READING TIME: 5 min 17 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/2024
UPDATED: 10/03/2024
Based in Belgium with her husband and son, Liz Dvorkina’s journey began during her time at art school. "My photographic journey began in art school, where I started by capturing portraits of friends and family. I experimented with analogue photography and mixed media, developing a distinctive style characterized by unique color, composition, and unexpected results." These early experiments shaped her distinct approach to capturing images.
Through these explorations, Liz found her passion for wedding photography. "As my passion for photography grew, so did my love for capturing weddings.” In 2019, Liz made the decision to go full-time with photography, leaving behind a job to focus solely on capturing life's most memorable moments.
When asked about her photography style, Liz describes it, "My photography style blends editorial elegance with vibrant bursts of color to create images that perfectly encapsulate the most beautiful moments of love." Her goal is to capture candid, authentic moments in a creative way. "I strive to capture authentic, candid moments with a touch of creativity, ensuring each shot is both intimate and visually captivating."
Liz’s signature approach is evident in how she carefully balances warmth, detail, and creativity. "I focus on creating dazzling and emotionally resonant images that highlight the essence of each couple's unique love story. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, I aim to make your wedding memories unforgettable through bold and expressive photography."
One of the aspects Liz enjoys most about being a photographer is the ability to show people a side of themselves they may never have seen before. "What I enjoy most about being a photographer is the opportunity to reveal someone's unique beauty and boost their confidence by capturing them in a way they've never seen before," she says.
Liz has a gift for helping her subjects feel comfortable in front of the camera. "It’s a delicate balance of composition, making the subject feel comfortable, and applying a sense of good taste," she explains. This balance allows her to create images that reflect her clients’ true essence while giving them a fresh, confident perspective of themselves.
For Liz, wedding photography holds a special charm. "My favorite aspect of wedding photography is that people are already at their best on their special day, so my role is to highlight and preserve those beautiful moments." She also enjoys the emotions and energy that come with weddings. "I love witnessing the joy and excitement surrounding the couple—the atmosphere, the heartfelt speeches, and the sincere passion of everyone involved."
While Liz emphasizes that her vision and creativity come first, she also notes the importance of using high-quality gear. "I use top-tier camera bodies and lenses by Sony, specifically the Sony a1 and the Sony 24-70mm 2.8 II, in combination with the Profoto A10 flash. This setup ensures exceptional image quality and versatility in various shooting conditions."
In addition to her modern equipment, Liz incorporates some film photography into her work. "I include some film shots to evoke the vibe of an old-school memory. After all, everything that became timeless was once new." This combination of modern digital technology and nostalgic film adds depth to her portfolio.
When it comes to post-processing, Liz Dvorkina takes a meticulous approach. "Every image is carefully selected and edited by me," she explains, emphasizing the personal attention she gives to each photograph. For Liz, the goal is to tell the story of a couple’s wedding day authentically. "While I used to apply filters to my images, I now focus on balancing warmth and clarity to achieve a timeless look with a touch of the warmth of film."
Liz’s love for natural light plays a significant role in her editing process. "I am a big fan of shooting in natural sunlight, especially in warm countries such as Italy or Morocco. The light there is so warm and beautiful that it almost doesn't need any filter." This preference for natural light helps Liz capture photos that feel warm, genuine, and timeless, giving each image a unique charm.
For Liz, building strong relationships with her clients is key to capturing their special day in the best way possible. "Once a couple reaches out and shows interest in my photographic vision, I suggest scheduling a call to discuss their ideas for the event in detail. It’s crucial for me to understand not only their vision but also the personalities, interests, and lifestyles of the people I’ll be photographing. This helps me build a strong connection with the couple and tailor my approach to their unique needs."
She believes that this connection allows her to craft a highly personalized experience. "In the high-end market, where each wedding or event is distinctive, a personalized approach is essential. I work closely with the couple to understand their preferences and expectations, ensuring that every detail is covered."
This attention to detail allows Liz to arrive fully prepared for each event. "By thoroughly discussing the specifics of their day and their vision, I can arrive at the event fully prepared. This allows them to enjoy their special day to the fullest, confident in the knowledge that their memories are being captured with professionalism and care."
Liz is adamant that every wedding deserves a personalized approach. "This is the only way I work," she states confidently. Rather than offering rigid, pre-made packages, she prefers to collaborate closely with each couple to create a custom package that meets their unique needs.
"I believe that every wedding is unique and deserves a tailored approach," Liz explains. She works with her clients to fully understand their preferences and vision for their special day. "By doing so, I can create a custom package that perfectly aligns with their requirements and ensures that every moment is captured just as they envision it."
Liz takes on no more than 15 weddings per year to maintain her high standard of care and attention. "I find that up to 15 weddings per year allows me to provide the highest level of attention and care to each couple." This limited number ensures that she can focus fully on each event, delivering an exceptional experience from start to finish.
"I absolutely love photographing destination weddings!" Liz exclaims. Her work has taken her to stunning locations around the world, and she embraces the opportunities these settings provide. "While I cherish living in Belgium, my work often takes me to incredible locations around the world."
When it comes to her favorite destinations, Liz has a curious and adventurous spirit. "As for my favorite destination, I’d say it’s the ones I haven’t had the chance to visit yet. I’m particularly excited about exploring destinations like South Africa, Mexico, and South Korea. Each of these places offers unique landscapes and cultural experiences that would be amazing to capture through my lens."
Liz offers practical advice for couples looking to get the most out of their wedding photos. "Choose experienced professionals who align with your vision. The right photographer will capture your day exactly as you imagine. Be sure to ask for a full gallery from past clients, not just selected highlights on social media. Social media and influencer profiles can sometimes be misleading and may not reflect the full scope of a photographer's work."
Communication is also key. "Clearly communicate your expectations and preferences to your photographer. This helps ensure that they understand your vision and can tailor their approach accordingly."
But perhaps her most important piece of advice is to simply enjoy the moment. "On your special day, focus on having fun and enjoying the experience. Don’t worry about the details or the process. The day will fly by, and the most important thing is to make the most of every moment."
