Meet Yurii Holiak | Wedding and Family Photographer. Southern California and NYC

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

Hi Yurii, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
In the luxury wedding and family photography world, personalization is everything. My clients aren’t looking for a cookie-cutter look — they want their story captured with intention, elegance, and emotional depth. I don’t force every moment into one visual style. Instead, I adapt to the mood, the light, the couple’s energy, and the uniqueness of the setting — whether it’s a romantic elopement on the California coast or a grand wedding in New York City. Consistency should come from the quality, emotion, and artistry, not from using the same preset over and over. That’s what defines true premium service.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Holiak Photography is where editorial elegance meets genuine emotion. I create images that wouldn’t look out of place in a magazine — clean composition, refined posing, thoughtful lighting — but always grounded in real moments. It’s not about forced perfection. It’s about capturing people in their most beautiful, natural light while elevating their story with a sense of timeless style.

What sets me apart is the balance between intentional artistry and emotional authenticity. My work is not overly posed or trendy — it’s modern, yet classic. Whether it’s a wedding in a grand ballroom or an intimate elopement on the coast, I approach each shoot with a strong editorial eye and a quiet, observational presence. I aim to deliver luxurious but honest images, like a Vogue spread filled with genuine love and authentic connection.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. I’ve started over twice — first when we left Ukraine and moved to Canada, and again when we relocated to the U.S. We arrived without any network or referrals, just our cameras and a vision. It was humbling, but also the greatest push to refine my craft and mindset. Every single client and shoot was a chance to prove myself and build trust.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that excellence is built in the details—not only in how you photograph but also in how you communicate, serve, and carry yourself. Consistency, trust, and emotional intelligence are everything in the luxury space.

I want the world to know that my work is about more than beautiful pictures — it’s about legacy. I don’t chase trends. I create imagery that will outlast the moment. Photography is one of the few things we leave behind that can still make someone feel something, even decades later. That’s the responsibility I carry with pride — whether I’m photographing a wedding in New York, or family in Beverly Hills.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d take them on a week full of contrast and beauty — the best of California. We’d start with golden hour in Malibu at El Matador Beach, grab dinner at Nobu, and take in the ocean breeze. We’d spend a day wandering through Beverly Hills and the Arts District, sipping coffee at Alfred, then catching sunset views from a rooftop in DTLA. I’d take them to the Venice Canals in the morning, and we’d bike along the coast all the way to Manhattan Beach. One day we’d escape to Joshua Tree — there’s something magical about the desert light and stargazing in total silence. And of course, Pelican Hill Resort is stunning!
For me, California isn’t just beautiful — it’s inspiring. It makes you want to create, to slow down, and to dream a little bigger.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely. I owe so much of my journey to the people who believed in me before I had a name in a new country.

When we moved to Canada, we had to rebuild our lives from the ground up. We didn’t know anyone, we had no safety net — only our cameras and a strong desire to create something meaningful. The couples who trusted me in those early days played a huge role in where I am today. They gave me a chance when I had no portfolio in this part of the world, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

Later, we made another bold move — this time to the United States. Again, we arrived without a single connection. Starting over in the highly competitive markets of California and New York was a true test, but it pushed me to refine my craft, raise my standards, and commit fully to delivering a luxury experience rooted in honesty, emotion, and timeless style.

I also want to recognize several photographers whose work has deeply inspired me — Greg Finck, KT Merry, and Erich McVey. Their artistic vision and dedication to authenticity have helped shape the way I see the world through the lens.

And finally, my daughter Adelina. She reminds me every day why love, family, and memory deserve to be captured with care. She’s my quiet, constant source of purpose.

Website: https://holiakphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holiak.photography

Image Credits
Holiak Photography