Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eugenia Uvarov. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Eugenia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
One of the things that sets me apart from the industry standard is my belief that photography should tell the real, unfiltered story of your life. I’m not interested in stiff poses or picture-perfect smiles that don’t reflect who you really are. My goal is to capture the raw, honest, beautifully imperfect moments that make your story yours.
I create a space where my clients feel safe to let their guard down, where they can laugh freely, cry if they need to, or just be quiet and soak in the moment together. Instead of directing them into poses, I guide them into experiences—playful, intimate, or quiet—whatever feels true to them. Because at the end of the day, the real magic happens when you stop performing for the camera and simply be.
I’ve had couples tell me, “We’ve never felt comfortable in front of a camera before,” but by the end of the session, they’re saying things like, “That felt so us.” And that’s the highest compliment I can receive—knowing I captured who they really are, not some curated version of what a couple is supposed to look like.
One wedding that stands out was for a couple who was nervous about being photographed. They weren’t into romantic clichés and didn’t want anything staged. So, I focused on the little moments that mattered to them—the quiet glances during their vows, the way they held hands when no one was watching, the laughter with their friends during the toast. When they saw their photos, they said, “This is exactly who we are.”
I believe your story deserves to be told exactly as it is—no posing, no faking, just the real, honest, beautiful version of you. That’s what photography should be about.
Eugenia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I grew up watching my dad capture love stories through his wedding films and photographs. He had this incredible way of telling stories with his lens—real, raw moments that went beyond the surface. That left an imprint on me. I’ve always been a creative at heart—a musician who poured my soul into songwriting—but I quickly realized that music didn’t pay the bills. I needed a way to provide for my family, but I also didn’t want to abandon my creativity.
That’s when photography found me. I picked up a camera, thinking it would be a way to stay creative while building a career, but what I discovered was so much bigger than that. Photography became everything—a way to tell stories that matter, to capture people as they really are, without artifice or pressure to “perform.”
I specialize in weddings, engagements, and love stories, but not in the traditional sense. My clients don’t want cookie-cutter photos or over-posed moments—they want to be themselves, and they want to look good while doing it. I help them do exactly that. I create a space where they can be vulnerable, playful, messy, and real. I’m there to capture the laughter, the quiet moments, the in-between glances—the things you don’t even realize are beautiful until you see them preserved forever.
I don’t chase trends. I follow my own creative voice, the one that God put inside me. I believe I was created this way for a reason, and when I follow that intuition—the whispers that say, “This is it; this is the shot”—I create something that’s not just visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the work itself—it’s the way my clients feel when they see their photos. I’ve had couples tell me, “We didn’t think we could ever look this natural in front of the camera,” or “This feels so true to who we are.” That’s the goal—to make people feel seen and beautiful in their most authentic form.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s that I’m here to tell your story. Not a polished, posed version of it, but the messy, beautiful truth of who you are. I believe those are the moments worth remembering, and I’m honored to be the one to capture them.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building my audience on social media has been all about showing up as my real, authentic self. I share my life—the beautiful, the messy, and everything in between. Whether it’s the art I’m creating, the struggles I’m facing, or sweet, unfiltered moments with my kids, I’ve found that being raw and honest resonates with people more than anything curated ever could.
People don’t just want to see polished highlights—they want to feel connected. I realized that when I stopped trying to fit into an “Instagram-perfect” mold and started sharing my truth, my audience began to grow naturally. When I talk about juggling creativity with motherhood or navigating the ups and downs of running a business, I’m not just creating content—I’m creating connection.
My advice for anyone starting out is simple: be human. Show your process, share your wins, but don’t be afraid to let people see the struggles, too. It’s in those moments of vulnerability that your audience will see themselves in you—and that’s where trust and loyalty are built. Remember, people follow people, not just brands. So, let them get to know you.
Social media can feel overwhelming at times, but if you treat it as a space to tell your story, rather than a stage to perform on, you’ll attract the kind of audience that’s truly aligned with who you are and what you create.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes, absolutely. One of the most significant influences on my photography journey has been the Friends of Fearless community. Attending their photography conference was a transformative experience—it completely shifted my perspective on what photography can be.
Hearing from incredible photographers like Two Mann and Kirsten Bethmann was so inspiring. They didn’t just talk about technical skills—they shared their philosophy on storytelling, connection, and creating art that’s bold, honest, and deeply personal. It wasn’t about following trends or playing it safe—it was about pushing boundaries, being fearless, and staying true to your creative vision.
That experience reminded me that photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures—it’s about telling real stories and capturing life in its rawest, most beautiful form. It gave me the confidence to lean fully into my own voice as an artist and trust that my unique approach matters.
If I could give any advice to other creatives, it’s to find a community that challenges and inspires you. Surrounding yourself with people who push you to grow and think differently can make all the difference in your journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eugeniavphotography.com
- Instagram: @eugeniavphotography, @eugeniavmusic
Image Credits
Not sure