Photographs are the longest-lasting souvenirs from a wedding day, so it’s the greatest honour for me to preserve these memories for my couples. Long after the party lights go down, I want my work to create smiles and serve as the reminder of fond memories and the best times for my clients, the perfect day when they were surrounded by every single person who loves them the most. I work hard to not only create stunning, editorial, fashion-forward images for them, but also ensure that the entire experience with my studio is as seamless and enjoyable as possible…”
Anna Panutsa, Photographer
Our cover star this month, Anna Panutsa, is a luxury wedding photographer from Saint Petersburg, now based in New York and Los Angeles, who specialises in editorial-style photography that blends sophistication, timelessness, and authenticity. Anna frequently travels worldwide to document love stories, striving to bring an elevated approach to every celebration she captures; here we discuss how she incorporates her background in Paris fashion into her projects and how she captures her signature editorial vibe…
C&B: “Great to meet you here, Anna! First question: What inspired you to pursue a career in wedding photography, and how did you develop your unique editorial style?”
AP: “My passion for the visual arts came from my home city of Saint Petersburg, Russia – it’s often called the ‘Venice of the North’, and the architecture and lighting there are so inspiring, and so essentially European – give it a Google search, you’ll see what I mean! Then, working in the fashion industry in Paris helped refine my eye for detail and shaped my editorial style in photography. I wanted to bring this elevated, magazine-worthy aesthetic into the world of weddings, where I could combine storytelling with artistry. I’m also immensely inspired by the art of the human experience, and the raw, candid emotions and stories of my clients – and of course the world of bridal fashion, giving a nod to my past of working on the Paris haute couture fashion weeks…”
C&B: “How do your subjects come to you? Are they generally referred to you from within the industry or the fashion world – or do they find you online?”
AP: “Most clients come to me through word of mouth and referrals from previous happy couples or wedding planners. My website and my social media presence also play a big role in connecting my work to couples who resonate with my style…”
C&B: “You’re based between NYC and LA but which locations do you generally find yourself working in the most, and why?”
AP: “I most often work in New York, Los Angeles, and also Paris. Each city possesses its own unique blend of culture and history, significantly impacting the world we live in today. I’m particularly drawn to scenes that evoke a sense of romance and grandeur; two of my favourite venues are Château de Villette in France and The Plaza Hotel in New York City…”
C&B: “Fabulous locations help create amazing imagery – can you describe your approach to capturing the essence of a couple’s special day, from preparations to the final moments of the celebration?”
AP: “I do my best to balance thoughtful preparation with day-of flexibility. I generally start by learning the couple’s vision and then craft a tailored vision board for capturing their day. I also love helping my clients with their attire, and often get incorporated into their fashion decisions for the day due to my expertise in bridal fashion and trends. On the wedding day, I balance gentle guidance during their portraits with the raw emotion behind key moments, documenting everything from the quiet whispers during prep to the energy and joy of their first kiss…”
C&B: “Yes, styling is such a big part of the overall look and it’s great that you’re an expert in that area. How do you go about adapting your photography techniques to suit different venues and lighting conditions that you encounter across various locations?”
AP: “I always arrive early to evaluate lighting and familiarise myself with the venue. I also always bring more lighting equipment than I think I’ll need, just in case. Whether it’s soft, natural outdoor light or dramatic hard flash, I embrace both equally and use my experience to adapt and create imagery that enhances the beauty of the space while highlighting the couple…”
C&B: “Your end photographs have a very definite ‘edge’ to them – most of your couples look VOGUE-worthy on camera. In your experience, what are the most important elements for you to consider when planning a wedding photography timeline with them?”
AP: “Timing is everything. On my end, it’s essential to ensure enough time is allocated for each part of the day, from ‘getting-ready’ portraits to the ‘golden hour’ session. Communication is key and the couple’s planner is a great asset in suggesting the appropriate timeline – I then work closely with couples and their planner to create a photography flow that allows for both structured portraits and candid moments…”
C&B: “Yes – the best galleries always have a mix of both formal and candid photos that capture the essence of the day. What sort of challenges do you come up against when you’re working on a full day project such as a wedding?”
AP: “One challenge I had involved a sudden storm during a wedding I photographed at Blue Hill at Stone Barns last summer. The couple had a beautifully designed outdoor ceremony in mind, but the vendor team had to work quickly to adapt to the sudden weather conditions and move the ceremony indoors. This is why I always bring extra lighting equipment! It was a beautiful, romantic, intimate ceremony regardless, and additional lighting helped me capture the ceremony seamlessly and beautifully…”
C&B: “That sounds like a beautiful location and it’s so cool that the team could adapt so quickly! When you’re working in these intimate settings, how do you ensure that you maintain a balance between being unobtrusive and capturing candid moments throughout the event?”
AP: “I prioritise being present, really listening and paying attention to what surrounds me – staying alert allows me to capture some of the most sincere, raw moments on the wedding days I’ve photographed…”
CONTACT: http://www.annapanutsaportraits.com
