We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vladimir Kolesnikov. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vladimir below.

Vladimir, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Many years ago I used to be frequent Electronic Music Shows (i.e. Raves). This coincided with my first interests in photography as a medium of expression. I frequently went to these events alone so the photos were a means of documenting the nights that would otherwise have no record. One time I was at an event with a friend and the way the photographer captured our essence and the allure of the event really touched me, so I wanted to share that feeling those photographers gave me.

So my mission is simple, to document personally significant moments with awe and to show people how incredible they are through my photography, and to share the gift of love and joy that is the photographic medium with those around me.

Vladimir, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a wedding, portrait and event photographer based in New York City. I have been photographing since 2012 and professionally since 2017. It wasn’t until my senior year of college that people started suggesting I try to make money off my photography. At the end of the year instead of finishing the semester I went on a whim and requested to shoot a music festival for a industry connected friend instead. Despite having to retake some of the courses online that summer, I’ve never looked back.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

The importance of identifying your mentors and nurturing a relationship with them. Your mentors are the people who 1. Express positive qualities that you admire and hope to integrate into your work. They wont tell you they are your mentor, but you should be able to sense it.

The value available for free on youtube
YoutubeU is a real thing. I watch tutorials online every time before an event just to refresh the perspective.

Niche Photography Facebook groups and IG. While I hate using social media I am grateful for the people its connected me to over the years. The Gram
Local photog groups are full of intro stuff which is great, but Niche groups are great for building your network

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I think an important part of maintaining good client relations and fostering brand loyalty is a genuine curiosity and interest toward your clients! I use a CRM (Tavé which is more photography based) and google calendar to keep track of important milestones like birthdays and other celebratable events and always try to check up on everyone through social media to see what people are up to.

Contact Info:

• Website: Vladimirkolesnikov.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/vladinvisuals
• Facebook: Facebook.com/vladography