As the bride and groom walked onto the balcony after cocktail hour, photographer Yana Petrova suddenly saw a moment that encapsulated her aesthetic—an image both modern and timeless, where her wedding photography storytelling would naturally shine. Thinking quickly, she managed the strong outdoor lighting by setting her aperture at f1.2 and her shutter speed at 1/15. She also employed an ND filter to get the perfect exposure, overcoming the hurdles to capturing a gorgeous image that would remind her wedding couple of the beautiful day they said, “I do.” 

A Cinematic Flair 

Yana, a photographer with John & Joseph Photography based in Los Angeles, is one of Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography for 2024. She describes her photography style as “a mix of editorial, fine art, and photojournalistic influence, with a touch of cinematic flair.” A student of film and television production, her passion for storytelling is evident across her portfolio, which is full of “natural, candid moments, especially those with dramatic lighting and unique, unposed elements.” 

Yana leans toward images that are atmospheric and dramatic with moody and dark undertones, which add depth and emotion. Her primary aim is for her images to “feel both artistic and genuine.” 

Yana’s Tips for Wedding Storytelling  

Yana Petrova is “deeply focused on capturing the essence of the moment through a blend of spontaneous and styled elements.” For other photographers wishing to nurture spontaneous storytelling, she offers these tips: 

1. Pay attention to the lighting, especially when shooting outdoors.  Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion effectively, ensuring sharp images even when your subjects are moving. Work with a narrow aperture or employ ND filters to manage the bright conditions. 

2. Encourage genuine interactions between your subjects. Candid shots often capture the most heartfelt emotions and create memorable images. 

3. Pay attention to your surroundings and how they can complement the couple and the theme of the wedding. 

Dynamic Narratives – Emotional and Alive 

Storytelling is all about paying attention to moments that resonate with emotion. To do this, Yana Petrova relies on “a commitment to not just documenting an event but creating a narrative that feels alive and dynamic.” By combining artistic composition and emotional depth, she offers a fresh perspective on weddings that is both classical and contemporary. 

Follow Yana Petrova’s work on Instagram. View the full 30 Rising Star Winners Gallery for 2024 here.