Ukrainian Portrait Session

Remembering one’s roots

It’s not too often that you get to do a photoshoot that reminds you of all the reasons why you fight to do what you love. Today was that day.

Natalia and I made a plan to do a photoshoot that centered around her Ukrainian heritage. Originally this idea was inspired by one of my favorite photographers Irene Rudnyk who also shares a Ukranian Background. She had done a number of Ukrainian themed photoshoots so I was inspired to do the same.

Natalia and I actually know each other from the local ice rinks because we are both adult figure skaters. Amongst her many talents which includes painting, playing guitar and making dresses, she also competes internationally (which is a few steps above me haha).

On the day of the shoot the weather couldn’t have been more perfect, not one cloud in the sky. Leading up to the shoot Natalia had sent a number of outfit ideas and props which included traditional Ukrainian guitars.

When Natalia came out In the first outfit you couldn’t help but be in awe by the detailing on the scarf and the designs on the dress. Natalia has a very positive energy about her (which is very helpful in a sport where you’re constantly falling) and has a very infectious smile that translates to the camera perfectly!

The remainder of the shoot flew by as Natalia played her guitar, changed outfits and effortlessly posed for the camera!

Now here’s where the most impactful part of this story begins. Natalia was extremely excited about the results of the photoshoot and couldn’t wait to post the images. This of course made me very happy, but it wasn’t until Natalia posted the following on her instagram page which really made me understand the impact of this photoshoot:

“When back in August Rafael Gonzalez asked if I want to do a photoshoot in Ukrainian folk style of course I agreed. Today I got his amazing pictures but I didn’t expect they would evoked so many emotions. When I look at them I see my parents in me, I feel difficulties they were living through, moments of happiness and struggle to keep on going. The song in the video that I am singing always makes me think about how it could have been if they were here longer”

Along with this instagram post was a slideshow of the photos we had taken together along with audio of Natalia singing and playing a traditional Ukrainian song.

After reading this I think that’s when everything hit me. Being a photographer everyone knows it’s important to also shoot for yourself, however I’ve always wanted my photos to make an impact on anyone I work with. This is not always possible of course, however the small times when you can really evoke strong feelings through your work, whether they can remind someone of their past, family or convey a story that is personal to them, it really does make everything worth it.

Especially right now with everything Ukraine is going through, it adds even another element of emotions.

I wish there was more I could say but it’s hard to convey some of these feelings through words, that’s why I will let these photos do the rest of the talking. Photos that will always remain some of my most proudest work!

if you would like to see some amazing figure skating content, follow along Natalia’s journey here!

Photography Backdrop