Viksy Art

Part 3. My Journey in Dog Training

If you’ve read the second part of my story, then you already know about my first Rottweiler, Joy, and how much this dog changed my life.

One of the most important lessons happened during our very first dog show. Back then, Rottweilers were extremely popular, and even small local shows had huge competition. I was young, nervous, and completely inexperienced.

During the show, one of the handlers started provoking my dog by bringing his dog too close to us. I tried to avoid conflict, but out of fear and stress I reacted too sharply while trying to stop Joy from escalating.

The judge saw everything.

The man provoking the dogs was immediately removed from the ring, but the judge also spoke to me very strictly. I was only about 15 years old and almost cried from embarrassment.

But that moment taught me one of the most important lessons in dog training: dogs always feel our emotions. A handler must stay calm and in control, even in stressful situations.

The second story is much more funny.

In the early 2000s, I got my first cell phone with terrible electronic ringtones. One day I noticed Joy softly howling to some of them.

I thought it was hilarious, so I kept encouraging him.

And that’s how I accidentally taught my dog to howl.

Later, he started howling at car alarms and certain songs on the radio — and I could never fully stop it.

The funniest moment happened on a bus ride home. The driver didn’t even want to let us in, but eventually we got on. Then one of the songs Joy loved started playing on the radio.

Joy sat in the middle of the bus… and started singing.

Loudly.

People were laughing, the driver was angry, and I wanted to disappear from embarrassment.

But now I remember moments like this with a smile.

Because real experience with dogs often comes through mistakes, funny situations, and learning along the way.

Why Parents Should Choose a Professional Photographer for Child Photoshoots?

Many parents dream about having beautiful professional photos of their children. Some parents also hope their child may start a modeling career in the future, so they try to create a portfolio on their own using a phone camera or a regular home camera. However, in reality, children’s photography is much more difficult than it may seem at first glance.

For example, recently I worked with a two-year-old girl whose parents wanted professional photos for modeling opportunities. Before contacting a photographer, they tried to take pictures themselves, but the results were not successful. The main problem was not only the camera or lighting. The biggest difficulty was working with the child herself.

Small children usually cannot sit still for a long time, quickly lose interest, become distracted, or simply stop cooperating. Because of this, a photographer must not only understand photography techniques, lighting, backgrounds, and camera settings, but also know how to communicate with children. It is very important to create a comfortable atmosphere where the child feels relaxed, interested, and safe.

Professional photographers know how to catch natural emotions, real smiles, eye contact, and beautiful moments that happen only for a second. Good children’s photography is not just about posing. It is about patience, communication, timing, and experience.

Another important thing is professional equipment and editing. Correct lighting, quality backgrounds, lenses, and color correction can completely change the final result. Professional photos look cleaner, brighter, and more emotional.

In my opinion, professional children’s photography is a very valuable investment because childhood passes very quickly. Beautiful photos become memories for many years and sometimes even help open opportunities for a future modeling or creative career. That is why I believe parents should trust children’s photoshoots to professional photographers instead of trying to do everything themselves.

Recently I designed and ordered custom iron-on transfers for clothing — and honestly, they turned out amazing 🔥
These transfers can be applied with a regular iron to almost any fabric: • t-shirts
• hoodies
• tote bags
• work uniforms
• accessories and more
It’s not just decoration — it’s a powerful branding and marketing tool.
Perfect for: ✔ small businesses
✔ personal services and creators
✔ branded employee clothing
✔ merchandise
✔ teams and events
✔ personal brand promotion
I can help with the entire process turnkey: — custom design
— print-ready file preparation
— choosing the best materials
— high-quality printing assistance
And yes — I know where to get them printed really well 😄

Does a photographer need a dress code?
This topic is often debated among both photographers and clients — and there’s no universal answer.
It really depends on the type of shoot.
For creative, studio, or outdoor sessions, I go with a comfortable, clean, and simple casual style. The goal is to move freely, stay focused, and work efficiently.
However, some events require a different approach.
This may include: — religious ceremonies
— cultural considerations
— venue-specific rules
For example, when working at Jewish events or photographing in a church, it’s important to follow certain guidelines: modest clothing, neutral colors, covered shoulders and knees, and an overall respectful appearance.
Even if you’re allowed to enter, ignoring these expectations can make clients and guests uncomfortable.
In some cases, you may not even be allowed to work at all.
And that affects everything — the shoot, the client experience, and your professional reputation.
That’s why I believe a professional photographer should always consider these details.
It’s not a limitation — it’s part of respect and professionalism.

Нужен ли фотографу дресс-код?
Этот вопрос вызывает много споров — среди фотографов и клиентов. И на самом деле универсального ответа здесь нет.
Всё зависит от формата съёмки.
Если это творческая, студийная или прогулочная фотосессия — я выбираю удобный, аккуратный casual стиль. Чистая, опрятная одежда, спокойный внешний вид и комфорт, который позволяет активно двигаться и работать.
Но есть и другой формат — мероприятия, где важно учитывать контекст.
Это может быть: — религиозное событие
— особенности культуры клиента
— правила площадки
Например, при работе с еврейскими мероприятиями или съёмке в церкви необходимо соблюдать определённый дресс-код: сдержанные цвета, закрытая одежда, отсутствие откровенных элементов, аккуратный внешний вид.
Даже если технически вас допустят к съёмке, несоответствие внешнего вида может вызывать дискомфорт у гостей и клиентов.
А в худшем случае — вас могут просто не допустить к работе.
И тогда страдает всё: съёмка, клиентский опыт и ваша репутация.
Поэтому я считаю, что профессиональный фотограф обязан учитывать такие вещи.
Это не ограничение — это часть уважения к людям и к своей работе.

Some stories deserve to be captured over years — not just in a single session.

I first photographed this beautiful girl before she was even born.
Then — her newborn session.
And now… her very first professional modeling portfolio.

This is what I truly value — long-term relationships with families who trust me with their most meaningful moments.

Working with returning clients is not just an honor.
It’s a sign of deep trust — and the highest level of appreciation for my work.

I may be relatively new in the United States, but my clients already choose to come back again and again.
And that says everything.

✨ Timeless. Elegant. Personal.

📍 New York & nearby
📩 Private booking via DM

Некоторые истории невозможно снять за одну съёмку — они раскрываются годами.

Я впервые фотографировала эту девочку ещё до её рождения.
Затем — съёмка новорождённой.
И теперь — её первое профессиональное модельное портфолио.

Для меня это высший уровень доверия — когда клиенты возвращаются снова.

Я не так давно работаю в США, но мои клиенты уже выбирают меня снова и снова.
И это говорит больше любых слов.

✨ Эстетика. Время. История.

📍 Нью-Йорк и окрестности
📩 Запись в личные сообщения

This winter in New York was long, cold, and never-ending. Even March didn’t really feel like spring.

But now the city is finally waking up.
The first warm days are here, trees are starting to bloom, and the mood is changing 🌿

Blooming season is both the most beautiful and the shortest time of the year.
This is when photos feel the most alive and natural.

If you’ve been thinking about a photoshoot — now is the perfect time.
Spring sessions are now open.

Message me to plan your shoot 🤍

The 2025 wedding season has barely wrapped up, and the new one is already beginning 💍

Bookings are now open.

There are still some dates available, but they go fast.
If you’re planning your wedding — it’s a good idea to secure your photographer early.

For me, every wedding is more than just a photoshoot.
It’s a story, a mood, a unique atmosphere.

I focus on making the experience easy and natural —
no stiff posing, no pressure,
just real эмоtions, movement, and genuine moments.

Your photoshoot is part of your day.
And it should feel just as enjoyable as everything else.

If you want photos that feel real — not just beautiful —
I’d love to be part of your day 🤍

The most valuable wedding photos are not always posed.
They are the moments.
Friends laughing.
Parents wiping away tears.
The look the bride gives the groom.
Spontaneous hugs and real emotions.
These are the photos that bring you back to your wedding day years later.
That’s why during every wedding as a pghotographer, I focus not only on portraits, but also on capturing genuine moments that tell the real story of your day.

Самые ценные свадебные фотографии — это не всегда постановка.
Это моменты.
Искренний смех друзей.
Слёзы родителей.
Взгляд невесты на жениха.
Объятия, которые происходят спонтанно.
Именно такие кадры спустя годы возвращают вас в тот самый день.
Поэтому во время съёмки я всегда стараюсь ловить не только красивые портреты, но и настоящие эмоции, которые делают историю вашей свадьбы живой.

Event photography often takes place in very challenging lighting conditions. Sometimes the venue lighting is extremely dim — with only colored spotlights, stage lights, and dark surroundings.

In these situations, photographers need to choose the shooting approach.

The two photos here show different moments from the same event, captured using two different techniques.

First picture— shot with flash.
Here a lower ISO and a narrower aperture were used. The result is a cleaner and sharper image with minimal noise. However, flash changes the lighting environment: colors become more neutral and the overall scene can feel flatter.

Second picture — shot without flash.
The image was taken with a high ISO and a wide aperture. This helps preserve the natural lighting of the event — the colored lights, the mood of the venue, and the authentic atmosphere. The trade-off is that the photo may contain some digital noise and have a shallower depth of field.

Both approaches are widely used in event photography and each has its own advantages.

Which one do you prefer?
The atmospheric natural-light photo or the sharper flash image?

Share your opinion in the comments 👇