Considered one of the best Las Vegas wedding photographers, Daria Artsybasheva has worked as a professional Las Vegas photographer and photojournalist photographing weddings full-time since 2005. Her signature style is candid, natural, beautiful and photo journalistic. Her clients love her for her stunning work and warm personality. Daria also provides gorgeous portrait photography services for clients in and around Las Vegas, Nevada. Professional services include maternity photography, engagement photos, pregnancy pictures, family, infant, baby and children photography and more.
Daria Artsybasheva remembers the exact moment she decided wedding photography, it was her vacation. She photographed a friend’s wedding as a favor and discovered she lived the challenge. She also loved the interaction with the bridal party and their guests and being a part of the day’s proceedings. In a nutshell, the whole experience enthralled and excited her. By the day’s end she knew that photography was her calling.
And today, Daria has emerged as one of the primary Las Vegas wedding photographers, whose professional creed is based around a philosophy of creating whimsical images with minimum fuss. “I like to minimize the clutter when I photograph a wedding so I don’t get too caught up with lots of equipment. That way I can concentrate on working with the couple and not with the complex equipment. This way works the best for me. I get to know people, have time to interact with them, be personal, and catch THE moments. And this is what really counts at the end”.
While her friend’s wedding was the catalyst for her professional aspirations, there is an education connection in Daria’s photographic background – she was studding graphic design in the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and was taking photography classes in College of Southern Nevada. So she wasn’t exactly a “kid with a camera and a dream” when she photographed her friend’s wedding. Even though she was eager to get started in her new venture, she had no illusions about the tough side of the business and didn’t burn her bridges before venturing into becoming one of professional Las Vegas wedding photographers. Daria did her homework – she researched other Las Vegas wedding photographers and then initiated a part-time wedding photography business while continuing to work as a graphic designer. The part-time wedding business grew to such an extent that about two years ago Daria stepped out into a full-time wedding and portrait photography and hasn’t looked back since.
On the way she has made all the right moves bu furthering her education through workshops taught by leading wedding photographers like Cliff Mautner and David Ziser, two if her favorite workshop instructors and sources of inspiration. She also joined both PPA and WPPI to keep abreast of trends, hone her business skills and benefit from the valuable network provided by these professional associations.
Daria became one of the leading Las Vegas Wedding Photographers, but now she is looking to extend beyond this principal market. She already offers destination wedding services and looking to open a branch of Artsy Daria Photography in Moscow, Russia – a place she visits regularly.
One essential faced of Daria’s approach to wedding photography is something many photographers who really enjoy their work can identify with – having lots of fun! While ensuring that her images capture the essence of the wedding, Daria also makes sure the entire experience is fun for all people involved. “I focus a lot on making sure my clients and I communicate well. I want them to be extra comfortable with me, and I with them. I found out that if you establish a friendship with your clients they are much more relaxed, and so am I. I make a point of remembering the names of the whole wedding party and important members of the family, as well as learning as much about them as I can before the wedding day. I want to make sure we have something we can talk about to lighten the mood, and also that every one of them feels like they are part of the experience,”-she says.
A team approach is also an important aspect of Daria’s modus operandi, and she usually has a second shooter at wedding. Not only does this cover all her bases, it is also promotes creativity within her team. “We work as a team but separately, so that we have a large variety of pictures to choose from. I love being able to learn from and be inspired by my second shooters. Sometimes they think of angles or poses that I’ve overlooked, and constantly learning from each other is one of the things we do best,” Daria says.
Her style has evolved from fundamentally classic to one that incorporates varying approaches, depending on the situation. “When I started out, I was rather formal, but now I try and use a few different styles to capture the day. A lot of Las Vegas wedding photographers stick with photojournalism and fully ignore the formal poses. My favorite approach to the wedding photography today is a combination of photo journalistic, contemporary and classic styles. When the bridal party is getting ready during the ceremony and at the reception, I use a photo journalistic style. I want them to go about their business and forget I am even there. However, for the group and portrait sessions I use a more contemporary style. I want those pictures to be modern and fun. I will make sure I get some very classic shots – the ones that bride will want 20 years from now – but I also want to get funky angles and interesting lighting,” she says.
Daria also strives to incorporate detailed images of the location and setting, so the client will not only have memories of the event – whether it be a wedding or their baby’s portrait – but also of the location. “I think it is important to link location to the people. I look for the little details at the location and then try to incorporate them as much as possible in my pictures. These additions allow people to feel like they are really there when they view the images,” he says.
While technical proficiency and creative skills are vital, Daria has no hesitation in stressing the importance of one essential facet that can make or break a wedding shoot – good communication. “Without good communication between my clients and me, the wedding day would be very hectic and confusing. Also, establishing a friendship is vital. People are more comfortable around their friends. On the day of the wedding make sure to keep my energy and excitement up, and this rubs off on the people around. If I am sluggish and not interested, then the wedding party can tell and that does not make for good pictures. Instead, I am always upbeat and productive which in turn makes them more upbeat. Lastly, it is important to keep moving. If you take too long to set up a shot, the party gets bored and that will reflect in the images. Keeping a steady, but quick pace makes for better pictures,” Daria says. That is essential for any of the top Las Vegas wedding photographers.
Pre-match nerves are integral to sports and the same applies to weddings. Any photographer, regardless of the assignment, can identify with that. But ones the “game” begins, the well-prepared professional can channel that nervous energy into peak performance. “I still feel anxious before I photograph a wedding. However, the pressure and nerves go away once I arrive because I feel like I am attending as a guest. I am doing a favor for a friend, not a client. This really allows me to feel connected and refreshed. Opportunities for great photographs usually present themselves and it’s simply a matter of being prepared to take advantage of the moment,” Daria says.
Lighting is kept simple and as effective as possible, and Daria uses Canon equipment for capturing images in RAW. “For portrait session I use a prime lens, but for wedding day I normally use a zoom lens. I am not a fan of tripods and the like, because they restrict my movement,” she says. Her equipment includes 2 Canon EOS 7D cameras, Canon L lenses, and Canon Speedlite 580EX. Post production is done predominantly in-house with a Wacom Intuos, along with Lightroom and Photoshop.
But a successful photo shoot not only depends on a photographer, but also on the models. Getting the best shots requires a little more effort than smiling and saying cheese. Here you can find some useful advises on what you really need to know as a bride and groom!
Make sure the photographer you choose has an education as a photographer, has apprenticed with a professional wedding photographer and has the ability to capture the moment of your day no matter what may arise. If the clouds break while you’re walking out of the church, an inexperienced photographer may not know how to compensate and could miss the shot. You need someone with training who can think quickly on their feet.
If you find a great photographer, book her! Good Las Vegas wedding photographers are booked a year or more in advance. Nothing is more frustrating than finally choosing a wedding photographer and finding out that he just booked another gig on your date.
Sometimes couples pick a photographer solely because he fits their budget. But you should view your photos as an investment and be willing to spend a bit of money on them. Keep in mind these photos are all that’s left after the big day. When you think of your budget keep in mind that 10% – 15% of it has to go on your wedding photographs. They’ll last a lifetime, so you want them to be good. If you skimp on your photographer and are not happy with the results, there is nothing you can do after the wedding. Remember: you’ll get what you pay for and with the best of the top Las Vegas wedding photographers, you will get the best.
Images should stand the test of time. While distressed, antique-colored pictures are in fashion now, they may feel dated later. Make sure your photographer has the eye to capture the timeless, classic shots in addition to what’s “in style” now.
Sometimes a couple wants to save money or feels that it’s too obstructive for more or feels that it’s too obstructive for more than one photographer to be present. But consider this: the second photographer offers another unique eye throughout the day and can capture moments that aren’t on the list for your primary photographer. Most of Las Vegas wedding photographers do operate with the second shooter.
I see couples skip their engagement photo session because they don’t think it’s necessary or consider it a fading trend. But the real value in the shoot isn’t actually the resulting images; it’s a great opportunity to get to know your photographer and to allow her to get to know you. It’s also good practice to get you and your groom feeling more at ease in front of the camera. In Las Vegas there are plenty of beautiful romantic spots where we can make grate shoot.
The biggest mistake couples make is not sticking to their shot list. I always have the bride and groom fill out a must-haves list a month before the wedding. So many times, at the wedding, the bride gets caught up in the day and says she doesn’t need a particular shot. But after the wedding, regret sets in. This is your chance to get the photos you want; it’s worth taking the time to do them!
Go over the day’s schedule with your photographer ahead of time. He’ll know if it’s realistic to shoot at several locations after your ceremony or if it’s necessary to set up another session (a good idea if you’re traveling to, say, and a busy downtown location). He might suggest a shoot the day before or after the wedding so you can enjoy the actual day a little more.
Be familiar with the locations you plan on using for romantic photos and group shots – whether it’s a personal spot that you pick or one that your photographer recommends. Scout them beforehand; make sure there isn’t a function going on that day. Also check to see if there are restrictions or permit fees involved so there are no surprises.
Have a “first look” session with your groom before the ceremony. You’ll have fewer shots to take later and will actually get to attend the cocktail hour.
Create a list that details where and when portraits will take place and who needs to be there, then give a copy to everyone involved so they know the drill. And always do photos with young kids first.
Most couples underestimate how long everything takes. Pad your schedule with a little extra time and maybe you’ll get a moment to take a breather. If anything runs late, you already have the extra time built in.
You and your maids should smile as you walk down the aisle. Or at the very least, just look straight ahead.
Couples often want candid photos but instinctively feel the need to stop what they’re doing and pose for the camera. Try to act natural and don’t break away from your scene. A shot of you looking at your banquet or sharing a sweet gaze with your groom will create a journalistic vibe, and your resulting photo album will have a variety of heartwarming shots.
I hate when people give huge smiles and pull in their chin. It exposes too much of the mouth and creates several more chins than you really have. Practice with a mirror to get a feel for a genuine smile or a laugh that doesn’t look forced.
Beware of dimming the lights in your reception venue too much. I understand the need to set the mood, but no matter how good a camera is, the lens will always have a tough time focusing and zooming in poor lighting conditions. Tell your photographer about your lighting plans ahead of time.
Ask your photographer for prints and albums, rather than just the digital files. It might be more expensive, but the quality will be far superior to what you can do on your own with the files. And the albums will actually get done before your anniversary 
Did you think of how much input should you allow your parents to have in the photo album process? If you trust your parents’ and his parents’ taste and instincts, the answer is as much as you want. However, you need to be very mindful of the generation gap. Today’s couples tend to favor candids and black0and-white photos, while many parents often favor more posed, traditional shots. Remember, it’s your wedding and you’ll be looking at your album with all of these special moments for the rest of your life. One of our favorite solutions: You can make albums for both sets of parents with more of the types of pictures that they prefer.
Daria as one of the leading Las Vegas wedding photographers will be happy to provide you with professional photo services and a great BIG DAY experience!
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