Stanislava Damyanova: I photograph family sessions at home, I love to steal the moment
Family photoshoots have been her photographic passion for 6-7 years. And Christmas ones are her favorite, as they bring the warmth of the holiday. For her, however, the studio feels too confined. That's why she "captures" the Christmas spirit in the homes of families who trust her to stand before her lens. We introduce you to Stanislava Damyanova.
When she realized photography was her calling
She started engaging in photography when her child was young. Initially, just to preserve moments of his growth. But she quickly realized that this was her magic.
"Whoever looks through the lens once immediately understands if it's theirs," Stanislava is convinced.
And from a graphic artist, she dedicated herself to photography. That was 10 years ago.
"Something similar happened with my husband, who is a sculptor. He started shooting before me. First for a Ruse newspaper. And he stopped making sculptures."
Stanislava's husband is Yavor Sedyankov. At F2Studio by Dynaphos in May, he experimented with light and contrast in front of an audience, sharing some of his experience behind the lens. Because each of them has their own creative projects. But together, the artistic couple also works and is known as Sedyankov Studio. In tandem, Stanislava and Yavor shoot wedding photography. They use the same cameras, and their style is so similar that they often can't tell who took which picture.
From Canon to Sony
"First, I started shooting with Canon EOS 6D. When mirrorless cameras appeared, I switched to Sony. Now I work with Sony a7 IV and a 35mm lens," says Stanislava.
However, she admits that she doesn't like to use additional lighting for her family photoshoots. She simply prefers the light as it is offered by the home of the couple who trusts her to stand in front of her lens. She prefers the home as a backdrop, rather than a studio. Or the beautiful places that nature offers.
"I want to immerse myself in what people love to do in their own place – that's when they relax the most. And to 'steal' the moment myself, to capture it."
That's why she meets with the family she will be photographing beforehand and tries to learn about their favorite moments together.
Christmas photoshoots
"In Christmas photoshoots, for example, they decorate the Christmas tree, bake cookies together, or snuggle under a blanket. Everything is very natural. And the result is not just individual pictures, but entire stories."
And if you want to tell these stories to each other and to your future generations for many years to come, Stanislava advises booking a session with a professional photographer.
"It's true that mobile phones have advanced a lot, and some take decent photos, but the equipment isn't the only important thing. Behind the work of a professional photographer lies a lot of training and a lot of experience."
And to add even more to all this, Stanislava Damyanova is currently studying psychology.
The photos for the article are provided by Stanislava Damyanova. You can learn more about her work from her Instagram profile. And see photos of the photographic tandem on Sedyankov Studio's Facebook page.
