Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasiia.
Hi Anastasiia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The true starting point of my journey as a photographer was my fourteenth birthday, when my parents gifted me my very first camera. Since childhood, I had shown a deep interest in photography — I could spend hours studying pictures and asking photographers endless questions whenever I had the chance at events. There was a photography store near my school where I became such a frequent visitor that I knew all the staff by name — and they knew me too. I’m endlessly grateful to my parents for noticing my passion and supporting it by giving me that very first camera.
Once I had my camera, I didn’t miss a single opportunity to shoot. Taking pictures of friends, family celebrations, and school events quickly became part of my everyday life.
Over time, I realized that photography wasn’t just about pressing a button. Behind every beautiful shot stood a vast amount of technical knowledge — understanding light, mastering composition, knowing how to handle equipment. I started taking photography courses, reading professional books, and subscribed to a photography magazine. Everything I learned, I tried to put into practice immediately.
When I turned seventeen, I moved to Poland to attend university, choosing a major unrelated to photography. Days were filled with lectures, and evenings with work at a small café. Gradually, my camera started gathering dust on the shelf. Those years became a time of inner emptiness: my studies and work brought me no real joy.
After earning my bachelor’s degree and facing the decision to continue with a master’s program, I stopped and honestly asked myself, “What am I even doing?”
That’s when I made one of the most important decisions of my life: I quit my job, scaled back my academic focus to the minimum necessary to keep my promise to my parents, and fully dedicated myself to photography.
It was a risky step — no steady income, living in a foreign country, and very limited opportunities. I offered my photography services to anyone who would listen, commented under social media posts, and took every chance I could find.
In my very first month, I earned $50 — barely enough to survive — but I didn’t give up. Month after month, I kept gaining experience, building my reputation, and strengthening my belief in myself.
Today, I’m living the life I once dreamed of.
Photography became my profession — it took me to different parts of Europe and allowed me to capture hundreds of people’s stories. Eventually, I made another important step: I moved to America to continue growing and evolving. Here, I found my true calling as a wedding photographer.
Now, I continue telling stories through my lens, putting a piece of my heart into every shoot
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been far from smooth.
When I moved to Poland for university, photography almost disappeared from my life. Studying a major I had no passion for and working in a café drained all my time and energy. I felt like I was living someone else’s life.
After earning my bachelor’s degree and preparing to pursue a master’s, I suddenly realized that if I didn’t change everything now, it would only get harder later. Making that decision wasn’t easy. I quit my job, minimized my academic involvement to fulfill the promise I had made to my parents, and started rebuilding my career from scratch — this time as a photographer.
The financial side was tough: during the first few months, I earned just a few dollars, while rent consumed almost all my savings. There were many days when I didn’t know how I would pay for the next month’s living expenses.
Emotionally, it wasn’t easy either — when I sought advice from more experienced photographers, I was often met with coldness and distrust. They didn’t see a beginner seeking guidance; they saw a future competitor.
After going through this path with almost no support, I later decided to write a book about wedding photography — to give beginners the kind of help I once desperately needed.
But my belief in what I was doing turned out to be stronger than any fear. I kept working, learning through practice, making mistakes, and growing.
And step by step, my dream started becoming reality.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At this stage of my career, I specialize primarily in wedding photography. I truly
enjoy working with weddings of all styles, cultures, and religions. In fact, I
especially love when couples from different backgrounds come to me — those
weddings always feel like the first time. Of course, I take the time to prepare and
learn the customs of each culture, but that sense of novelty is something that
inspires me deeply.
What sets me apart? I don’t like overly posed photos. My main goal is to capture
genuine, natural emotions. Of course, I gently guide the couple when needed —
suggesting how to stand or where to place a hand — but it’s all within a natural
flow, never forced. I don’t believe in dragging a couple around from location to
location, having them miss their own ceremony, only to later remember it through
photos. That’s simply not my style.
What am I most proud of? I feel incredibly lucky to do what I’ve always dreamed
of. Let’s be honest — not everyone gets that chance. I truly love what I do, and
because of that, I give my all at every single shoot. It’s not just a job or a contract
for me — it’s a chance to be part of something beautiful, to help preserve one of
the most meaningful days in a couple’s life.
What do I want readers to know about my services? While I started as a wedding
photographer, I’ve come to realize I’m really a family photographer. A wedding
ceremony is not the end — and not even the beginning. I’ve worked with couples
from their engagement shoot to the wedding day, to maternity photos, to newborn
sessions… and soon, I’ll be photographing that same baby’s first birthday.
I deliver the photos on a custom USB drive in a keepsake box engraved with the
couple’s names. I also offer printed photo albums, fine art prints, a few Polaroid
shots, and even vintage film photography if they want something truly special. I’m
always learning, evolving, and expanding my services — and in most cases, I can
bring to life whatever vision the couple has in mind.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The easiest way to work with me is by reaching out through my website or Instagram — I’m always open to photographing weddings, editorials, or meaningful creative projects. I also love collaborating with planners, stylists, content creators, and other artists who value intentional storytelling and aesthetics.
If someone wants to support me, simply sharing my work or recommending me to others is incredibly helpful — word of mouth is everything in this industry.
Pricing:
- $2400-$5000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anastasiatamarina.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiatamarina/
