Getting to know me

Hi, I am Sofia! You will usually see me with a camera in my hand and a smile on my face.

I love the thrill of capturing a moment. A glance between lovers, the clasp of a hand, a tear in dad’s eye, the turn of a dancer, mom and dad gushing about the new couple and a leap across stage. I love finding that moment that no one else saw, that will remind you of why you fell in love and will be your legacy for future generations.

I see differently than other photographers. With 20 years of dancing (8 professionally) comes a sensitivity to human movement, energy and relationships. It allows me to watch, anticipate and capture moments as they happen. I am aware of my surroundings and tapped into the love and emotions present at a wedding. Yes, photography is about light and I see the light and use the light but I am more in tune with you, your family and your friends.

I genuinely care about my clients. I understand that you have busy lives, are very close to your friends and family and want to enjoy the celebration. I want you to have one of the best days of your life. I roll with the punches with grace and elegance and make your experience stress free with minimal interruption and an easy going attitude.

I make things easy.  With fun ice breakers, formal photo check sheets, photo timelines and an interest in who you are and what is important, we make sure no one and nothing is forgotten. Your expectations are managed and you worry about nothing so that the two of you can take this fabulous journey together and enjoy every step of the way.

Since I started taking photographs in 2001, I have photographed more than 250 weddings and over 400 other events, including fashion shows and corporate to dos. My images are sought out by wedding magazines and blogs. Luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Mont Blanc, Patek Phillipe, Neiman Marcus and Harpers Bazaar have me photograph their exclusive customer appreciation events. I live in New York City but photograph commissions all over. Don’t worry Philly brides, I am still doing weddings in Philly, I just have a little longer commute.

More About Me

I trained as a dancer, and danced professionally for eight years. But a dancer’s life is short and when it was time to stop, I really searched for something I could be equally passionate about. One day my husband said, “What about photography? You get good pictures from disposable cameras!” (Yes, I used to use those paper things you get from CVS.) So I bought a used SLR film camera, a book about photography and enrolled in a basic black and white photojournalism class. When I processed my first print in the darkroom, I had my “hallelujah moment.” I loved it!

Then I ventured into the School of Hard Knocks: I called all my dancer and actor friends and practiced on them. I assisted commercial photographers and worked with wedding photographers. My first wedding assisting job was on the beach and I had to carry a 50lb. generator (half my weight) and a huge flight case full of equipment. I think it took me 30 minutes to get two blocks in the sand!

Luckily, I immediately realized how much I enjoyed weddings. I love watching people and figuring out how to tell their stories visually. My background in dance, with its emphasis on composition, movement, body language, and conveying emotions without words, has been invaluable. Dancers must be attuned to every nuance, so they can respond to each moment with heart: creatively, effectively, and quickly. As a photographer, I “dance” with my camera, creating images that reveal clients’ stories in a spontaneous, elegant, and joyful manner.

Here is a little video that the fabulous Cinema Cake did for me. It is me photographing Jen and Jeff during their formal session at their wedding.