Julian Ribinik of Manhattan on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Julian Ribinik shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Julian, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Our very recent bride left a following review and it not just made me beyond proud. It made me cry.
Here it is:

Julian is a spectacular photographer. We were looking for someone who could capture authentic moments rather than the typical posed or stiff wedding portraits, and he 10000% delivered. On top of his incredible artistry he’s also an absolute joy to work with. Over our year and a half long engagement I emailed Julian multiple times asking him questions about the tiniest details and he always responded promptly and with kindness and understanding. We had A LOT of family portraits to take but Julian made sure they were all captured in a timely fashion so that my husband and I could enjoy our cocktail hour and reception. In addition to our wedding, he also captured our engagement photo shoot and welcome drinks – my mom regrets not hiring him for our engagement party! His photographs have brought so much joy to our families and I know they will provide beautiful memories for years to come.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Julian Ribinik, founder of Julian Ribinik Studios, a New York-based photography studio specializing in high-end weddings and mitzvahs. My path into photography didn’t follow the traditional route of art school or internships, I taught myself to photograph, process, and print film alongside my father in the former USSR, and later honed my craft through street photography in Israel. That background taught me to value instinct, timing, and emotion above all else, and these are skills that still guide me today.

Over the years, I’ve built a studio known for imagery that is both candid and elevated, unscripted yet timeless. One of the best parts of this journey has been working alongside my wife, Evgenia, who brings her own editorial vision and artistry to the work we create together. Our different perspectives complement each other, and together we’ve shaped a style that feels natural, refined, and deeply personal for every client.

What sets me apart is my focus on keeping photography true to the moment. I don’t follow rigid shot lists or force people into uncomfortable poses. Instead, I adapt to the energy of the day, quick when things unfold naturally, steady when direction is needed, so my clients can be fully present, knowing their story is being documented with care and artistry.

Our studio has grown through referrals from our beautiful couples and collaborations with planners and designers who trust us to deliver with consistency, discretion, and style. At the heart of it, we keep things simple: take care of our clients completely, move seamlessly with the flow of the day, and create photographs that tell the truth of the experience.

Today, I continue to lead every event personally, supported by a trusted team. My goal remains simple: to take care of my clients completely and create photographs that let them relive not just how their day looked, but how it felt.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before photography, and then in parralel, I spent years in the IT industry and eventually finished my career as a VP of Customer Success for a software company. It was a role that sharpened my ability to anticipate needs, solve problems quickly, and keep people at ease in high-pressure situations. Those skills may seem far from wedding photography, but they translate beautifully. Today, I bring that same calm, reliable presence to every event, making sure my clients feel fully taken care of while I focus on documenting their story.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that you are not an island and you don’t have to do it all alone. For years, I assumed I didn’t need to talk to others or connect with industry professionals. As a deep introvert, I believed I didn’t need anyone. But when I changed my approach, an entirely new world opened up. I learned how valuable it is to build relationships, to talk to people, to gain real friends. Today, I not only cherish those connections but also mentor others as a networking coach in the industry.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Fads are easy to spot because they usually focus on surface-level aesthetics—colors, editing styles, poses, or the latest “look” that makes a photographer’s portfolio stand out for a season. Foundational shifts run deeper. What I see now is that couples no longer want staged perfection or overly directed poses. They want their wedding photographs to reflect who they really are and how the day truly felt.

It’s also a shift in mindset. Weddings are becoming less about showing off with a dress, a cake, or an over-the-top floral display, and more about creating meaningful experiences for their guests. Couples care less about the “me, me, me” and more about celebrating connection, love, and shared joy. That’s a foundational change, and it’s the reason why honest, emotional photography will always outlast passing trends.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace during my morning weight lifting sessions at the gym, where I spend two to three hours daily. That time gives me focus, clarity, and a sense of control. It clears my head, centers my energy, and helps me show up calm and present for my clients. Honestly, I also believe that people who complain about being tired or depressed but don’t make the effort to lift weights or move their body don’t really have the right to complain. Physical strength builds mental strength, and for me, it has been the most reliable way to stay balanced and at peace.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All images are by Julian Ribinik Studios

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