I met Asia when I was looking for a wedding photographer. Finding a wedding photographer that would capture the magic of my wedding and just posed moments was something I was the most nervous about. I talked to my amazing MOH, who happens to be my sister, and told her my dilemma. She sent me a link and told me to check out her friend’s website. So, I clicked the link, what did I have to lose, and from the minute the site loaded I was blown away. Asia’s, work was everything I wanted for my wedding photos! Her photos were colorful, beautiful, expressive, clear, fun, and captivating.
Where does your love of photography stem from?
From time to time, I’m asking myself the same question. It was not something I was born with or discovered really early on, it was something I found by accident, almost, but something that came very naturally. I remember taking a photo of a friend when I was about 14. It was a summer camp and she asked me to take a picture of her with a horse. Back in the day it was a point and shoot film camera, without a digital preview. After she printed the photos, I remember her mom pointing out the photo I took and loving how it turned out. At that time, this meant nothing to me, although I was happy, she liked it. Only years later, thinking about this particular situation, did it occur to me, that back then I already had the eye for photography. I just never knew it at that time. Fast forward a few years later, I’ve discovered Flickr and some incredible young photographers whose work inspired me to invest in a professional camera and start shooting. I started experimenting with photography and photo manipulation about 15 years ago, inspired by Lara Jade, a young girl from England with an exceptional talent. That’s how it all started.
Then one day, sometime in 2009, I made the move to pursue photography professionally and opened a photography studio. This step took me on a rollercoaster of emotions that one experiences when starting a small business. From incredible passion and motivation to do what I love for a living, to doubting myself to a screeching halt of making all the wrong business decisions.
It’s been 11 years since then, during which I’ve given up on photography a few times, quit it all together and took up a “regular job” only to realize a few years later, that somewhere along the way I’ve met people who saw my talent, supported it and pushed me to keep going. It took a corporate job at PNC Bank and a few awesome people for me to discover that what I do has value and just because I now have an office job, does not mean that I cannot be a photographer, too. Another big milestone in this journey was meeting my future business partner at a random kid birthday party. Talking about chance encounters, Dominika Bronner is my other creative half and together we are a perfect creative match. Without her, I would not be doing what I’m doing now.
What kind of photography services do you offer?
I shoot commercial, advertising and editorial photography. The type of photography I wanted to shoot from the beginning. Before I focused on this genre, I shot weddings, maternity pictures and family portraits as well as real estate photography. All great experiences that taught me a lot.
What types of photography do you prefer to shoot (event, portrait, etc.)?
I love shooting fashion editorials and advertising work. I love working with my creative team and coming up with creative ideas, whether it’s in studio, or on location. It’s all about having a great team and enjoying the process.
I also love photographing women and picturing them raw, natural, real, uncovering the beauty that lies within each of us.
If you were to give a photographer that is just entering the field advice what would it be? Why?
Just shoot as often as you can. Educate yourself on lighting, but don’t get too hung up on technicalities of photography. Find people to collaborate with – models, make up artists and stylists, or invite your friends to pose for you. Study other photographers’ work, but do not compare yourself. If you love it, do it and do not give up. And remember, even the greatest photographers have their doubts. Don’t fear, just go for it. And at the beginning, as much as it’s tempting, do not invest too much money in equipment. Keep it simple and keep shooting.
What does photography mean to you?
I think at the beginning, it meant doing what I love for a living. Now it’s a creative outlet, a passion, something that simply gives me pleasure.
Do you have a favorite camera lens you like to use? Or a favorite piece of equipment? If so, what is it? When you travel what kind of gear do you take with you?
Yes, I shoot on Canon 5d Mark IV and use a variety of Canon prime lenses. When I travel, I try to pack light and take only one or two lenses. Typically, it’s a 50mm and a 24-70mm. This stuff it pretty heavy to carry around!:)
What was the most bizarre or funniest moment while on the job?
Back in the day when I was just starting out, a couple booked a shoot at my studio. It was an artistic portrait shoot. At some point the man asked me if I would be okay with an exposed photo. English is my second language, so at that time, I did not really understand what he was asking (thank God, I don’t have this problem anymore). In my mind that meant he would take his shirt off, so I agreed. You can imagine what happened next… I was so stunned, I just kept shooting. This definitely was bizarre and definitely funny, when looking at it in retrospect.
Today, I don’t have a problem shooting nudes as long as it’s subtle art. I’m also not interested in shooting men this way. There is something about photographing women, a form of beauty that speaks to me. There is a wonderful Polish photographer, Sonia Szostak who does it exceptionally well. She’s one of the modern-day photographers whose work I admire.
*Asia Margo is a Polish photographer based in Pittsburgh, PA.
For more information on Asia Margo please check out the following link:
Here is an example of Asia’s work (Vogue Italia Publication):
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