sardinia, 2019
HELLO THERE, LOVELY!
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My name is Yana, I am a European living in Michigan, crazy in love with the California coastline and zinfandels, ambient music and a good hearty pho. I am also a documentary photographer specializing in boutique weddings & adventure elopements.
On top of that, I am a wanderlust. There's something exhilarating about hiking the deadly summit of Angel's Landing in Zion and something subtly meditative about kayaking near Alaska's glaciers. Exploring the beauty of the outdoors gives me purpose. To sit on a top of the mountain in California's Joshua Tree, feeling the majestic power of nature and my own vulnerability is humbling and absolutely addicting at the same time.
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Before finding my niche in wedding photography, I studied extensively in the classical street photography style, which provides the foundation of my approach: capturing "the moment" and telling visual stories. I adore small intimate venues, quirky details and free spirited couples that are stoked to share their adventures together. I believe, that you two have the absolute right to celebrate your nuptials in a way that is your own and I will walk along with you to help you experience your dreamy vision of the day. I create one of a kind images for you and your partner.
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With over two hundred weddings under my belt, I've shot all over the world - from the Austrian Alps, France, Czech Republic to Washington, D.C., California and Michigan. ​I believe in simplicity, so you will not find an overwhelming amount of images on this site. I periodically update my featured work, because I believe that a wedding photographer's vision and expression evolves while observing the quality of light, every delicate detail, fleeting touch and loving interaction at your wedding.
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BIO: Born and raised in Slovakia, I grew up a free spirit with a fascination for emotive portraits. I got my first film camera for the ninth birthday and have been taking photographs ever since. I graduated from University with Master's degree in Journalism and moved to San Francisco a year later to study Photography. I currently live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I am an adventurer, lover of vibrant foods, admirer of independent cinematography and jazz.​
are we a perfect match?
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This isn’t your classic, traditional staged wedding photoshoot with others dictating your day. If you have checked out my wedding and elopement galleries you must have noticed the authentic and raw moments I capture for badass couples that dream up their unique wedding adventures and marry on their own terms.
I am sure you are inclined to share your day with a photographer you can connect with on a deeper level. Someone who gets you. For me as a documentary wedding and elopement photographer, the most important part of the shoot is to capture unposed candid moments of your interactions, the split second, when you forget someone is watching, the uninhibited laugh you share with your partner. This is what makes a photograph!
My STYLE is just what you imagined and you’re stoked to start planning an unforgettable wedding adventure focused on your connection and the things you share?
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that's Fantastic, FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE steps:
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Check out my contact page
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Say hi
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And share your story!
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If you're overwhelmed with planning or unsure what to say, send me a note and i can help get you on the right track to an epic experience!
