READING TIME: 4 min 42 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/04/2025
UPDATED: 01/04/2025
Behind every breathtaking wedding photo lies a storyteller, someone who sees beauty not just in moments but in emotions, connections, and subtle details that often go unnoticed. For Ruslan, the heart and soul of Pastushak Photography, capturing weddings is more than just a profession — it’s a deeply personal journey shaped by his love for people, cultures, and the art of storytelling.
“Oksana began her photography journey in 2008, and I joined her soon after, turning our shared passion into a successful career,” Ruslan shares with a smile. In 2018, Ruslan, Oksana, and their three children made a life-changing move from Ukraine to California. This transition wasn’t just geographical; it marked the beginning of a new chapter in their photography career. “We quickly established ourselves in the wedding photography industry,” Ruslan recalls. “Despite challenges like Covid-19, we thrived and were honored to book over 55 weddings in 2022 alone.”
When Ruslan reflects on his photography style, he describes it as both an evolution and a deeply personal mission. “My passion for lively, authentic photography is what originally drew me to this art form,” he explains. “Seeing uninspired, tasteless images motivated me to create something more meaningful and unique. Over the years, my style has evolved and continues to grow with me.”
Ruslan’s approach is rooted in capturing luxurious yet candid moments. He effortlessly blends the timeless charm of film photography with the sophistication of modern weddings. His work also reflects a profound connection to travel, adventure, and the natural world. “I even launched a dedicated Instagram account @anotherstylevision to showcase elopements and engagements in stunning natural settings,” Ruslan shares. “This balance allows me to explore both refined sophistication and the raw beauty of adventurous love stories.”
For Ruslan, achieving his unique style wouldn’t be possible without the right tools. “As a professional photographer, I firmly believe that having top-quality equipment is essential for delivering the best results,” he states. Ruslan keeps himself at the cutting edge of technology, often acquiring new gear as soon as it’s released.
His current go-to setup includes the Canon R3 paired with the versatile 28-70mm f/2.0 lens and the Canon R5 equipped with the 85mm f/1.2 and 35mm lenses. He also relies on the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens for added precision and flexibility. But it’s not all about modern gear for Ruslan. “I often bring along my vintage Pentax K1000 film camera with a 35mm or 50mm lens to weddings, adding a timeless, artistic touch to my work,” he shares. “This combination of modern and classic equipment allows me to capture moments with both sophistication and character.”
While taking photos is an art form in itself, Ruslan emphasizes that editing is equally crucial. “Photo editing is a crucial aspect of our work,” he says. “My wife, along with a skilled team of retouchers, handles this delicate process with great care.”
Their editing philosophy prioritizes natural colors and timeless appeal. “Staying on trend is important,” Ruslan explains, “but preserving the naturalness of colors is our top priority. We aim to create timeless photos that remain valuable not only for their composition and emotional depth but also for their enduring color harmony.”
This commitment to excellence means spending significant time refining each image. “We constantly refine our work and compare it to the highest standards to ensure every image remains relevant and captivating for years to come,” he shares.
For Ruslan, the connection with his clients is just as important as the photos themselves. “We always strive to adapt to our clients’ needs because it’s important to me that the final result exceeds their expectations. Before the wedding, I make an effort to get to know the couple better, so I can understand what they love most,” he states. “I often ask clients to share examples of photos they like or even suggest doing a small photoshoot beforehand. This helps me better understand their style and preferences, ensuring I can create unique and memorable images tailored just for them.”
What drives Ruslan is the emotional impact of his work. “What truly keeps me inspired and motivated is witnessing the incredible reactions of my clients. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing their tears of joy when they first view their photos — it’s a powerful reminder of why I do what I do.”
While based in Sacramento, Pastushak Photography’s work often takes them to extraordinary places. “We’ve been fortunate to photograph weddings in many incredible locations, from a beach ceremony in Pismo Beach to a botanical garden wedding in Florida, a stunning celebration in Yosemite, and even a boat wedding where the couple was married by the captain himself. We’ve also had the pleasure of capturing a beautiful Caribbean beach wedding in Cancun, Mexico. We’re always excited to bring our unique perspective to each destination.”
Ruslan’s advice for couples is simple yet powerful: “My most important piece of advice for clients is to focus less on the photos and more on truly experiencing your celebration. The key is to immerse yourself in the joy of the day—enjoying the moment, having fun, connecting with friends, and embracing happiness. When you do this, every photo will naturally radiate that happiness.”
“Whether it’s an engagement or wedding shoot, the most important thing is that you feel relaxed and comfortable, not preoccupied with the photos. My job is to capture those genuine moments of joy and love as they unfold,” he adds.
Ruslan’s approach to wedding photography is as thoughtful as his art. He takes on a comfortable number of weddings each year — typically between 25 and 30 — ensuring that every couple receives the attention and care they deserve.
For coverage, Ruslan typically provides 8 hours for a wedding or event, giving him ample time to document the day’s most significant moments. However, his flexibility is one of his greatest strengths. “Like most photographers, I offer pre-designed packages tailored to different types of weddings and coverage durations,” he says. “However, I often work with clients whose weddings are anything but traditional.”
From a serene sunrise ceremony at Glacier Point in Yosemite to a multi-day celebration spanning five events, Ruslan has seen it all. “In such cases, I take the time to carefully understand the couple’s unique needs and preferences before customizing a package that fits their vision and requirements. This approach ensures a personalized experience and exceptional results for every wedding.”
One of the secrets to Ruslan’s success is the seamless partnership he shares with his wife, Oksana. After many years of working together, they’ve developed an almost intuitive connection. “We’ve become a seamless team,” Ruslan shares. “We’ve developed the ability to anticipate each other’s moves without needing to communicate verbally, simply by exchanging a glance.”
This unspoken understanding allows them to capture fleeting, meaningful moments with precision and artistry. “This connection is essential for capturing those small, meaningful moments that ultimately make wedding photos truly beautiful,” he says.
