About

Yes, that’s me in the photo above. And no, I’m not hiding behind sunglasses. At this altitude and with the strong sun, they’re essential. I let myself be photographed as a memento, just before the significant moment when I would reach an altitude of 5,416 metres above sea level. Over there on the right in the photo, after almost two weeks of trekking around the Annapurna mountain range, the Thorong La pass awaits me. This is the highest place I’ve been to so far. The Himalayas have ensnared my spirit, and I yearn to return.

Skip over China and Mongolia, and you’ll arrive at Lake Baikal. It’s the world’s deepest freshwater lake and is often called the Sea of Siberia. I had to visit in winter to truly appreciate its beauty. The ice is over a metre thick, strong enough to support not just me, but even a few vehicles. You could see the bottom, dozens of meters down, through the different shades of blue ice. And to top it all off, the sky was a clear blue but was cold despite the blinding sun.

I can’t agree with the statement that it’s hard to write about oneself. I could write about myself for hours. The only question is whether I’d bore you to tears. I’ve even considered writing a book titled ‘CV’, as there’s so much material to work with. A positive aspect of such a book would be the ability to direct all interested parties, including potential employers, to the bookshop for my CV.

Moreover, it would be my second book. In the first book, I analysed ethnic identity in one of the post-Soviet Asian republics. And if you suffer from insomnia, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. The book also includes photos, which somewhat alleviate the monotony of academic jargon. The images are, of course, my own.

‘CV’ would be opposed to my first book. Here, the reader would find colourful descriptions of many adventures, unexpected plot twists, and philosophical musings on topics like, ‘Why does the big toe on the left foot stick out through a hole in the sock?’ Let me dispel any doubts right away: it’s not my toe and not my sock! However, the problem exists, and it’s worth considering.

So, I begin my story.

Although I haven’t always photographed weddings, my camera has been a constant companion for as long as I can remember. I was only around 6 or 7 when I took my first photo. It was black and white, and my dad set up the film camera. I remember the feel of the heavy shutter. This was back in the days before anyone had even heard of digital cameras. It was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with photography.

This is the very first photo I’ve ever taken.

How did my journey to becoming a professional photographer unfold?

Once upon a time, I was sitting on a bench by the street and photographing passing cars. I didn’t notice the two women who approached me until they were almost upon me. Startled, I looked up to see their faces flushed with anger. ‘What do you think you’re doing?’ one of them demanded, her voice rising.

‘I’m just photographing the cars,’ I replied, confused. I had been so focused on the traffic that I hadn’t even seen them.

‘How dare you take pictures of us!’ the other woman exclaimed. ‘We’re not your subjects!’

I tried to explain that I wasn’t interested in them at all, but they were adamant. It took me several minutes to convince them that I meant no harm.

As they walked away, I couldn’t help but smile. It was a reminder that even in the simplest of activities, misunderstandings can arise.

Another day in the park, I stumbled upon a heartwarming scene. A large adult swan was approaching a little girl, who reached out her hand tentatively. The swan, undeterred, moved closer and gently touched her fingers with its beak. It was a moment of pure magic, and I couldn’t resist capturing it through my lens.

As I framed the shot, a voice boomed behind me, “Stop taking pictures!” I turned to see a man, his face flushed with anger. It was the girl’s father. “Delete those photos right now!” he demanded.

I was taken aback. “But they’re beautiful,” I protested. “It was a lovely moment.”

He wasn’t having any of it. “I said delete them!” he shouted, his voice rising.

Reluctantly, I complied. I knew that arguing with him would only make things worse. As I watched him walk away, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of frustration. It was a shame that such a beautiful moment had been ruined by someone’s anger.

The second stage of becoming a professional photographer was my trip to the Himalayas. On this occasion, I bought a wide-angle lens, especially for photographing landscapes. I did my homework on this lens before buying it. All the reviews were glowing, except for one. A guy was whining that he didn’t get any home-cooked meals for a week after his wife found out the price tag.

As I prepared to leave, I knew that nothing would ever be the same. And that’s how it happened.
When I later calculated the cost of the trip, I was surprised to find that the lens was the most expensive item. Lenses can also be addictive. Each of them, thanks to a different focal length, gives a different insight into reality, and It’s hard to tear your eyes away from the viewfinder.
I realised then that photography was a costly hobby. Faced with a choice, I decided to make it more than just a pastime.

What is my journey to becoming a wedding photographer?

The decision to become a professional wedding photographer was a turning point in my career. It wasn’t as simple as picking up a camera and starting to shoot. Oh, no! There was a long way for me. Behind the scenes, the life of a photographer is quite different from what it may seem. I had to navigate the market, build relationships, and specialise in a particular field.

The market itself guided my path. Initially, I focused on photographing food for well-known brands, as well as events and real estate.

Over time, my focus shifted, and I gradually moved away from food and real estate photography.

A client I had photographed a London apartment for asked me to shoot his friend’s wedding. I told him I wasn’t experienced in wedding photography. Surprisingly, the couple didn’t want a standard wedding photographer. And so, just like the day I took my first photo, I found myself shooting my very first wedding.

Currently, I work as a professional wedding photographer, however, I shoot not only weddings. Generally, the camera accompanies me always and everywhere. I also took it to Siberia to see if it would survive at -40°C. The camera has survived. Me too. And now I can photograph your wedding, where the atmosphere will be much warmer.

I love photographing weddings because everyone is so happy and appreciative. Unlike other situations where I might encounter negative reactions, at weddings, people are genuinely excited to have beautiful photos.

I’m a wedding photographer who enjoys capturing unique moments in diverse locations. If you’re planning a wedding on the Moon or anywhere else extraordinary, I’m interested in documenting it. Please let me know if you’d like to discuss the details. I’ll need you to cover my travel and lodging costs, and a room with a view of Earth is a must.

I’ve got a quirky sense of humour — think once-a-week smiles on Saturdays. While I can’t guarantee the exact time, booking me as your full-day wedding photographer significantly increases your chances of catching a glimpse.
Let’s make your big day unforgettable!