I'M GLAD YOU ARE HERE
Jeg er Vera Kristinova, en bevisst mor, pragmatisk drømmer, og en som nyter god sjokolade, bøker, naturen, og rolige øyeblikk. Jeg bor sammen med partneren min, våre to barn i utkanten av den vakre norske byen Ålesund, ved porten til de majestetiske Sunnmørsalpene og imponerende fjordene. Både familien min og det omkringliggende landskapet inspirerer meg i min lidenskap for lifestyle- og dokumentarfotografi.
GET TO KNOW ME
I live just outside Ålesund (Norway) with my partner and our two children, surrounded by the kind of landscapes that never stop inspiring me: fjords, mountains, forests, and ever-changing light and weather moods. I love walks in the nature, observing wildlife, and the kind of scenery that makes you stop for a moment and simply admire it.
By nature, I tend to be an introvert. I'm not the loudest person in the room, and small talk isn't exactly my superpower. I'm sometimes a little awkward, occasionally clumsy, and often caught talking to myself or staring into the void when I'm concentrating.
I'm a pragmatic dreamer who appreciates both science and creativity, structure and spontaneity, order as well as a bit of chaos. I cry during emotional scenes and find joy in the small everyday moments that are so easy to overlook.
Being a parent has taught me just how quickly life changes and how much beauty can be found in ordinary days. Perhaps that's why I notice and appreciate the little things more than I used to.
MY APPROACH TO PHOTOGRAPHY
Being a mother has shaped not only how I see the world, but also how I photograph it. I know how quickly moments pass, how variable children can be, and how meaningful the small, everyday interactions really are.
My style is natural and connection-driven. I don't seek perfection, I seek authenticity. I do appriciate a good portrait (and I will include classical portraits into your photosession too), but I enjoy a bit more the moments in between, the storytelling.
That’s what I look for through my lens.
FROM PASSION TO PROFESSION
My journey into photography started almost 15 years ago with a simple desire to capture and document the world around me.
I've always had a habit of noticing things. Sometimes it's a tiny detail in a landscape, sometimes an expression that lasts only a fraction of a second, and sometimes a tiny insect hidden in the grass. Occasionally, I have to remind myself not to point out every observation, but this tendency has proved surprisingly useful as a photographer.
After becoming a mother, I realised that photographing real life — families, relationships, and everyday moments, the magic of life — was what truly resonated with me. That was when lifestyle photography became more than a passion; it became a direction.
While I appreciate a beautiful portrait, I am most drawn to the moments in between: the laughter, the connection, the fleeting expressions, and the details that help tell a story.
In 2022, I founded Abrakadabra Photo as a way to share my passion and skills beyond my own family and circle of friends.
Since then, I have continued to invest in high-quality education, focusing on natural light photography, family and child photography, lifestyle storytelling, and in-home newborn photography.
Photography is a field where there is always something new to learn, explore, and refine. That ongoing journey continues to inspire me, challenge me, and deepen my appreciation for the people and stories I have the privilege to photograph.
BEHIND THE SCENES
When I photograph, I'm fully present and often quite involved. I move around a lot, adjust angles, offer guidance and suggestions, switch cameras and lenses, chase the best light, and occasionally talk to myself while thinking. From time to time, I may even explain unnecessarily technical details about camera settings — feel free to smile and ignore those parts.
When it comes to editing, I slow down and the perfectionist in me takes over. I carefully select and refine each image, paying close attention to natural tones, consistency, and detail. My goal is always to create a final gallery that feels cohesive, timeless, and true to the moment.
WORKING WITH ME
All people I photograph are not professional models — and neither am I. If being in front of a camera feels a little uncomfortable, you're certainly not alone.
I believe the best photographs happen when people stop worrying about how they look and focus instead on being together. That's why I aim to create a relaxed, pressure-free atmosphere where there is room for movement, laughter, curiosity, and genuine connection. I don't seek perfection.
I'm patient by nature and understand that children, pets, weather, and life in general don't always follow a plan. Sometimes the most memorable images come from the unexpected moments and a grain of spontainity.
Let’s create something meaningful TOGETHER
Jeg er Vera Kristinova, en bevisst mor, pragmatisk drømmer, og en som nyter god sjokolade, bøker, naturen, og rolige øyeblikk. Jeg bor sammen med partneren min, våre to barn i utkanten av den vakre norske byen Ålesund, ved porten til de majestetiske Sunnmørsalpene og imponerende fjordene. Både familien min og det omkringliggende landskapet inspirerer meg i min lidenskap for lifestyle- og dokumentarfotografi.