We were lucky to catch up with Vladyslav Vasylchenko recently and have shared our conversation below.

Vladyslav, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today undefined

One of the most important innovations I’ve introduced into my work is the use of AI-generated technology to create unique and artistic wedding photos. For example, a recent experience really changed how I view post-editing. During one wedding at an old castle, it suddenly started raining during the couple’s first dance, which was the key moment. The atmosphere was amazing, but the sharp raindrops and dim lighting affected the clarity of some shots.

That’s when AI tools and generative fill came to the rescue. I didn’t just remove the rain from the photos — with AI, I was able to create a beautiful starry sky, lit by soft rays of the setting sun, which streamed through the castle’s ancient stone walls. I even added artificial fireflies floating around the couple, giving the scene a magical fairytale feel. This result not only highlighted the beauty of the moment but also took the photos to a whole new artistic level.

In the past, creating such a complex composition would have taken days of editing, but with AI, this process was completed in just a few hours, giving me more time to creatively engage with the images. These technologies allow me to go beyond reality, crafting visuals that couldn’t be captured by normal photography alone, turning each wedding into a unique story told through the lens of magic.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey into photography was long and winding. I always knew I wanted to do something creative, but it took me a while to realize what that was. I tried many different jobs: from sales manager to DJ, and each of them gave me valuable experience and a new perspective on life. But none of these jobs gave me a feeling of complete fulfillment. Only when I picked up a camera did I understand—this is what I am meant to do. Photography lets me unlock my creative potential 100%, and most importantly, it allows me to create something that touches people and changes the world, even for a moment.

Now, as a wedding photographer in the beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina, I don’t just take pictures—I capture stories. My goal is to show the beauty of each moment, so my clients see their photos not just as pictures, but as pieces of art, filled with emotion, light, and life. I’m proud that my photos become an important part of a family’s story, and that they can express what words can’t—a look, a smile, a moment that happens only once in a lifetime.

One of the key features of my work is my attention to detail and atmosphere. When I shoot, it’s important for me to catch every sincere emotion, every glance or movement, because these are the moments that stay with you forever. For example, seeing a father, holding back tears, walking his daughter down the aisle, or the groom seeing his bride in her wedding dress for the first time—these are not just pictures, they are emotions that you can relive again and again.

I offer my clients more than just photos. I give them the chance to keep their most important moments forever. Each wedding for me is a new story that I tell through my camera, and my goal is to make it unforgettable. What makes me different? It’s my desire to show people that every moment in their life can be as beautiful and bright as a movie scene, where they are the main characters. And these are not just pictures—they are your emotions, your day, your story, which I help you preserve forever.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Да, в моей жизни было несколько ключевых ресурсов, которые оказали глубокое влияние на мое управленческое и предпринимательское мышление, особенно когда я перешел от творчества к управлению своим собственным бизнесом как свадебный фотограф.

1. The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber
Эта книга действительно изменила мое отношение к ведению бизнеса. Она помогает понять, что предпринимательство — это не только о том, чтобы быть хорошим в своем ремесле, но и о том, как систематизировать и развивать свой бизнес. В ней говорится, что нужно научиться работать над бизнесом, а не только в нем. Это важный урок для меня, ведь творчество всегда было моей сильной стороной, но нужно было также стать хорошим управленцем.

2. “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek
Эта книга помогла мне глубже понять важность того, чтобы найти свое «почему». Клиенты всегда чувствуют, когда твоя работа исходит из глубокой страсти, и когда у тебя есть миссия, которая ведет тебя вперед. Это помогло мне сформировать свое видение как фотографа: я не просто снимаю красивые кадры — я сохраняю бесценные моменты жизни людей, создавая уникальные истории.

3. TED Talk by Simon Sinek — “How Great Leaders Inspire Action”
Это выступление на TED стало для меня откровением, поскольку дало мне понимание, что лидерство и бизнес успех — это не всегда о продукте или услуге, а о том, как мы можем вдохновлять и общаться с людьми на более глубоком уровне. Это повлияло на то, как я взаимодействую с клиентами и строю свой бренд.

4. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
Эта книга научила меня внедрять инновации в свой бизнес и постоянно адаптироваться. В фотографии и в управлении бизнесом всегда важно тестировать новые идеи, будь то рекламные кампании, услуги или новые технологии вроде ИИ. Это помогает мне оставаться гибким и готовым к переменам.

5. “Deep Work” by Cal Newport
Как творческий человек, я ценю глубокое погружение в процесс работы. Эта книга научила меня лучше управлять своим временем и фокусироваться на том, что важно, даже когда вокруг множество отвлекающих факторов. Это особенно важно при обработке фотографий или планировании новых проектов.

Эти книги и ресурсы стали для меня не только источниками знаний, но и основой для развития моей управленческой философии. Они помогли мне сбалансировать креативность и эффективность, сохраняя при этом страсть к моему делу.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe that several key factors helped me build my reputation in the wedding photography market, especially in Charleston, South Carolina.

1. Sincerity and attention to detail
For me, every wedding day is a unique story. I approach each event with care and try to capture moments that truly matter to my clients. My goal is not just to take good photos, but to create something they will treasure for life. This helps clients feel that I’m not just a photographer, but someone who tells their special story.

2. Constant pursuit of improvement
I always look for new ways to improve my skills and approaches. Whether it’s using the latest technologies like AI tools or learning new editing techniques, I’m always ready to change and grow. This helps me stay relevant in the market and offer photos that are not only beautiful but also modern and technically perfect.

3. Personal approach to each client
My philosophy is to offer an individual approach. I try to get to know my clients better so that my photos reflect their personalities and emotions. This helps create not only high-quality pictures but also memories that truly matter to people. Clients appreciate this attention and often recommend me to their friends and family.

4. Openness and trust
Building trust with clients is a key factor. I try to always be open and honest, explaining each step of the process—from the first meeting to the final delivery of the photos. This creates a sense of security and comfort for clients, knowing that their special day is in good hands.

5. Recommendations and word of mouth
One of the most important things in my business is recommendations from satisfied clients. People tend to trust the personal experiences of their friends and family, and when my clients share their positive impressions, it helps me find new clients. A reputation built on positive reviews is very valuable in the wedding photography industry.

In the end, I’m proud that clients see me not just as a professional, but as someone who truly cares about capturing their memories in the best way possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vladph.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlad.photo.charleston/?hl=ru
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vldslvvslchnk/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VladPhotoCharleston
• Other: https://kavyar.com/kvkqcmv7j0xt
  https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/vlad-photo