Meet Valery Rieka

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valery Rieka and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valery, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting your own business is always a challenge. It’s even more difficult when you’ve recently moved to a new country, don’t know anyone, and are building everything from scratch. The only thing you have is yourself.

I fled the war, and everything that was important before—everything material—stopped mattering. This was a turning point for me, leading to personal transformation. Photography has always been my safe place, my source of inspiration. It became even more valuable when I realized that what remained were my memories and pictures.

I capture genuine moments in people’s lives. I bring out emotions and share in the most important days with families. People trust me with their stories, and I capture their inner state. I love what I do, and that’s the best foundation for starting a business.

Identifying my true calling led me to my niche—family photography. My next step was to break down each branch of my services and expertise. I continue to work on and improve my small business every day. It’s a constant effort, but it brings joy, freedom, and inspiration.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been passionate about photography since my school years. I always knew I wanted to photograph people, not nature or birds. I need interaction, to give and receive emotion, and to know that what I do will matter years from now.

One of the hardest parts was finding my own style. I had to understand myself, how I see the world, and how to show that in my photos. Building a portfolio was tough too. It meant picking the best from my work and making it all fit together.

I want to encourage people to follow their passions. Don’t worry too much about what others do or say. Trust your heart, and it will pay off in time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve lived in Los Angeles for the past two years, and this city offers a variety of experiences. It doesn’t feel like a typical city to me—it’s something different. To truly appreciate it, you need to explore the whole area, listen to recommendations, try new things, and decide what resonates with you.

One of my favorite spots is El Matador Beach at sunset. It’s a unique place that changes depending on the weather, time, and season. Other great places to visit include Palos Verdes, Laguna Beach, Griffith Observatory, and Topanga.

When it comes to food, I’m picky. Coming from Ukraine, where we have amazing cuisine, I’ve found a few local gems that I enjoy. Sweet Wheat in Redondo Beach and Cafe 27 in Topanga are among my favorites.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family is my biggest support. To my mom, my beloved partner, my sister, and my dad—I love you and appreciate everything you do for me.

Website: https://www.valeryfotik.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valery.fotik/ 

Image Credits
VALERY.FOTIK