We recently connected with Silviia Maliukova and have shared our conversation below.

Silviia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

I specialize in a variety of genres including portraits, family, newborn and wedding photography. Among these, wedding photography is the closest to my heart. It is where I find the rawest emotions, the most genuine moments, and the opportunity to tell real, unscripted stories.

In my work, I approach photography as a documentarian, capturing events as they unfold naturally. I believe the biggest trend in the photography industry today is the growing demand for authentic, natural, and unstaged imagery. People are moving away from overly posed or heavily edited photos. They want to see their true selves in their pictures, not a carefully curated version of who they are.

This trend is rooted in a broader cultural shift toward authenticity. For example, I recently photographed a couple who explicitly told me they didn’t want “perfectly staged shots.” They wanted their wedding album to reflect the unfiltered joy, laughter, and even the occasional imperfections of the day. By focusing on those candid moments—like the bride laughing with her grandmother or the groom nervously adjusting his tie before the ceremony—I was able to create a collection of images that felt deeply personal and true to their story.

This trend offers incredible opportunities for photographers who prioritize storytelling and emotional connection. However, it also comes with challenges. It requires a keen eye for fleeting moments and the ability to build trust with clients so they feel comfortable being their authentic selves in front of the camera.

In the end, I believe this movement toward real, natural photography is a positive one. It reminds us that beauty lies in imperfection and that the best photos aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi! My name is Silviia Maliukova, and I am a photographer from Ukraine.

My journey in photography began 12 years ago. Throughout this time, I have explored various styles of photography, from weddings to newborn sessions, and gained valuable experience working across Europe.

Here are some highlights of my career:
– I have photographed over 500 weddings in Ukraine and 30 weddings across Europe, capturing countless precious moments.
– I have organized creative workshops and meetings for photographers, fostering a community of creativity and continuous learning.

One and a half years ago, I moved to the USA and started from scratch. This new chapter in my life is very exciting for me! It has given me the opportunity to expand my horizons, meet new people, and continue my passion for photography in a new and dynamic environment.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation has been built on consistency, authenticity, and strong client relationships. Delivering high-quality, emotionally resonant images has always been my priority, and word-of-mouth referrals have played a key role in my growth. For instance, a bride once referred me to three of her friends after being impressed with how natural and comfortable the process felt.

Ultimately, it’s not just about the photos I deliver—it’s about creating a positive, trust-filled experience for my clients. This trust has been the cornerstone of my success.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to capture and preserve emotions and stories. Photography allows me to turn fleeting moments into timeless memories, giving people something they can treasure forever. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing a client moved to tears because a photo perfectly captured the essence of their relationship or a special day.

It’s also incredibly rewarding to connect with people on such a personal level. Through my work, I get to witness and document life’s most genuine, joyful, and heartfelt moments, which is both a privilege and an inspiration.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://silviiamaliukova.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silviiamaliukova/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silvamalykova
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/silviia-maliukova-photography-cypress

Image Credits

Photographer Silviia Maliukova