VITALPHOTO’s 100th Anniversary:
"A Century of Excellence and Tradition"
by Irina Axelerod for Bride Us Magazine 2006

In 2005, “Russian Bride’s photographer, Vital Agibalow, celebrates the 100th anniversary of his family’s tradition of photography.

It all started with his great grandmother, Anastasia Potihonchenko, who opened a photo studio in Odessa in 1905. Anastasia had mastered the difficult art of becoming a portrait photographer in Germany. Her husband was an affluent man, who spared no expense for his beloved wife but, unlike other generous husbands he did not shower her with furs and jewelry, but rather paid for her education in gold and helped her start a business.

Initially, Vital was not planning to become a professional photographer. At 14, he joined the Krasnodar Technical School to learn the more prestigious new computer skills, then thought of being a historian, but finally changed his mind and applied to the Krasnodar State University Department of Arts to become a graphic designer.

All through these years he was earning his living through photography. First, it was just his allowance, but soon he was not dependent on his parents for money at all. Schools and kindergartens invited him to take their group pictures year after year, which meant that he was truly better than his competition – his portraits were simply better!

The soon-to-be master photographer Agibalow went on conquering other pinnacles: his photos began to appear in newspapers and magazines (including “Arguments and Facts”), and more and more people wanted him to do their portraits. Eventually, his love for photography dominated and at the same time Vital had a daring dream: to become a world-known photographer – one of those few who have their exhibitions displayed in the most prestigious world galleries. Following this dream, Vital moved to the capital of the world – magnificent New York City.

There is a saying about New York – “if I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere”. Well, New York City has recognized Vital: his works adorn pages of prestigious magazines (like the Spanish edition of the renowned “Elle”)
He opened his own photo studio – “VITALPHOTO” – that has earned him great popularity in New York. Those who have commissioned photography for their festive events (weddings, advertising, etc.) sincerely recommend this photographer to their friends and relatives. We all know that when clients come to a business (it doesn’t matter if it is a photography studio, tailor shop or hair salon) through a word of mouth rather than through an advertisement, this is a real sign of success.

Vital now has a website: www.VITALPHOTO.com, so his earlier computer lessons did not go to waste. The knowledge he acquired during his younger years helps him to easily master new technologies.

And now, finally, another big step toward fame: Vital became a chief photo editor of the ever-popular “Russian Bride” magazine. It is no secret that all “glossy” magazines – be they Cosmo or Playboy – are primarily photographs followed by a number of secondary articles. Vital has a lot to be proud of, as he is editing the forth issue of the magazine!

“I have my own approach to working with models”, says Vital, “and when I say that every photo in the album is going to look natural, without strained looks, forced smiles and wooden stances – you can be sure that I am going to keep this promise. Professional models know how to strike a pose – they can look natural and genuine in the most incredible positions. This is a professional skill, and it has to be learned, so it is not surprising that most people don’t have this ability. That is why somebody can look completely natural on amateur photos whereas on photos taken by a professional the same person might look like a mannequin. The easiest solution is to make a professional photo shoot of people while they are not aware that they are being photographed. I do that as well, of course, but an event so meaningful such as a wedding calls for the most memorable photos, where the lighting is just right, and the angle is perfect.”

Any woman who had ever looked in the mirror knows that she has a way of turning her head, positioning her shoulder or smiling that makes her a perfect beauty. She wants to have these exact photos, where she looks magnificent and stunning. Capturing this shot is not easy – that is why we have to work at the studio, changing the lighting, choosing the poses and all that without exhausting people, because they have to look natural in front of the camera. I like to take photographs of landscapes, not just portraits, but I think that portraits will take me to the top of the mountain. I am willing to work 25 hours a day to get what I want. Maybe in the future, grown up children of those who hired me to make their wedding albums will visit my personal exhibition at the gallery and think how great it is that this famous master took their mom and dad’s wedding pictures.

Well, all it takes to concur and say, “Yes, Vital has a real chance for success” is to browse through the pages of “Russian Bride” magazine at his magnificent photos.