Roman Pervak didn’t set out to change the world of wedding photography. He just wanted to capture real, meaningful moments. But along the way, his storytelling style transformed how many couples remember their wedding day.
In a world full of stiff poses and forced smiles, Pervak’s cinematic approach stands out. His journey, though, wasn’t exactly smooth or planned.
How Photography Became Part of His Life
Photography has been a part of Roman Pervak’s life for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Ukraine, his mom, who was a photographer, taught him how to frame a shot, find good light, and make an image feel special. But these weren’t just technical lessons. They showed him how powerful a photo could be.
“She always said that light was everything,” he says. “A small change in light could completely shift the mood of a photo.”
With his first camera, he started experimenting, taking pictures of flowers, family, and everyday life. It was simple, but these small experiments sparked a lifelong passion. He loved how a photo could freeze a moment and preserve feelings that might otherwise be forgotten.
Realizing Weddings Could Be Art
In his twenties, Pervak was already serious about photography. But wedding shoots didn’t really excite him. At the time, wedding photography in Ukraine felt stale—repetitive poses, silly props, and uninspired setups.
“It was all the same,” he says. “I couldn’t see much creativity in it.”
That changed when he met photographers who looked at weddings in a new way. One of them, who was also a painter, used light and composition to create portraits that looked like works of art. This opened Pervak’s eyes.
“Suddenly, I saw that wedding photography could be beautiful and creative,” he recalls.
Inspired by this new perspective, Pervak started experimenting. He blended artistic techniques with real-life moments, focusing on telling the unique story of each couple’s day.
Making Photos Feel Like Scenes from a Movie
Movies have a huge influence on how Pervak shoots weddings. He doesn’t just want pretty pictures. He wants each image to feel like a moment paused in a story.
“I want people to feel like they’ve hit pause on a movie,” he says. “The moment should still feel alive.”
He does this by paying attention to a few key things:
- Movement: He looks for natural moments like a bride laughing mid-spin or a couple sharing a private smile.
- Lighting: Natural light is his favorite tool. From the golden glow of sunset to soft indoor light, he uses it to set the mood.
- Framing: He plays with angles and layers to give his photos depth, drawing people into the scene.
Pervak also likes to mix different styles, including elements of fashion photography and candid documentary shots. It keeps his work fresh and personal.
A Big Break with Jamala’s Wedding
One of Pervak’s biggest career moments came in 2017. He was hired to photograph the wedding of Jamala, a famous Ukrainian singer who won Eurovision. It was a huge opportunity, especially since Pervak was still new to Kyiv’s competitive photography scene. But Jamala saw something unique in his work.
“She didn’t want the usual posed wedding photos,” he says. “She trusted me to create something more personal.”
The shoot was a success and gave Pervak a lot of exposure. Soon after, he started booking more high-profile weddings, including those of Californian celebrities Corey Brooks and Samantha Swanson.
“Jamala’s wedding really put my name out there,” he says. “People started coming to me because they wanted something different.”
A Trusted Name in Wedding Photography
His growing reputation soon caught the attention of leading photography publications. His work was featured in Photar.ru, a respected platform that highlights exceptional photographers and industry trends. He was also ranked among the best wedding photographers, including 12th in the USA and 2nd in Los Angeles on MyWed, as well as 8th in LA on Fearless Photographers. His way of capturing real emotions and natural moments has made him a top choice for couples and respected in the industry.
He also enjoys teaching. Through workshops and masterclasses, he helps other photographers move beyond stiff poses and create photos that tell real love stories. His approach has encouraged many to see wedding photography as more than just taking pictures. It is about capturing feelings and memories.
While awards are nice, they are not his main focus. “Recognition is great,” he says, “but what matters most is creating photos that couples will cherish forever.”
How He Stays Inspired and Avoids Burnout
Being a creative professional can be tough. It’s easy to fall into routines and lose the spark. For Pervak, the key is to approach every wedding with fresh eyes.
“Each couple has their own story,” he explains. “My job is to find new ways to tell that story through their photos.”
He spends time scouting locations, studying lighting, and talking to clients to understand their personalities. This helps him come up with creative ideas that fit each wedding.
Beyond his own work, Pervak also shares his expertise with other photographers. He regularly conducts masterclasses and workshops, teaching his cinematic approach and unique storytelling techniques. His educational efforts have helped many emerging photographers break away from traditional wedding clichés and develop their own artistic voices.
“Planning is important,” he says. “But some of the best moments are the ones you don’t expect.”
Rediscovering Film Photography
Although he mostly works with digital cameras, Pervak has recently returned to film photography. He likes the slower, more thoughtful process that film requires.
“With film, every frame matters,” he says. “You can’t just shoot hundreds of photos and hope for the best. You have to be deliberate.”
He also enjoys the hands-on experience of film—loading the camera, developing negatives, and watching the final image come to life. It reminds him of why he fell in love with photography in the first place.
Taking His Photography to a Global Audience
Pervak’s next goal is to take his photography worldwide. He wants to shoot weddings across different cultures and countries, capturing their unique traditions.
“I want to keep creating meaningful, timeless photos.”
His reputation as a leading wedding photographer has already gained global recognition. Ranked among the Top 150 wedding photographers in the United States and 8th in Los Angeles on Fearless Photographers, Pervak is now one of the most sought-after names in the industry. His work continues to attract couples from around the world who seek an artistic, storytelling approach to their wedding day.
His focus is on preserving the emotions and stories of each couple’s big day, no matter where in the world they are.
Capturing More Than Just Pictures
Roman Pervak’s journey has been about more than just taking photos. By breaking away from tired wedding clichés, he’s created a style that’s emotional, cinematic, and full of life.
For couples who want something more than staged shots, Pervak offers a special experience. He captures their story in a way that feels real and unforgettable. And for Pervak, the journey of creativity and connection is far from over.
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