Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yuliia Borodai. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Yuliia, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
When you’re the only person in the room who’s different — in background, perspective, or experience — it’s not always easy. Especially in a new country, with a different language and culture. But I’ve learned to turn that into strength. Being ‘not like everyone else’ means you see differently, feel more deeply, and bring something unique to the table.
I’m a photographer from Ukraine, now living and working in Los Angeles. What started as a hobby — shooting cars — has grown into a full part of my career. I love capturing the personality of a car, its shape, rhythm, and style. At the same time, I continue working with people — that’s what brought me into photography in the first place, and it’s something I’ll never let go of. The raw emotion, the energy between people — that’s the other side of my work, and it means just as much to me.
I’ve learned to show up as myself, even when no one else in the room looks or sounds like me. My path is about being seen, being heard, and never being afraid to stand out — because that’s where the real power is.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a photographer and videographer, and for me, it’s not just a job — it’s a way to see and capture the essence of things. My work focuses on two main areas: car photography and shooting people. Cars are about design, rhythm, and character. What started as a hobby has grown into a serious part of my career. It’s important to me to bring out the personality of each car and make it feel alive in the frame.
Shooting people is about emotions, closeness, and honesty. Every session is not a copy-paste job, but about the individual and their unique atmosphere. I always try to feel who’s in front of me and convey that in the shot. Sometimes everything aligns perfectly — light, location, mood — and the photos need little to no editing. Other times, a bit of magic is needed: adding dramatic light, enhancing sunshine, or emphasizing details with color grading and retouching. I’m not afraid of post-processing but always work with respect for reality.
Besides photography, I create meaningful short videos — Reels — filmed during shoots with people and cars. These clips help convey the atmosphere, emotions, and mood of the moment, rather than just showing the process or locations.
Right now, I’m actively developing both areas and planning to expand my video work. My style is about authenticity, a touch of cinematic feel, and individuality. I believe that the real is always more beautiful than perfect.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My journey as a photographer and videographer was deeply influenced by my studies in architecture. There, I gained a strong foundation in color theory, composition, and color grading — all of which now help me create harmonious and expressive images. These skills have shaped my visual perception and approach to working with visuals.
When it comes to the qualities and skills that mattered most, I would highlight three: persistence, the ability to listen to and feel the person in front of the camera, and a commitment to constant learning. Creativity always comes with challenges and doubts, but it’s important to keep moving forward. Understanding who’s in front of the lens helps make photos alive and genuine. And, of course, never stop growing — experiment, try new things, and broaden your horizons.
My advice to those just starting out is: don’t be afraid of the camera or people. Just pick up your camera and shoot, try different angles and moments. If something doesn’t work out, don’t rush to delete the photo. Take a break, look at it again later — sometimes color correction, cropping, or changing the composition can make all the difference. Cropping is a powerful tool that can completely transform a photo.
The most important things are practice and patience. The more you shoot and learn to notice details, the faster you’ll grow as an artist.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I’m always open to partnerships and collaborations. I’m especially interested in working with people and brands that value authenticity and individuality in visual content — whether it’s automotive companies, fashion brands, creative studios, or other creative professionals. It’s important for me to collaborate with those who share my passion for creating something real and expressive, not just standard images.
If you’re a creative individual, brand, or team looking for a photographer-videographer with a unique perspective and a willingness to bring your ideas to life, I’d be happy to discuss working together.
You can reach me through my Instagram @yuliia_laphoto or email ettojulietto@gmail.com . I’m always open to conversations and new projects.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuliia_laphoto?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yulia.borodaj
Image Credits
Yuliia Borodai
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