READING TIME: 2 min 48 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/05/2024
UPDATED: 08/29/2024
At 36, Vadim Pastuh has carved out a unique space in the world of European wedding photography. Based between Portugal and Italy, he's a globe-trotting visual storyteller with a passion for capturing love. I market myself as a photographer in Europe but mostly on Como Lake, Portugal, and France," Vadim explains. "But as an open-minded person, I am always open to new destinations, I love to travel, meet new people, and explore new traditions and cultures through the lens of my camera."
With 14 years of experience under his belt, Vadim has developed a style that blends timeless elegance with modern techniques. "My photography style is rooted in the classics, which I believe will remain timeless and valuable forever," he says. "However, I also add creative elements to my photographs, such as using flash which helps to be able to take photos in different light conditions, and drone during shoots to capture unique angles and convey the atmosphere of the location."
For Vadim, photography is about more than just pretty pictures. It's about capturing the essence of a moment. "My ultimate goal is not simply to produce a series of beautiful staged photos, but to capture the essence of the moment - the joy, the smiles, the laughter, and the tears of happiness," he asserts.
Vadim's kit is carefully chosen to help him achieve his vision. "Nikon z6ii and Nikon z7ii DJI Mavic Mini 3 pro," he shares. When it comes to post-processing, Vadim keeps things simple and authentic. "In my photo editing, I strive to preserve natural colors and warm tones," he explains.
For Vadim, being a photographer is more than just a career - it's a passion. "What I love most about my work are the people, their beauty, openness, and emotions on such a special day in their lives," he enthuses. "I'm a big fan of aesthetics, beautiful architecture, and nature, which often come together in destination weddings. I'm very grateful that my job allows me to see so many beautiful places and meet wonderful people all around the world."
Vadim's process is all about understanding and meeting his clients' unique needs. "Typically, I start with a meeting or video consultation with the couple to discuss their unique preferences for wedding day photography. I learn about their history, tastes, the specifics of the celebration, and important moments they want to cherish. This helps me create a personalized shooting plan that reflects their unique atmosphere and ensures capturing every key moment and emotion throughout the day," he explains.
"Additionally, it's important for me to conduct an engagement shoot, which allows me to get closer to the couple and fosters a sense of comfort during the wedding day photoshoot for both of us. I also have a special form that I ask each couple to fill out, where they can include all their preferences, photos that inspire them, and what they would like to have in their photo album, mood board, dress and suit photos, etc. This greatly helps me understand their expectations."
Vadim is clear about his capacity and pricing. He’s comfortable with 20-25 weddings per year and typically provides 10-12 hours of coverage for a wedding, with his minimum 10-hour starting price is 3000.
Despite having standard packages, Vadim is always willing to adapt. "Every wedding is unique and requires a unique approach," he affirms. "It's important for me to have a video call with the couple to learn more about their special day, which allows me to provide them with the best service that suits their needs."
Vadim offers a key piece of advice for couples planning their big day: "The most important thing on a wedding day is time, so it's crucial to help the couple and the wedding organizer plan their wedding day properly and share my insights and recommendations regarding photography at each stage of the wedding day."
When asked about his favorite destinations, Vadim's adventurous spirit shines through. "I love destination weddings especially when I have a chance to explore new places that I never been to," he says, " I'd say my favorite destinations are the new destinations."
