[photographers are not listed in the order of favoritism, but in order I've been in contact with them]
1.
Lora Vertue
Best at: Fashion/Editorial
My Relation: I stalked Luba's work long before we hired her for our family shoot. I was always amazed at how beautifuly she captured people, artistic side of her photos, "real-looking" retouching, and the whole ambiance in the picture. Her work has soft and feminine touch - and that's something that I absolutely adore.
Luba also has an amazing stylist that she works with Nelly Tsyrlin.
2.
Natasha Kudashkina
Best at: Portrait/Body
My Relation: I knew Natasha from the famous Facebook for her body-painting masterpieces. That is actually Natasha's main specialty and that's what this talented lady is known for. She paints bodies, tattoos, faces, objects, walls, pregnant bellies, you name it! with gorgeous abstract designs. Once, I saw Natasha's profile picture being very interestingly retouched and asked her who the photographer was, and she replied that it was her own work. Wow!
Her style is very high fashion, fairy-world-like, mysterious, and bright.
3.
Svetlana Vesnaya
Best at: Portraits, Editorial and Fashion
My Relation: As with other photographer-ladies, I saw her work on Facebook first. I hope it won't be taken in negative way, but Sveta can make everybody look gorgeous! She is a super pro at re-touching. Her photographs are mesmerizing with beauty. Svetlana mainly uses professional models
[that are actually all gorgeous before retouching]. I would recommend her portrait photos in a heartbeat; as a result,you will get photos that will make you become a Narcissist for a moment :)
4.
Ian Sobolev
Best at: Nature, Landscapes, and People
My Relation: Even though I worked with Ian on my Miss S-a Headbands photoshoots
[that turned just perfect!], I would still think that Ian is absolutely the best at capturing nature. I often go through his website and wonder how astonishing his photos of nature are; they are almost surreal. However, his portfolio includes "paparazzi"-style photos of people. I believe, that Ian is a fun of "not-posing-still" for the camera photography, he likes real life energy in a photo.
I'd like to add that Ian is extremely reliable and punctual when it comes to working with him on assignment. It is always and always a pleasure working with such a talented photographer :)
5.
Nataliya Rodina
Best at: Portraits, People, and Parties
My Relation: I've known Miss Rodina for about 8 years now and when she asked me to photograph myself, I was more then happy to provide my amature modelling skills :) Natasha's style is very "kawaii". She uses a lot of whiteness in her retouching. Her photos are very sensual and project purity somewhat. Yet, she has some avant-gardness in her pictures.Working with Natasha is always easy and fun, especially when she always treats you to a delicious cake at a photoshoot :)
