Vtoriia Photography may be one of the country’s favourite photography studios right now. Popular for capturing the most amazing wedding moments, Victoria Ashipala has created a stupendous brand in the photography and creative industry.
We catch up with owner and founder Victoria to find out how it all started.
When did Vtoriia Photography all start?
Vtoriia Photography started as a hobby about 8 years ago when my dad got me a camera for my birthday. I played around with it and carried it everywhere I went. I shot for free, I shot friends, family, church events, UNAM etc. From there, referrals grew and here we are today.
Is photography your career choice or just a hobby?
It’s part of it. I’m looking forward to a career in international marketing strategy, photography is a big part of it.
What do you do other than photography?
Marketing and branding strategy. I enjoy consulting and building brands.
Is photography your career choice or just a hobby? It’s part of it. I’m looking forward to a career in branding strategy and marketing, photography is a big part of it.
What was your favourite shoot ever?
Oh my, I can’t possibly pick.
Describe your ultimate client?
Someone who understands the value and importance of having the best times of their lives photographed, be it a wedding, milestone, corporate portrait or family photos. She, or he is classy and loves and understands the beauty of simplicity. They are also confident, well mannered, hyper organised and know exactly what they want – I love getting a clear brief.
What’s the worst type of model/client to work with?
“Worst” is so negative, however, to answer your question: I believe that one business is never fit to serve EVERY client. When there is a mismatch between the values of the client and business, expectations are not met by either party and it creates a ‘worst client/service provider’ situation. Sometimes a client requires more attention, sometimes they don’t understand the value, sometimes I don’t understand what they would like to have captured – in such cases I refer them to someone I know is just the right fit for them. To explain this even further, an example: I don’t shoot birthday parties, that would be a ‘worst client’ situation for me – so I’d refer them to someone who enjoys shooting birthdays and that would be their ‘best client’. Makes sense? Good.
Your favourite scene/set for a shoot?
Lately, I’ve been loving shooting in or around buildings. Architecture – gorgeous buildings. May be the French influence ;-). Other than that, for weddings, I love it when the couple works with a great decorator. My favourites are Karibu Events and Wendy’s Creations Décor.
Your favourite subject to shoot?
Women.
Who and/or what would you like to capture one day?
I’d love to be a traveling photographer for a little while. To shoot in various parts of the world. I’ve already been commissioned for work in Zambia and France – only 193 more countries to go? Hehehe.
What are you looking forward to this year (the rest of the year at least)?
Watching life and the plans I’ve made unfold and surpassing any challenges that arise.
Give us 3 tips to taking a perfect selfie?
Always make sure the major source of light is coming from the front, or from the side. Never from the back.
Try a side angle.
Try holding your phone up from the top. Never take the selfie from the bottom .. nostrils? Eww
Which for you are the worst selfies?
Those ‘comrade’ type of selfies, taken from the bottom, no smile just a whole lot of nostril.
What’s your stand on nude photography?
I think artistic nudes are beautiful. I’ve only ever done nude maternity shoots. I am undecided about shooting nude men or women who are not pregnant – maybe in future. Hihi.
What are you looking forward to this year ?
Watching life and the plans I’ve made unfold and surpassing any challenges that arise.
Give us 3 tips to taking a perfect selfie?
Always make sure the major source of light is coming from the front, or from the side. Never from the back.
Try a side angle.
Try holding your phone up from the top. Never take the selfie from the bottom .. nostrils? Eww
Top 3 favourite images ever? We know its hard but please, would you?
Your favourite Namibian and international photographer(s)?
Lara Jade – from the UK – young girl who started out in a small town in the UK and now shoots for major fashion lines in NYC.
Jasmin Star – from San Francisco who gave up law school to follow her dream and built a booming photography business and spanking brand.
Tony Figuiera – for building a great name and business.
Anna Azo Akweenda from Azo Photography for being my friend, assistant, advisor and mentor when needed. She’s an all in one.
Future plans with Vtoriia Photography?
I am currently looking for a PA – do you know someone who would be a great fit?
I also plan to expand beyond weddings and portraits.
I look forward to merging photography with integrated branding and marketing consulting.
I plan to offer mentoring/coaching and technical workshops for upcoming photographers and extend it to general creatives in the near future.
Walk us through what happens during your sets?
I generally don’t try to manufacture things in my shoots. My aim is always to capture a relationship – between two people or the subject with themselves. I like to shoot people as they are so things are usually just ‘natural’. I arrive, we chat for a bit, catch up, I suggest a few poses, shoot, we chat some more, laugh, get the subject comfortable and shoot some more.
For weddings I arrive, remove myself from the scene and shoot from the background. I take a photojournalistic approach in my work.
Talk to us about your current promotion/project?
Nathan (Moment in pixels) has been doing 35 shoots a year for N$500 to raise money for an orphanage in Swakop since last year. This year, he asked Anna (Azo photography) and I (Vtoriia Photography) to join him so that together, we could raise more. The photoshoots were discounted by more than 70% of their original price in order to accommodate more individuals.
We had planned the family/portrait shoots for the weekend of 11 + 12 June. We shot 10 shoots in total and raised N$13 000. Including the N$7000 pledged by NAMSOV. The total amount raised is N$20 000 which far exceeds our initial expectation of N$15 000.
The next step is to buy the food,clothing and blankets requested by the orphanage and hand these over.
What inspires your shoot ideas, where do you draw inspiration from?
Movies, books, things I see during my day, pictures in a magazine, songs and of course other people’s work which I see while browsing Instagram or Pinterest.
Rates & Contact Details:
Portrait shoots begin at N$2200.
Wedding coverage begins at N$11 500.
Instagram: @VtoriiaPhotography
Website: www.vtoriia.com
Email: hello @ vtoriia . com
