We were lucky to catch up with Valerie Lisuk recently and have shared our conversation below.

Valerie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Covid has brought about so many changes – has your business model changed?

Before the world took a collective pause in 2019, I lived the life of a travel photographer and blogger, globetrotting across more than 45 countries. I worked with international hotel chains, airlines, and the ministries of tourism of various countries and regions. But then, the pandemic hit, and I found myself stuck in Ukraine, my home country, for more than six months.

With my travel plans on hold, I pivoted my focus closer to home. I started photographing engagements and family sessions in Kyiv. Then came a surprising twist – a close friend asked me to capture their elopement since everything was closed due to the pandemic, making a grand traditional wedding impossible. Back then, the term “elopement”
was unfamiliar to me. Still, their vision painted an intimate picture: just the two of them, a breathtaking outdoor location, private vows, ring exchange, a first dance, followed by a picnic, and a sunset photoshoot. In a matter of weeks, we planned the day that altered the entire course of my career.

That elopement wasn’t just a photoshoot; it was a revelation. The joy it brought me made me realize it wasn’t just a “job” – it was a passion that ignited my soul.

In the summer of 2020, due to family circumstances, I packed my bags for Seattle and since 2021, I’ve fully immersed myself in capturing the magic of adventure elopements and intimate weddings in the picturesque Pacific Northwest.

In the end, COVID-19 led me down an unexpected path – it shifted not only my business model but the very essence of my profession, transitioning from a travel to an elopement photographer. But most importantly, it brought me immense joy.

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 there! My name is Valerie, and I’m an adventure elopement and intimate wedding photographer based in Seattle, Washington since 2020. Born on the other side of the world, I traveled to more than 45 countries before finding home and happiness in Seattle.

My passion for exploration, photography and connecting with people soon had me become an adventure elopement photographer.

My work now allows me to experience life as a series of adventures. I’m taking couples to fabulous places and helping them capture precious memories they can share with their loved ones.

The work I do goes beyond just taking pictures. I assist couples with:
* Figuring out the details of their adventure elopement or intimate wedding
* Location scouting
* Permit applications
* Local vendors recommendations
* Fun activities to include on their special day
* Creating a timeline
* Fostering a relaxing and friendly atmosphere during their special day
* Capturing their true candid moments

You can head directly to my website to find out more about my approach, portfolio, packages and prices as well as get a glimpse of inspiration for your perfect elopement or intimate wedding!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My love for elopement photography is rooted in a strong belief – living authentically, free from others’ expectations, opinions, or judgments. It’s about staying true to your heart’s desires and not letting external pressures steer away from the path that resonates with the soul.

So, what exactly is the driving force behind my creative journey? It’s a mission, a purpose that intertwines with the very fabric of my work. As an elopement photographer, my goal is to be a guiding light for couples who dare to follow their bliss and choose elopement over a grand traditional wedding.

In a world often filled with societal norms and expectations, I aspire to help my couples plan a day that aligns with their hearts’ truest desires. It’s not about pushing them into something they don’t want but empowering them to embrace what feels authentic and genuine to their unique love story.

The beauty of elopements lies in their complete lack of rules. It’s a canvas where couples can paint their love story however they envision it. There’s a freedom to choose whatever they want, wherever they want. It’s about creating an experience that is truly theirs.

Additionally, as an adventure elopement and intimate wedding LGBTQ+ inclusive photographer, my goal lies in capturing the unique love stories of diverse couples. I recognize the importance of fostering inclusivity within the wedding industry. Having photographed several queer elopements, I’ve witnessed the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ couples in reaching out to wedding vendors, fearing potential rejection based on their identity. This reality is disheartening, and I want to contribute to changing it.

So, here’s to love in all its forms – bold, diverse, and unapologetically genuine. May every photo captured reflect the authenticity of these love stories, and may the journey continue as we strive for a more inclusive and accepting world within the realm of love and celebration.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As I mentioned earlier, the summer of 2020 marked a significant turning point for me. Due to family circumstances, I left my home country Ukraine, and came to America. Little did I know, that this new chapter would require me to embark on the exciting yet challenging journey of starting my small business from scratch.

Once I got used to the rhythm of my new life in the U.S., I quickly realized how big of a job it was.

This threw me into an unfamiliar territory – a new country with entirely different rules and requirements for running a business. I had to figure out how to register an LLC, obtain necessary licenses, master bookkeeping, understand taxes, and adopt entirely new ways of marketing. And to add to the complexity, I was doing all of this in a language that wasn’t my native one, introducing additional challenges and uncertainties.

But here’s the thing about challenges – they present an opportunity for growth. With each obstacle, I discovered a resilience within myself. Overcoming the language barrier became not just a necessity but a symbol of triumph over self-doubt and uncertainty. I’ve learned that resilience knows no language, and determination can conquer any obstacle.

Reflecting on those early days, I realize that over the past four years, I’ve accomplished what seemed almost impossible – achieving success in something I initially doubted. Today, I proudly run a successful small business, continually refining my business processes and exploring new avenues for growth.

Now, looking back, I want to tell myself from four years ago – don’t worry, keep going, get through the hard stuff, and don’t focus on the things that might get in your way—everything will work out!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.valerielisuk.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerielisuk/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valerielisuk
• Other: Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/valerielisuk/

Image Credits
I’m the photographer who took those photos