By Shawn Tripoli, TimesLA — Lifestyle
Andrii Vernyi is a photographer, educator, curator, and one of the most respected voices in contemporary wedding and portrait photography. His work has been featured by renowned platforms such as Fearless Photographers, ISPWP, and Wezoree. He is the founder of Photostream, a photography school in Ukraine, and his students have gone on to shoot for global outlets like BBC and Yahoo. We sat down with Andrii to talk about his journey, the philosophy behind his lens, and the stories he strives to tell.
Andrii, you’ve been in photography for over 11 years. How did it all begin?
It started with curiosity. I bought my first camera in 2014 and began photographing friends and everyday moments. Over time, it turned into a profession and then into my life’s mission. I was never interested in just “beautiful images”—I’ve always been drawn to storytelling.
You founded your own photography school. What inspired that?
I noticed how many young talents get lost in the flood of information online. I wanted to create a space where people could not only learn technique but also develop their personal artistic voice. That’s how Photostream was born. For me, teaching is about passing on values—not just skills. One of my former students, Stanislav Senyk, created images after graduating from our school that ended up published by BBC and Yahoo. That’s the kind of impact that matters most to me.
You’ve received recognition from international photography communities. Which honors stand out most?
I especially value the awards and features that acknowledge the idea behind the image, not just the technical aspects. My work has regularly appeared on MyWed, Fearless, and other platforms. Wezoree even published an interview and several of my series, placing them within global wedding trends. That kind of peer recognition is meaningful, especially in such a competitive field.
🌍 You also shoot outside of Ukraine. Any projects that left a strong impression?
Absolutely—shoots in Chicago, Paris, and Los Angeles have been particularly memorable. Not just because of the locations, but because of the people. In the U.S., I often work with multicultural couples, and I love capturing the emotional universality—love, excitement, warmth. These feelings translate instantly, regardless of language.
What’s most important to you in a photo?
Genuine emotion. Everything else—lighting, composition, editing—is a tool. I aim to create images that allow people to feel the moment again years later. That’s what I call a visual legacy.
How do you balance your creative work with teaching?
They complement each other. Teaching helps structure my thoughts, and students often give me fresh perspectives. I constantly push myself to grow—whether by leading masterclasses or attending international ones. Staying relevant is essential.
What are your current creative goals?
Right now, I’m developing an international exhibition focused on how love is visually expressed across cultures. I’m also in talks about a collaborative project in the U.S. and planning to expand my studio in Los Angeles. I hope to launch an online course soon, blending creative vision with the business of photography.
I’m also actively working on a full-length book about photography, which will be released soon. At its core, the book presents my original method and explores key aspects of working with brands, capturing authentic emotions, and building strong connections with clients. It’s designed to be insightful not only for beginners, but also for experienced photographers looking to elevate both their creative and professional approach.
What advice would you give to emerging photographers?
Listen to yourself and don’t be afraid to take your own path. Don’t try to “please the market”—find your own truth in every image. And above all, keep creating. Experience is the only way to grow.
Andrii Vernyi isn’t just a photographer. He’s a visual narrator, a mentor, and someone who captures moments in a way that speaks across time and culture. His work is a bridge—between people, generations, and traditions. And in today’s world, those are the stories that truly matter.