About me
My Journey: Global Success and Recognition in Commercial Photography
I am Yuliia Borodai, a photographer whose career has become an inspiring story of triumph: from a childhood passion in Zaporizhzhia to international recognition in Los Angeles. Today, I am one of the most sought-after professionals in the field of commercial photography, whose works set quality standards in the competitive U.S. industry. My photos are not just frames, but strategic visual stories that strengthen brands, convey emotions, and embody clients’ values.
Childhood and the Roots of Genius
I was born on December 29, 1999, in Zaporizhzhia, into a modest family. From an early age, I was immersed in the world of creativity, which shaped my future. Studying at the prestigious Zaporizhzhia German Gymnasium and attending art school laid the foundation of my artistic perception. I mastered color theory, composition, and the “golden ratio” — principles that became crucial in creating commercial masterpieces.
“I have always seen the world as a work of art” — drawing taught me to find harmony in details, which I now bring to every shot.
University and the Foundation of Professionalism
After school, I entered the Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture (PSACEA) in Dnipro, choosing architecture. The university became my forge of aesthetic mastery. Studying colors, forms, and proportions deepened my understanding of visual harmony.
“Architecture taught me to create spaces that tell stories. This became the basis of my commercial photography, where every frame is a carefully designed scene.”
Alongside my studies, from 2018 to 2022, I worked as a tour operator in Bulgaria every summer. This job refined my skills in organization, communication, and working with people.
“I learned to understand what people want and how to make their experience unforgettable.”
First Steps Toward Fame
Before the quarantine, I began my career as a retoucher. Surprisingly, while still in Ukraine, I worked for the U.S. — taking small orders and collaborating with regular clients, including the American company Beauty Photoshoot New Orleans Velvet Goods LLC (facebook.com). Retouching gave me a solid technical foundation.
But the quarantine and the war in Ukraine put my dreams at risk. Quarantine limited opportunities for shooting, and the war forced me to leave the country. My first migration was to the Netherlands.
After a year and a half, I moved to the U.S., specifically to sunny California.
(photo from 2017. City of Zaporizhzhia)
Global Triumph in Commercial Photography
Los Angeles is the epicenter of the global photo industry. Here, I started with a minimal set of equipment: a camera and a few lenses. Step by step, as I expanded the scope of my work, I grew my toolkit — adding a flash, stabilizer, microphones, and other instruments. This allowed me not only to create commercial photo sessions but also to shoot content for YouTube and reels for companies.
One of my notable clients was the international company W8 Shipping — a supplier of cars from auctions to various European countries (w8shipping.com).
My career quickly grew from small but significant projects — shoots for local brands, Etsy shops, restaurants, and bloggers — to collaborations with international companies. Among my clients and projects:
- Moon Studios — catalog clothing photography;
- The PieSpace — video content for a pizzeria;
- Polka Pup — a brand of leashes and accessories for pets;
- Sleeke Hair (sleekehair.com);
- commercial photo sessions and videos for an automotive YouTube channel.
Today, I am one of the recognized professionals in commercial photography, whose work strengthens brands, inspires clients, and receives recognition from the professional community worldwide.
My Journey: Global Success and Recognition in Commercial Photography
I am Yuliia Borodai, a photographer whose career has become an inspiring story of triumph: from childhood passion in Zaporizhzhia to international recognition in Los Angeles. Today, I am one of the most sought-after specialists in commercial photography, whose works set the standards of quality in the competitive U.S. industry. My photos are not just frames, but strategic visual stories that strengthen brands, convey emotions, and embody the values of clients.
Childhood and the Origins of Talent
I was born on December 29, 1999, in Zaporizhzhia, in a modest family. From an early age, I was immersed in the world of creativity, which defined my future. Studying at the prestigious Zaporizhzhia German Gymnasium and attending art school laid the foundation of my artistic vision. I mastered color theory, composition, and the “golden ratio” — principles that became essential in creating commercial masterpieces.
“I have always seen the world as a work of art” — drawing taught me to find harmony in details, which I now embody in every frame.
University and the Foundation of Professionalism
After school, I entered the Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture (PSACEA) in Dnipro, choosing architecture. The university became my forge of aesthetic mastery. Studying colors, forms, and proportions deepened my understanding of visual harmony.
“Architecture taught me to create spaces that tell stories. This became the foundation of my commercial photography, where every shot is a carefully designed scene.”
Alongside my studies, from 2018 to 2022, I worked as a tour operator in Bulgaria every summer. This job honed my skills in organization, communication, and working with people.
“I learned to understand what people want and how to make their experience unforgettable.”
First Steps Toward Fame
Before the lockdown, I began my career as a retoucher. Surprisingly, while in Ukraine, I worked for the U.S. — taking small orders and collaborating with regular clients, among them the American company Beauty Photoshoot New Orleans Velvet Goods LLC (facebook.com). Retouching gave me the technical foundation.
But the lockdown and the war in Ukraine put my dreams at risk. The lockdown limited opportunities for shooting, and the war forced me to leave the country. My first migration was to the Netherlands.
Just a year and a half later, I moved to the U.S., specifically to sunny California.
(photo from 2017. City of Zaporizhzhia)
Global Triumph in Commercial Photography
Los Angeles — the epicenter of the global photo industry. Here, I started with a minimal set of equipment: a camera and a few lenses. Gradually expanding the types of shoots, I also built up my arsenal — adding a flash, stabilizer, microphones, and other tools. This allowed me not only to create commercial photo sessions but also to film YouTube content and reels for companies.
One of my notable clients was the international company W8 Shipping — a supplier of cars from auctions to various European countries (w8shipping.com).
My career quickly grew from small but significant projects — shoots for local brands, Etsy shops, restaurants, and bloggers — to collaborations with international companies. Among my clients and projects:
- Moon Studios — catalog clothing photography;
- The PieSpace — video content for a pizzeria;
- Polka Pup — a brand of leashes and pet accessories;
- Sleeke Hair (sleekehair.com);
- commercial photo shoots and videos for an automotive YouTube channel.
Today, I am one of the recognized specialists in commercial photography, whose works strengthen brands, inspire clients, and receive recognition from the professional community worldwide.
“Photography is a way to preserve a moment that will never happen again.”
My approach combines aesthetics and strategy: photos should be beautiful, but their main task is to be effective.
“In commercial photography, it’s important for the photo to be readable — it must convey the brand concept without unnecessary words, but with a touch of intrigue.”
My personal philosophy is rooted in my own experience. The loss of close people — my best friend in 2021, my husband’s grandfather — and the lack of shared photographs left a deep mark.
“I have only three photos with my friend, he died. With my mom, no photo sessions, only childhood pictures. With my best friend — two photos in eight years of friendship. I want people not to regret such losses.”
This pain inspired my mission: to create photographs that become relics, whether commercial projects or family shoots.
(photo from a shoot for the hair care brand SLEEK)
Challenges
The war in Ukraine interrupted my retouching career for two years, which made me fall behind on trends. But I doubled my efforts, mastered new techniques, and returned to the industry stronger than before.
In the USA, I faced tough competition, not knowing the city, and difficulties in finding clients without a portfolio.
“Los Angeles is a whirlpool where everyone is busy. Even free shoots were a challenge.”
But I used every project for growth, analyzing mistakes and improving my skills.
“I work until the client is thrilled.”
Achievements and Global Recognition
I have accumulated a significant list of achievements that confirm my status as a commercial photographer.
I received a certificate of merit from the Ministry of Science and Education of Zaporizhzhia for success in a photography competition. My works have been featured in American publications, including Shoutout LA, VoyageLA, and Bold Journey, where they were recognized for their artistic and commercial value.
I conducted a workshop on working with light in a studio, which became a landmark event and strengthened my reputation in the Los Angeles photography community.
Volunteer work in San Diego, where I photographed an event for migrants, earned me a certificate and recognition from the organizers.
Collaboration with The Holy Art and Japan’s Cutting-Edge Art Fair - Tokyo, Gendai brought me onto the global stage.
I continue to participate in various exhibitions and competitions — this is the moment when not only clients are delighted with the photos, but professionals also recognize my achievements.
“My name is my brand.”
I dream of creating a world-class production studio that brings together photographers, videographers, retouchers, and SMM specialists.
“I want to give people jobs and take visual content to a new level.”
My goal is to work with the biggest global brands, choose projects, and build a dream team where every professional shines.
I also want to teach and inspire the new generation of photographers. My lighting workshop was just the beginning. I want to share my experience, showing how to create frames that touch the heart.
My message is to focus on the dream, on the other side of the lens.
“Photography is a way to remind people of the value of family, loved ones, and moments.”
Hobbies and Sources of Inspiration
Apart from photography, I am passionate about cars. My husband is a mechanic, and I turned this hobby into commercial success by creating YouTube video content and photographing cars at drift events.
“I love capturing nature and the beauty around me — the camera is always with me.”
These interests fuel my creativity and inspire my commercial projects.
Final Word
My goal is not just to take photographs, but to create stories that live in people’s hearts. Each frame is a synthesis of art, strategy, and emotional depth.
I believe that commercial photography can be both beautiful and effective, helping brands unlock their potential and leave a mark in the world.
I strive to inspire the new generation of photographers, share my experience, and show that creativity and professionalism are the power that turns dreams into reality.
Thank you for taking this journey with me. My name is Yuliia Borodai, and my passion is helping brands and people reveal their story through photography.