile pictures. I’m also delighted when clients come back to me. It means I’ve created something valuable for them, and their trust in me continues to grow. And it makes me even happier when they recommend me to their friends and family.

Pricing:

• My pricing varies depending on the type of session. For brand shoots, where the session may last several hours and result in multiple photos, the pricing reflects the duration and number of images. For portrait and family sessions, the price starts at $250 for 1 hour.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuliia_laphoto?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yulia.borodaj
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuliia-borodai-220899316/
• Twitter: https://www.threads.net/@yuliia_laphoto?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@julliettoo?_t=ZT-8ssVFGhl0uc&_r=1