Big black wedding. Candid people, candid moments, candid love.

Today I want to tell you about the wedding that I shooted in the end of April in Queens. 
It was the biggest and the most candid wedding in my photography experience (around 270 guests (+ around 1 lb of tears ) and I felt really honored that Imani (the Bride) chose me to capture their undoubtedly epic Event of Love. 
When I came in the morning to the Holy Unity Cathedral, beautiful Bride met me at the entrance and forwarded to the room that reminded me of a Fashion Week Backstage. Dozen of ladies - bridesmaids, makeup artists, hair stylists, girlfriends and their daughters; coffee and donuts, cosmetics, dresses, beauty products, accessories... all were there. During 2 hours of "Bride's morning" I had captured around 400 shots, with no posing and "asking for a photo"! as the atmosphere was so dynamic and there were so many moments/details worth to snap. 
At the Ceremony everyone was deeply touched by Bride's & Groom's speeches, they were crying, guests were crying, I was crying and trying to keep my hands no shaking... :D

At the "newlyweds walk" shoot, after we made few group photos with coolest Brides and Grooms Parties, my movie-stars-looking-couple didn't ask for some special directions to show their love sincerely and passionately. After getting some romantic shots, Imani & Rashaan decided to have some of their favorite junk food - Astoria Park street hot dogs. And I was really grateful for this another opportunity to get some more CANDID shots. 

At the restaurant, I took my Tylenol (as I happened to be sick on that big day) and got prepared to shoot The First Dance, the First Glass of Champagne and the beginning of the Grand Celebration. And it was real! Everyone, from the smallest to the oldest was dancing, chilling, having fun and honestly enjoying the party. 
What I'd like to mention, The First Dance was made not as a formal, all-prepared actual dance, but as a play between Bride and Groom - they were singing; acting, showing their attitude and moving/dancing freely during the song. And everyone was charmed. 

What I can say - I'm so grateful to Imani and Rashaan that they gave me the opportunity to capture their most important memories, from all the angles, with whole range of inspiring emotions. 
They showed me that the Wedding should reflect the personality of the couple, not to be sticked to some traditional "picture". 
God bless the couple and let them live happily ever after!
 

The "secret ingredient" of getting perfect Love Story/Family Shoot pictures

For a long time I was thinking about writing an article about love story (can be used for family photography too) preparations/process/expectations.

It could be helpful for my clients or all those, who wonder what "special key" turns a regular shoot into something unique, touching, unrepeatable and "hollywood worth".

The more experience I'm getting, the more consistency I can see - that secret ingredient, every time, is SINCERITY of the couple/family: their ability to stay open-hearted, candid, truthful, loving and tender/sometimes funny and crazy with each other at the shoot. The less they care about the world around (even including me, unless I'm asking them to do something specific), the more epic shots I can capture.

The same thing I've mentioned when me and my husband were captured by few great photographers lately. The main thing that inspired them and what they were expecting from us as the models during the process was the SINCERITY. Our pure emotions, couple little habits, cute kisses (not only the lips, guys! if you're embarrassed to kiss your other half's lips in public, just remember, that there're hands, cheeks, foreheads, eyes, noses, necks, ears left :D ). Don't be shy to keep closer. You're holding your biggest treasure, aren't you? So what for is the distance? :) 

As for the families - don't try to keep your kids still. Don't try to strike the poses like our goal is to capture a single traditional "passport picture style" photo :). Just have fun! Laugh with your kids, jump with them, kiss and hug. Be honest, be real. Keep in mind, that the more active and emotional you will be, the more sweet and touching future memories you will get. 

I'd really appreciate if the Clients that are booking a love story/family shoot with me could realize that my part of the work is to capture and "frame" the atmosphere that THEY ARE CREATING. I don't seem to have problems with giving the posing directions for those who are expecting them, but I wish it would be optional. 

And sometimes... some inspired people are contacting me regarding the shoot, we're discussing the upcoming event to the details, they're sending me some visual examples of what does they prefer/expect/desire to get... and when we meet up... I see, that the couple isn't ready to show their love. And it is the most upsetting thing. As I understand that they've made some great preparations/expectations regarding the shoot. But the most important is the process. Those 60/90/120 minutes, when loving people should feel/act like the heroes of the coolest romantic movie. Just try to do that! Isn't it an amazing experience to get? If you'll be able to keep that vibe just for few minutes, I promise that you will get some unique photos filled with your Private Atmosphere of Love.

What I can say.... It's up to you, guys! I will do my best to make you feel comfortable, interested and open during the shoot. I will give you the directions, suggestions, advices and will share my point of view if needed. I'll ask you some questions and will be joking from time to time only to relax you and to create a friendly connection between us. But after all, this is YOUR SHOOT. this is YOUR SPECIAL TIME, your investment to the priceless story of your life and love...

So what do you think? Are you in?...

Gorgeous Love & Style in Atmospheric Soho

Friends, I'm so excited to share my new Series with you!
Rachel & Bennett are super stylish and classy couple, living in Soho. They contacted me to book an engagement love story shoot with few looks. After we discussed the main details, Rachel prepared and sent me 3 mood boards with some poses, styles and looks, so I could understand her vision and get some inspiration. I really appreciate when clients are so responsible regarding the shoot. When they are preparing their best, sharing with me their needs and trusting my work style. 
So, the locations were: Washington Square - Soho streets - Rachel & Bennett's bedroom.
The looks: 1st - I've named it "Epic. Classic. Dressy" (I said Rachel that she looks like a princess), 2nd - I've named it "Jackie Kennedy with Mr President" (both Rachel (and my mom later) agreed that she looked so "Jackie") and the 3rd - guys put on the same "couple" pajamas (Rachel said "I know, it's so cheesy, that we sleep like that" though :D).
We've put a lot of efforts in this shoot. It was cold enough to feel uncomfortable, guys had to change their looks really fast to fit in our timing, I had to deal with pretty harsh noon sun lighting. But I guess, it was worth it - as the photos came out both beautiful and live, emotional and atmospheric.
Please, check out and leave your feedback!

Creating art with the body...

Today I want to share with you the results of my shoot with talented and endlessly lightful lady. 
Levy was raised in Long Island, NY, but after she finished her studies, she chose to travel around the world, working as an English teacher and living her dream life, exploring new cultures, new traditions, new lifestyles. Currently she lives and works in Japan. 
One of her favorite hobbies/part-time job is yoga and pole-dancing.

Levy contacted me with the idea of outdoor pole-posing photoshoot, that she'd like to organize. After discussing the variants, we stopped on Central Park - that perfect combo of skyscrapers skyline and fresh spring nature. Levy used lamp posts to do her amazing body tricks. (I guess, this was my first shoot without any instructions for the posing, as my mission was not to lose a short moment of Levy's "striking the pose" that lasted no longer than few seconds for each one).

After the park session we moved forward to Upper East Side streets, looking for a thinner pole, so Levy could show few more cooler things :).

During all the shoot and between the locations, this girl was shining with her gorgeous smile and calm confidence, convincing without words that impossible is nothing!

And how do you think?..

Warm feelings against chilly day

Ah, it's not really warm here today.. I even started to worry for magnolias and cherries that had already started blooming. 
So let me at least share with you some warm photos. They were made in a chilly day, but with a sweet family couple that moved to New York from sunny and hot Singapore. 
June & Geoff told me that now they live in Upstate New York, 4 hours far from the city as they are in love with nature - woods, mountains, lakes. They got married in Australia, had another ceremony in Singapore, and the third wedding photoshoot in Paris. And now, they decided to get a city photoshoot (though June was wondering, if there is any "greenery" in Brooklyn Bridge Park, while we were planning our shoot :) )

I was charmed by their style and tender feelings. 
What about you, guys? :)

"There are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other." ("Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone")

...I felt like getting a new friend, not just a new client, when Aliha contacted me for the first time. This girl got her discount because she promised to bring her Gryffindor robe and a copy of Hermione Granger's wand to the photoshoot (yep, that what happens when 2 "Harry Potter" fans meet each other :D). She's the one, who orders "Mars" chocolate bars from France, because they don't have them here in America. The one, who always wears head scarves, but didn't hesitate to change some of her clothing right on the streets during our shoot not to waste the precious time.
Aliha, that came to New York from Pakistan for college study, is doing Photography in her free time and loves fantasy, so please, imagine how many enthusiasm and inspiration she got for the shoot. 
When I first spotted that girl near Flatiron building, she was grabbing a huge backpack in one hand with all her clothing changes (and "Harry Potter" book, and the wand, and her own Canon :D) and a pretty ice-cream cone in the other. Wide smile and the wonderful skirt made my heart melt completely :)
Before we met, Aliha told me that she's not too great at posing, as she's usually the one behind the camera, so I "might have to work with her a bit". What I can tell you - not such thing! All our photoshoot was a real cooperation between 2 creative beings, trying to do our best and most in a short amount of time. 
Aliha was so amazingly positive, sincere and ready to listen to all the directions, that it was a real pleasure for me to work with her. 
I was working on some art editing for this Series quite a bit, so here're just a few of the photos that we got. Please, check the results!

Romantic. Grange. Retro.

I had so-o-o much work lately. Don't even have time to choose the Series and to write any Story that I could share with you, friends. I can't imagine how it is going to be when the "high season" for outdoor photography starts!

For now, let me share with you a result of our shoot with Julia, creative and super positive winner of my winter giveaway. We managed to prepare few looks for this shoot and so could make few different moods/styles - from the "romantic coziness" to "soho grange" and "retro lady".

2 hours for Serbian "Express" Wedding

Hi there! Last Wednesday I was booked for 3-hours Wedding Ceremony and Newlyweds walk photoshoot with Milica & Jay, the couple from Serbia that lives in US. When we previously discussed with Milica what kind of photos do they need and expect, she mentioned that they don't need those "classic wedding photos", except portraits with the family. Also Milica told me that she does photography as hobby and she has much respect for this occupation. 

When I came to NYC Marriage Bureau, the couple represented me to their guests - "This is Marta, she is very creative!" and told me that the planes are changed and we have only 2 hours for shooting. So we had short time frames, 7 closest relatives/friends from Serbia that came to US specially for this celebration and tone of excitement to work with :). After we captured all the family in different compositions with City Hall mural background, did all the paperwork, waited in line for the Chapel, the time for the Ceremony itself came.

As for me, the Wedding Ceremony Chapel in New York City could be more elegant and spacious. But still, it's main purpose it to not to be beautiful, but to become the place, where the couples enter as lovers and exit as a family. For those 5 minutes that we've been there, my camera didn't stop snapping, as I had to capture not only "putting on the rings" and "the first kiss" photos, but what's the same important - candid expressions of the happy families, when they started to congratulate each other with the great event that just happened. 

After we left the Marriage Bureau, NYC's streets greeted us with freezing wind and cold. So we stuffed in Limo as soon as possible. As we were at one of the lowest parts of Manhattan, and got only about an hour left for outdoor shoot, we chose to go to the Flatiron district (though Limo driver was confused and didn't know the address - he excused that it just can not be a classic spot for wedding pictures, that's why he doesn't know where it is - So what? ;)  - I googled the address and gave it to him). 

The atmosphere in Limo was hot and festive. Everybody was singing Serbian songs (well, except me :D), drinking champagne, laughing and enjoying the trip. Jay, standing on his knees, accompanied by Milica's mother, sang a Serbian love song addressing to his happy wife. 
But though those Limos are cool, you could know that they usually crawl too slow in NYC traffic. So when we came to Flatiron, only 20-30 minutes were left for us to take the photos. Pedestrians kept stopping and snapping the couple while I was asking them to jump and move, shooting whatever they usually do to express their love. We had to work fast and dynamic, as I'm reminding, it was really cold (especially for the bride and the guests in the dresses :). After, we made some romantic shots with no family in the nearest square, captured 2 wedding traditions (taking off the garter by the groom and catching the bouquet by unmarried girlfriends of the bride) and even made a photo with the special book, that means much for Milica and Jay so they brought it specially for the shoot. 

What I can say - those 2 hours were one of the most filled with emotions, actions, places, atmospheres and importance in my whole photography experience. And I hope that I managed to show the vibe of that Serbian love and happiness and to create "the feeling of presence" that is my author's goal for the wedding photographs. 

Pure emotions at great Celebration of Love (James & Thair's Wedding)

At the beginning of February I was booked for my first wedding in 2016. The couple came to NYC from Brazil and all their guests came specially from Guatemala - so I understood how important this event was to all of them.
The ceremony took it's place in a very romantic spot - Ladies Pavilion in Central Park. The official lady held all of it in Spanish - so I didn't understand a word (except "amor", of course :D)! But I guess it was even better, as I could totally concentrate on those sincere emotions, pure feelings, the light of joy and gratitude in everyone's eyes. To be honest, even without understanding words, I shed a tear too, as the atmosphere was so delightful and touching.
James and Thair are truly awesome guys, we had so much fun at "Newlyweds walk" shooting after the ceremony. I really appreciate that they opened up to me easily, so I needed only to catch those moments of their love and happiness.
I wish them all the best!

Choosing the photos for this Series, I was trying to use the shots that could reflect the Event from different angles and create a "feeling of presence" for those, who watch it. I chose some atmospheric "backstage" shots, the "must-have wedding ceremony shots" and some of the beautiful romantic portraits from Newlyweds walk shooting.

I hope, you will feel the vibe too :)

Full-sized series at: http://www.martadorosh.com/james-thair/

PHOTOGRAPHY AS THE PART OF MY SOUL-DEVOTION

How do you feel about your job?

Imagine a job, where you try to seek an inspiration in almost every moment of your daily routine. Where you have to work on your mood 24/7 keeping your internal enthusiasm and passion. The job, where you need to fill every part of your work with your own style and vision, and to improve this style constantly. Where every workday and it's effectiveness is unique because of the weather, location, lighting and client's attitude. Imagine a job, where you become responsible for other's most important and touching future memories; and sometimes even for others self-esteem. A job, where you need to use your sense of humor, your communication experience in this diverse society to relax the client and make him feel comfortable, no, even more - to look comfortable...

When I started to photograph 7 years ago, I chose or created the themes that made me "filled by art" and made my heart to beat faster. I started to photograph because I felt like creating the photoshoot transferred me to the other dimension - of Beauty and Creativity.  I didn't start because it was a trend, I didn't start to make some extra-money. I was photographing my friends, that were ready to show to the world my (sometimes crazy) ideas and I felt very happy expressing my vision.

In 2012-2013 friends started to book me for the classic portrait shoots, love-stories and weddings. I began to learn about people's needs for the photos that they want to get. Since that time, I had to deal with different requests, different backgrounds, different expectations and what is really important - clients attitude.

As I raised as a professional, I got more bookings and more clients of various nationalities and religions. I met up the interesting cultural differences, styles, vision of Beauty and measure of gratitude. I faced the stereotypes, the misunderstanding and the lack of respect too.

I wish that people who are looking for a photographer would understand that it is very important for us to feel valued. My heart melts every time when someone gives me a call or text, starting with the words "I've seen your work, and it is amazing, I love it!", but often the only question is "How much do you charge?" without explaining what do they need and why did they choose me. I don't want to be booked because of the low-price, I want to be booked because of the value of my work, the value of my vision of beauty and creativity. I would prefer to shoot with 10 clients that understand what they are paying for, then 20, who easily pay bigger price for a dinner in the regular restaurant but can't understand, that I'm working not only the exact hour(s) of the shoot, but I'm spending hours and hours after to edit the photos - do the special color-correction and toning, make them look stylish, make them look harmonized among each other, do the retouch and appropriate framing.
I keep investing thousands in my equipment and studying - to get the best professional results and client's satisfaction. 

Every shoot that I create contains my soul efforts, so it doesn't become only "client's" after I get the payment and send the final pictures to him/her. They will always remain the part of me.  So I keep the right to post the photos that I take on my website or other social media for the promotion, if different is not specified by the contract/previous arrangement.

I wish my clients would understand that they're booking not a service, but an artist and an artwork. They're booking my responsibility for the result, but it depends on them too. If we have no enough time, if the clients didn't prepare for the shoot, don't want to open up or if they don't want to listen to my directions I won't be able to create a miracle.

And in the end, I just want to remind, again and again, that people's memory is not a reliable friend. Unfortunately, the most precious moments; the freshness of youth; the romance of feelings often fade through the years. And the only way to flashback is to have them recorded.

Don't lose your chance to freeze the time and the beauty, invest in your future memories!

From all my heart,
Marta Dorosh

Strolling the City with young fashionista

I'm very excited to tell you about the photoshoot that I had on Monday. 
Last spring I got a call from my client Julia that asked me to help with a gift for her friend's family that will come to visit NYC from Moscow. So we organized a lovely warm shooting in blossoming Central Park with Svetlana, Igor and their daughter Polina. 
This New Year's Eve I got a message from Polina in which she said that they are coming to U.S. again in few weeks. Polina wanted the new shoot to reflect the special New York City's atmosphere and also to present her street style fashion looks.

That Monday happened to be the coldest day among all the previous! But we had no choice - next day Polina and Svetlana had a flight back to Moscow. Since we started, Polina's mother was holding the winter coat ready to put it on daughter in every possible minute; I was trying to find the best spots and direct the poses as quick as possible; Polina's passion for fashion and beauty made me feel extremely inspired, no matter that in the middle of the shoot I stopped feeling my fingers :D (so we paused for a coffee-break and to change the clothes).

Though in one way it was a tourist-story, including shooting in some of the most famous locations of NYC, but we managed to put the motion and the attitude in it. 
As for me, through this shoot Polina became the "vibe" of New York, diverse and unique, somewhere epic and somewhere classy. 

I hope you'll feel our vibe too and like the photos!

 

SNOWLESS WINTER FAMILY MEMORIES

2 years ago we had a beautiful decorated summer photoshoot with Dobrenko family. Serious and a little bit shy on camera 2-year-old Matthew, baby Liza who did not even know yet how to sit; soft pink and warm tones. It was such a pleasure to work with them!
This snowless December we managed to create another future memory for their family! Liza and Matthew are already little personalities - active, emotional and bright! And if you associate winter family photoshoots with a fireplace and a fluffy carpet in the studio, we decided to spend it in the park...
The sun was blinding us, right-sized fir trees did not want to show up on our way :D, but guys had the opportunity to communicate with nature, our young heroes - to run and almost fly in the air next to their wonderful parents - Zhenya and Katya ...
And those decorative elements that I had taken with me "just in case", stayed lying in the backpack replaced by the pure emotions...

Spirit of spring in East Village streets

After I've seen Lara Jade's workshop, I couldn't wait to organize an editorial photoshoot. Looking for style inspiration, I chose the tiffany/mint coat to become a "hero" of the shoot. Though, not only the coat...
After I found a perfect model for my idea, and scheduled the photoshoot with my makeup artist, nothing could prevent us from the beautiful result.

Working on the photoshoot, I was enjoying the contrast of chocolate skin and light colors of the clothes and accessories.