Yuliya Vareldzhyan is the founder of one of Chicago’s most renowned photography studios — Special Moments Photography Studio. With her unique style and attention to detail, she transforms ordinary moments into true works of art. In this interview, we talked about the secrets of her success, her inspiration, creative process, and big plans for the future.
Yuliya, your studio, Special Moments Photography, is recognized as one of the best in Chicago. How did you manage to achieve such a level in the family photography industry?
Thank you! For me, family photography is not just a job, but an opportunity to create art that conveys genuine emotions and family stories. The success of the studio is the result of many years of hard work, constant self-improvement, and deep love for what I do.
I always aim to create not just beautiful pictures but images that have a soul. My motto is “Where Your Story Becomes Art,” and it’s this approach that has helped me stand out in the industry. I listen carefully to my clients, understand their wishes, and add a creative touch to every photoshoot.
I also pay great attention to the comfort of families, especially when it comes to sessions with little ones. The atmosphere during the shoot must be light and relaxed — this helps capture natural, sincere moments.
Of course, professional equipment, meticulous photo editing, and a unique style play an important role, but what matters most is the trust of my clients. Many families return to me time and again, and their recommendations are the greatest recognition of my work.
Still, the most important key to success, I believe, is boundless love for what I do. And I can confidently say that I haven’t worked a single day in my life since I started doing what I truly love.
You specialize in maternity, newborn, and children’s photography. What makes your approach unique in this field?
- Signature style and creativity. I’m always searching for new ideas, combining light, colors, and compositions to create images that look like pieces of art. I truly believe that every photoshoot should be unique.
- Comfort and atmosphere. When working with pregnant women, newborns, and children, I create the most cozy and safe environment possible. There’s always a calm atmosphere in the studio, and every process is adapted for the comfort of babies and their parents.
- Experience and professionalism. After eight years in photography, I’ve learned how to work with the tiniest models, understand their needs, and anticipate the perfect moments to capture.
- Emotions and authenticity. I strive to capture real feelings — the tenderness of parents toward their baby, the anticipation of new life, the spontaneity and joy of children. This is what makes the photos special and timeless.
Family photography is not just pictures but memories for a lifetime. How do you manage to create such emotionally rich shots that convey the unique atmosphere of the moment?
To create emotionally rich images, I always work on making my clients feel comfortable and relaxed. The best shots happen when people aren’t posing but simply enjoying the moment together.
- Trust and connection. Before the shoot, I get to know my clients, learn their story and expectations. This helps create a truly natural atmosphere during the session.
- Light and colors. I carefully choose lighting and tones to give the photos a warm, cozy feeling. Soft light creates a memory-like effect, giving the images a special mood.
- Details that speak. Small moments — a gentle touch, a baby’s first glance, parents’ smiles — often tell the story best. I always try to notice and capture these details.
My goal is for families to relive the same emotions every time they look at their photos. I want these images to remind them of the love, warmth, and happiness in their lives.
Are there any new technologies or creative approaches that you plan to introduce in your studio?
Yes, I’m always striving to grow and incorporate the latest technologies and creative ideas to make my photoshoots even more unique and emotional.
- I constantly improve my skills, learning from the best photographers in the industry, attending conferences, and keeping up with the latest printing trends. This allows me to offer my clients a wide range of high-quality options for photo prints, albums, and portraits.
- I regularly upgrade my equipment to achieve perfect image quality. Modern cameras and lenses allow me to work better with soft light and capture delicate skin textures — which is especially important for maternity and newborn photography.
- Combining photography and video. Mini-videos are becoming increasingly popular, and I plan to incorporate such elements into my projects, giving clients not only photos but also atmospheric video stories.
- Exclusive wardrobe. One of my studio’s features is a large collection of maternity dresses that I design myself. This allows expectant mothers to feel exceptionally beautiful and confident during the photoshoot. I carefully select fabrics, colors, and styles to ensure they look harmonious in the photos and highlight the tenderness and femininity of the moment.
- The studio also offers a wide selection of newborn clothing — soft bodysuits, wraps, and adorable outfits that are perfect for capturing those first days of life.
- Props. I’ve curated a unique collection of high-quality accessories: baskets, blankets, floral crowns, textured fabrics, antique furniture, and other stylish details that help create atmospheric, refined shots.
What are your plans and ambitions for the future? Are there any projects or new directions you wish to pursue in your photography career?
This year, I’m preparing something special — a project into which I’m pouring a lot of effort, inspiration, and love. It will be something unique that will open up new opportunities for my clients and add even more magic to the world of family photography.
Very soon, I’ll be sharing all the details, and I’m sure you’ll love it! Stay tuned — there’s a lot of exciting things ahead!
