Meet Daria Valiguras | Professional fashion photographer and retoucher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daria Valiguras and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daria, why did you pursue a creative career?
Since I was young, art and creativity have always had a special place in my heart. I loved finding unique ways to express myself creatively. As a child, I explored various forms of art, attending drawing school, dancing classes, and starting my music education at the age of eight. But it was photography that truly captured my soul. I could spend hours immersed in family photos, and whenever I got hold of our humble Kodak camera, I would eagerly snap pictures of everything around me. In my middle school days, I upgraded to a Samsung digital camera, which opened up a whole new world of creative possibilities. My friends quickly caught on to my passion, and we had a blast organizing photo shoots together. As technology advanced, I embraced the opportunities that came with computers and the Internet, spending countless hours discovering the wonders of Adobe Photoshop and its ability to bring my visions to life.
While I pursued my studies in music, my love for photography never waned. Whenever I embarked on a journey, my trusty iPhone was always by my side, capturing precious moments along the way. It was about three years ago, just before completing my music education at university, that I had a revelation—I wanted to turn my passion for photography into a profession.
Over the past three years, I’ve embarked on an incredible journey. I’ve had the privilege of working with renowned modeling agencies, having my work published in magazines, and showcasing my creations in exhibitions. Engaging in photography contests has allowed me to connect with a vibrant community of fellow photographers, constantly pushing myself to new heights. Additionally, my skills as a retoucher have led to collaborations with talented photographers and exposure on different platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, fashion stores, billboards and others. I am truly grateful for the countless opportunities that being a creative person has brought into my life.
In my eyes, a creative individual possesses limitless potential to conquer the world. I am excited for what the future holds and can’t wait to continue my journey as a passionate and imaginative artist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When it comes to my art, I specialize in fashion photography and retouching. What sets me apart from others is my unique creative vision and attention to detail. I strive to capture the essence of beauty, style, and emotion in every image I create. I’m proud of the portfolio I’ve built over the years, filled with captivating and visually stunning photographs. Getting to where I am today professionally hasn’t been easy. Like any journey, I faced numerous challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles was establishing myself in a competitive industry and breaking into the international market. It required hard work, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.
To overcome these challenges, I invested in my skills by studying at top photography schools, collaborating with experienced professionals, and continuously learning from others. I embraced every opportunity to grow and expand my knowledge. Additionally, building a strong network and fostering relationships with agencies and industry experts played a significant role in my success.
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned valuable lessons. One important lesson is the power of persistence and resilience. It’s crucial to keep pushing forward, even when faced with setbacks or rejection. Another lesson is the importance of staying true to my artistic vision and style. Embracing my unique voice and expressing it authentically has helped me carve out a distinct identity in the industry.
My journey as an artist has been about continuous growth, embracing challenges, and staying true to my artistic vision. I want my work to inspire and evoke emotions in viewers, leaving a lasting impact. I’m excited to continue exploring new horizons, collaborating with talented professionals, and creating art that resonates with people from all backgrounds.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to Miami, I would make sure they have an amazing time exploring the city. Here’s a simple itinerary for a week-long trip:

We would spend a day at the beach, enjoying the sun, swimming, and relaxing on the sandy shores.
We would check out cool neighborhoods like Wynwood, known for its street art, and Little Havana, where we can experience the Cuban culture.
A day trip to the Everglades National Park would be a must, where we can ride an airboat and see the unique wildlife and beautiful scenery.
We shouldn’t miss visiting famous spots like the Miami Design District, where we can shop and see interesting art installations.
To have some outdoor fun, we would head to Key Biscayne or the Florida Keys for activities like paddling, kayaking, or just enjoying the natural beauty.
One day would be dedicated to exploring downtown Miami, walking along the riverwalk, and visiting museums like the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM).
In the evenings, we would experience Miami’s lively nightlife by going to popular clubs, bars, or live music venues.
Throughout the week, we would enjoy trying different types of delicious food from various cultures at local restaurants and street food stalls.
We would also make time for relaxation, whether it’s treating ourselves at a spa, going on a sunset cruise, or simply enjoying the laid-back vibe of the city.
Overall, the trip would offer a great mix of beach time, exploring different neighborhoods, outdoor adventures, and exciting nightlife, giving us the chance to fully enjoy the best of Miami.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Sure! When it comes to recognizing the people and things that have played a big role in my journey, there are a few key shoutouts I’d like to give. First and foremost, I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the well-known fashion photographer Alena Nikiforova and the WhitephotoSchool in Russia. Studying under Alena’s guidance and later working as her assistant truly shaped me into the fashion photographer I am today. Her mentorship and support have been invaluable. In addition to my photography education, I must acknowledge the significant impact of professional retouching school by Valeria Yaskova. Her courses opened up amazing opportunities for me and helped me break into the international market.
I would also like to express my deep appreciation to the various agencies I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with, such as Gracemodels, ModusVivendis, Enjoymodels, Elitemodels, Nextmodels, and many others. Their partnership has played a crucial role in building my strong portfolio and expanding my reach.
Furthermore, I cannot forget to mention the invaluable contributions of the talented professionals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Special thanks go to the skilled makeup artist Anastasia Bourgoundski and the talented stylist Alena Leontieva. Their collaboration has resulted in numerous creative and breathtaking photoshoots.
To sum it up, my shoutout extends to Alena Nikiforova, Valeria Yaskova, the agencies I’ve worked with, and the amazing creative professionals who have joined me on this journey. Their support, mentorship, and collaboration have been instrumental in shaping my path as a fashion photographer.      

Website: www.dariavaliguras.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valiguras/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valiguras/