Your Photographer

inpsiring interview with newborn photographerABOUT ME: Hi, I am Olga and I am the photographer behind “Chasing Moments”.

I have been in the photography business full time since 2009. In the last 4-5 years I have focused almost exclusively on newborn and baby photography (I also photograph toddlers and older children, but newborn portraiture is my passion and primary specialty). I live in Reston, VA, with two sweet and active boys and my husband, and (when I am not shooting or editing or answering emails) I love being outdoors (probably taking pictures as well), playing tennis and exploring Northern Virginia for new, fun, family-friendly spots!

Before becoming a photographer I was a researcher and a college professor. I have a PhD in political science from the University of California Davis (Go Aggies!), I did my coursework in California, and moved to DC late in 2004 for dissertation research and fellowship opportunities at the UC Washington Center in the heart of DC, where I also taught summer courses on public policy. After that, I joined faculty at SUNY (State University of New York) and pursued research and taught courses on international relations, terrorism, foreign policy and research methodology. All along, I was photographing for stock and for clients in DC part time, and in 2009 (after the birth of my first son), I transitioned full time to a photography career.

I also photograph commercially for stock, and I contribute to world’s top image collections. My images have been used in print and online around the world .  For more information about stock photography, please check out my “model call” page.  I am also an avid nature photographer. I enjoy travel landscape photography and macro/nature photography, and I run a separate nature photography website (it’s got some of my best and most favorite images as well as some useful tips and information).

I am very happy doing what I am doing right now! Photography is an artistic and a creative profession that offers vast opportunities for learning and imagination. While I miss academia, my heart feel right behind the camera, and I am hoping photography will stay a lifelong passion of mine.

Why Choose Me as your Newborn Photographer?

TRUSTED – Since I opened my full service photography studio, hundreds of clients have trusted me to photograph their newborns and have returned to have me photograph their second, third and even fourth (!) newborns. I specialize in newborn portraiture, Baby’s safety and comfort, while creating timeless, beautiful memories, is my top priority. I guarantee my full commitment and my absolute best effort to each and every client.

FULL TIME FULL SERVICE BOUTIQUE STUDIO – I have been in business continuously full time since 2009. My business has thrived due to consistent quality and reliability of my work and due to my unwavering personal dedication. I shoot overtime, and oftentimes edit and email late night and weekends to guarantee speedy response and timely delivery of galleries and orders. I operate full-time (so, no divided attention between photography and other commitments or jobs), and my studio is full service in offering custom photography from the first point of contact with prospective clients, to personalized styling and prop selection, customized sessions, and personalized quality control of final products. I work with carefully selected professional print labs and will ensure that your products look their best (which takes guess work out of printing and production if you were to do it on your own). I offer access to a wide selection of continuously updated inventory of props, backgrounds and accessories.

EXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHER – I have over ten years of professional photography experience. When you come to my studio for your session, you can be assured that all my camera settings, light angles and radio triggers have been tested and double tested many times for consistency and best results (yes, batteries and lights do need to be replaced occasionally, and I have spares at the studio. In fact most of my gear has a back up). I am an experienced photographer, and because I know my lighting and gear inside and out, I can focus on posing, staging and communication with you about what type of images you want to get out of your session.

EXPERIENCED WORKING WITH NEWBORNS, BABIES AND CHILDREN – I have years of  experience working with newborns and babies. In other words, I take uncertainty out of “what if my Baby doesn’t cooperate” or “what if my Baby doesn’t sleep” or “what if my child is shy”. I have taken professional newborn posing classes and I always stay current on photography-related research on baby physiology and safety. I will guide you through preparing for the session, I will have trinkets and toys at the studio for your older child to play with, and I will do all posing and clean up for your newborn while you relax, check your email or take a nap. You can rest assured, your newborn will sleep, and I will do my best to get the sweetest and happiest pictures of your little ones.  I am also a mom of two school age boys, so on a personal level I understand needs, concerns and priorities of parents and their little ones.

LEGITIMATE BUSINESS – I am fully licensed, insured and registered. Please notice that many part-time and amateur photographers operate without a valid license, permit and insurance, which ultimately jeopardizes your session and your investment of time and money.

DEDICATED STUDIO SPACE – My boutique studio in the heart of Reston is uniquely dedicated to newborn and baby photography. It is set up for most effective workflow, staging and pose transitions so sessions run smoothly and effectively, and lighting and overall look of images is consistent. I have all necessary props, gear and equipment available at hand should we decide to change props, backgrounds or accessories mid-session.

RELAXED ATMOSPHERE – When you book a session with Chasing Moments Photography, please be assured that your photographer will do all the staging, prop selection, posing, soothing, clean up while you comfortably rest or focus on looking your best in front of the camera. My work and style is consistent with galleries represented on my website, and I will take uncertainty and guess work out of preparing for the session. I am easy going and mellow (sometimes I am silly-chatty but only to help clients feel comfortable and relaxed) and I want to make sure every client feels relaxed and at home during their photo session.

CONTACT ME  – If you have any further questions or if you would like to book your session, please reach out via email at chasingmoments@gmail.com or via phone (202) 251-6368. Please notice that I won’t answer if you call during a session. I do my best to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours (if not within minutes or hours) during the week and 48-72 hours during weekends and holidays.

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