Say Cheese!

There’s a feeling that comes from taking the perfect photo, a heart-warming awe mixed with contentment and joy. But despite how simple it is today to consider yourself a photographer – thanks to smartphone cameras, there are still do’s and don’ts for properly capturing that winning shot. Photography holds a strong place in history, so much so that in 1987, Congress designated May as National Photography Month, encouraging professionals and amateurs alike to immerse themselves in the world of photography. We bring you photographer Katerina Podrazhanskaya from Photo by Kate with helpful tips on going pro.

Podrazhanskaya’s interest in photography began with motherhood, when she found herself taking non-stop photos of her first child. She enjoyed it so much that she decided to start her own business. Inspired by renowned photographers like Anna Leibovitz, Lindsay Adler and Boris Smelov, along with courses she took during and after college, Podrazhanskaya, 38, turned her passion into a job. She was the wedding photographer of two close friends, and these, she recalls, have been her favorite moments as a photographer yet.

In fact, that’s what she enjoys most about her job, that she can be creative and use her passion for art and expression to capture breathtaking moments. “I also love how it makes my clients feel when they see the results of the photos. Some of my clients even get emotional from seeing the shots,” says Podrazhanskaya.

She considers a few things before and during a photo session. First, she talks to her clients in advance to get to know them, hear about their ideas, understand the look they want to achieve and when and where they want the session to take place. “When I meet my client, I strive to make them feel like they are my friends, so they are comfortable being in front of the camera,” she says. She also asks clients for more specific details of the shoot and any inspiration or mood board they have.

When it comes to taking the picture, two essential tools accompany her wherever she goes: a Cannon R6 Camera and her favorite lenses (Tamron 70-200mm, Sigma 20mm and Canon 50 mm). And since she prefers natural lighting to studio lighting, she doesn’t even bother having her own studio. With so many stunning landscapes around town, it’s not hard to choose one that meets the client’s expectations. “Lighting is the key to success for any photo session,” she says.

Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, Podrazhanskaya has been in South Florida for eight years, specifically in the Fort Lauderdale area. Her favorite photo shoot spots are downtown Fort Lauderdale when it’s calm and nice during the weekdays and Las Olas Boulevard, especially inside Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar.

Podrazhanskaya recommends the following photography tips for anyone interested regardless their level of expertise:

1. Look at classical art. It helps a lot with understanding color and composition.
2. Start shooting at sunset: it’s easier with camera settings and produces beautiful colors in your shots.
3. Capture everything: your friends, your friend’s friends, animals, nature.
4. Take a course on how to adjust your camera settings.
5. Believe that photography is more than just what’s in the frame – it’s an art.

At the end of the day, what makes a successful photographer is, according to Podrazhanskaya, being creative, having an excellent eye for framing, impeccable attention to detail, good communication with clients, but, above all, love and passion for what you do.

For Podrazhanskaya’s portfolio, visit photobykate.com.

To learn more about photography and National Photography Month, visit nationaltoday.com, and if you want to dig deeper, click here to find a list of books about photography.